Rumbelow Rarities

W.J. Rumbelow Coal Merchants

In 1999, model train manufacturer Hornby released the Hornby R6086 7 plank wagon with the livery of W J Rumbelow Wagon for a limmited time (1 year).

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Carlton Ware Mr Rumbelow Money Box

Carlton Ware Fred money box which was a promotional item, manufactured for the Rumbelows electrical chain of stores. Standing approx. 6 inches (15 cms.) high & in excellent condition, free from damage & age related glaze crazing, this is a great item, which is fully marked with the "Carlton Ware England" mark.

Carlton ware money box of Mr Rumbelows, good condition another welcome addition to any money box collection

CERTIFICATES OF FREEDOM

Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 12th December, 1836.

Thw undermentioned persons, have obtained Certificates of Freedom since last publication.

12 December, 1836 - Rumbelow, William (American)

The Certificate of Freedom was introduced into New South Wales because of the need for former convicts to prove that they were in fact free. Anyone could be detained on suspicion of being a runaway convict unless proof of free status could be produced. On completion of their sentences convicts would make a declaration to the local magistrate who would send to Sydney to check the indents.

Rumbelow Sheepskin, USA

Blood Bowl is a miniatures board game created by Jervis Johnson for the British games company Games Workshop as a parody of American football. The game was first released in 1986 and has been re-released in new editions since. Blood Bowl is set in an alternate version of the Warhammer Fantasy setting, populated by traditional fantasy elements such as human warriors, goblins, dwarves, elves, orcs, and trolls.

Blood Bowl is a two-player, turn-based board game that typically uses 28 mm miniatures to represent a contest between two teams on a playing field. A board containing a grid overlay represents the field. Using dice, cards, and counters, the players attempt to score higher than each other by entering the opponent's end zone with a player who possesses the ball.

THE LAND OF RUMBELOW

By Carlos Baker '32

New York: Scribners,

1963.370 pp. $4.95.

In theme, symbolic imagination, and descriptive writing Princeton English Professor Carlos Baker's newest novel (he calls it "A Fable in the Form of a Novel"), The Landof Rumbelow, offers more than his earlier novel, A Friend in Power, but in the three basics (at least E. M. Forster's basics) story, plot, and characterization, Baker's latest fiction is less convincing.

Hero Dan Sherwood, fleeing in shame from a much-enjoyed moment of adultery, picks up Satan (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) in the sun-baked Southwest and gets himself crowned in damnation for his generosity. Professor Sherwood (also a teacher of English) settles down in Tucson and begins his sentence in literary purgatory, to search out the life story and prose meaning of novelist Nicholas Kemp, billed as an American Dostoevski.

Sherwood also gets himself involved in the lives of a dozen or so transplanted Arizonians, most of whom in one way or another happily begin or end by contributing to the puzzle that is Kemp or the unraveling of that puzzle. The best of Baker's minor characters, however, an old artist named Hart Mackenzie, has little to do with Kemp or the creation of story and plot, but he and Sherwood have some very special conversations (in both what they say and how they say it). Author Baker also does a fine job of taking to task the ghouls of the literary world, the scholar-critics who feel compelled to concentrate on a writer's life rather than his works. A quote from a Nicholas Kemp-to-Sherwood letter reads:

Don't they know, Mr. Sherwood, that they are choking the spring with their garbage? Don't they realize that, even with the best will in the world, a writer can get discouraged when another truckload of junk - and another and another - is dumped in his clean front yard?

One of the weakest areas of characterization-plot is the sentimental love story brought up near the end to provide the vehicle for Sherwood's return from "Rumhelow," an area described by the book jacket as being three miles from Hell, and an end to the literary quest of Kemp, all in one too convenient package. Although Kemp never makes a personal appearance, other than by letter, he's much more interesting than most of Sherwood's Arizona friends and associates. One suspects that novelist Baker, also official biographer for Ernest Hemingway, found Kemp more interesting too. Even with its shortcomings The Land of Rumbelow is better for occasional reading than many of the more highly-touted pieces of contemporary fiction (The Group, Salt, Inside Daisy Clover, for instance).

Carlos Baker (May 5, 1909 – April 18, 1987) was an American writer, biographer and former Woodrow Wilson Professor of Literature at Princeton University.

Baker was born in 1909 in Biddeford, Maine. He received his A.B. from Dartmouth College and his M.A. from Harvard University.

He then received his Ph.D. in English from Princeton University in 1940 after completing a doctoral dissertation titled "The influence of Spenser on Shelley's major poetry."[1] Baker's published works included several novels and books of poetry and various literary criticisms and essays.

Sailor Rumbelow and Britannia

Reeves, James

Published by Heinemann, 1962
Language: English
Title: Sailor Rumbelow and Britannia
Publisher: Heinemann
Publication Date: 1962
Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Ardizzone, Edward

John Morris Reeves, later known as James Reeves, was an English writer principally known for his poetry, plays and contributions to children's literature and the literature of collected traditional songs. His published books include poetry, stories and anthologies for both adults and children. He was also well known as a literary critic and broadcaster.

He was born in Harrow, and educated at Stowe School and at Jesus College, Cambridge, where he read English and co-founded with Jacob Bronowski the literary magazine Experiment. He began his writing career as a poet in 1936, and in 1945 turned his attention to writing for young readers. His first book of poems for children, The Wandering Moon, appeared in 1950, illustrated by Edward Ardizzone, with whom Reeves sustained a lifelong friendship and collaboration. Reeves worked as a teacher until 1952, when his failing eyesight forced him to retire and he became a full-time writer and editor.

Rumbelow's Dance Book by Quentin Blake

Quentin Blake (author), First Published 1982

Rumbelow is off to visit his grandparents. As he sets off he feels so happy he starts to dance. Along the way, he meets many different characters, who all join in with his infectious dancing! A lively and fun cumulative tale.

Rumbelow's Dance - Review

John Yeoman and Quentin Blake. Picture Puffin. $4.95.

Yes, the name Rumbelow is a very well known one in Victor Harbor, but I don't think author John Yeoman had the noted fishing family in mind when he wrote Rumbelow's Dance.

Rumbelow is a boy who meets many people on the way to his grandparent's place. Some were complaining of ills, some were just down and out, others were long faced. Rumbelow convinces all of them to dance on the long journey to his granny's house. Soon, a long line of rumba and waltz-filled people make their way along the countryside lanes. A lovely, harmless story for pre-schoolers as are most Picture Puffins.

Maritime Miscellany

Newcastle. At 11:80 pm the Steamship Damascus, from London to Melbourne, while bowling down the Channel at a great tato, had a sudden pull up when the cry of ' Man overboard' being raised.

This was in consequence of Henry Rumbelow, a steerage passenger, having deliberately jumped overboard. A lifebuoy was thrown close to him, and a boat manned and lowered, and succeeded in picking him up just as he was disappearing. They were back to the steamer with the nearly drowned man in about a quarter of an hour after they left Rumbelow, who had suffered a great deal from nervous prostration, died shortly after he was brought on board.

Every effort was made to maintain animation, but without success, and the body was subsequently committed to the deep. The deceased was a single man, about 30 years of age, and a native of London.

THE DAMASCUS.

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Monday 18 August 1890, page 7

History with respect to the visit of the steamer Damascus this time to Sydney may be said to report itself exactly a year ago on Saturday morning last, utmost to a minute, the Dumacus entered Sydney Heads, after a voyage from London, identical with her arrival here this time.

The Aberdeen White Star liner brings a number of passengers and a miscellaneous cargo. Among the passengers Howes, the jockey who was sent here to ride the late Mr. J. White's colts Ki rub am and Narellan, is a passenger for Sydney, and so also is Topham, who took home four colts in the Damascus from the same stable.

The voyage has been mainly a steaming one, and from Cape Town there was no opportunity or setting square canvas until after passing the longitude of Cape Leuwin Notwithstanding drawbacks, the tune to Melbourne was but 42 days 1 born and 11 minuted.

The voyage was by no means devoid of incident, for at noon on June 27, the day after leaving London, the Damascus , while howling down the Channel at a great rate, had a sudden pull upon the cry of " man or aboard " being raised.

This was in consequence of Henry Rumbelow, a steerage passenger having deliberately jumped overboard. A lifebuoy was thrown close to him, and a boat manned and lowered the men pulled with a will, and succeeded in picking Rumbelow up, just as he was disappearing they were back to the at earner, with the nearly drowned man.

In about a quarter of an hour after they left, and the energy and prompt as ss which marked the rescue work elicited the praise of the passengers. Rumbelow, who had suffered a great deal 1 ram nervous prostration, died shortly after he was brought on board.

The next event of a depressing character was the death, from consumption, of Mr Edward James Douglas brother of Captain Don 1 mi of the Damascus.

He was suffer ring from consumptions and had been induced to in a sea voyage for the benefit of his health. At first the change appears )d to do him good, but on the 3rd ultimo, the day after leaves is I sheriffs, in lat. 22 23, and Tons, la V ; he became sin Idenlv worse, and expired. Mr Douglas was an electrician by profession, and only 24 years of age. His death was regretted on board, and sympathy was expressed with Captain Douglas, who Damascus left Lol mon on June 26, and the pilot was parted with off Dover at 1 p.m. same date. Light westerly winds were met with until arrival at teneriffe at 4 am. on the 2nd ultimo. After taking in coal and fresh provisions, fruit, ice, the voyage was resumed, at 10.30 a.m. the next day. Light breezes prevailed In steaming across the latitude of the N.K. trades. The O.K. trades act in in lau 2 N and the equator was crossed on the 12th ultimo in long. 134 V?. The winds In the S i'" trades were moderate, and took off In lat. 20s s. Thence they were southerly and strong all the way to Cape Town, which was reached at 7 pm. on the 15th ultimo. After taking in coal and provisions. and embarking passengers, the Damascus left at 1 p.m. on the 10th ultimo, and steamed away for the highest latitudes. The Southern Ocean was crossed on the parallel of day with provokingly persistent easterly winds as already mentioned. Cape Otway was passed at 9.45 p.m. on the 5th instant, and Port Phillip Heads were entered at 1 45 a.m. August 6, Cargo and passengers were landed there, and the voyage resumed on Thursday last. Since the former visit of the Damascus there have been changed t s among the deck officers. Mr. Custard, who was second officer, has succeeded Mr. Wills as chief, the latter having been appointed to the command of the Queen's Island, a 2,000 I ton sailing ship, recently purchased by Messrs. George Thompson and Co, Its name is to be altered to Strathdon. Mr. Walker, who was chief officer of the her repairs, has taken the position of second officer. and Messrs. Goldsmith and Milne are third and fourth respectively. The engine room is still under the control of Mr. Mackie. The Damascus on arrival was berthed at her agents', Messrs, Dalgety and Co.'s wharf.

The steamer Damascus.

John Rumbelow (Little Gulliver)

John Rumbelow (Little Gulliver) was born at White Hills, near Bendigo, Victoria, on January 14, 1876. At his death he was just on 29 years of age. He was a natural midget, perfectly formed, and his height was 3ft 4in, while his weight was 4st ,31b.

His sister is also a natural midget, who Gulliver used to say "could just stand under his arm." The remaining members of the family are about the average height.

A VICTORIAN LILLIPUTIAN

There is now located at the Criterion Hotel, corner of Park and Pitt streets, one of the tiniest spccimeus of humanity in the world.

His name is John Rumbelow, or as he is professionally called, "General Mite." He was born at Sandhurst (VIC) in 1871 and consequently is now 16 years of age. He is 62in. in height, considerably smaller than either the famous Torn Thumb or even Commodore Nutt, and weighs a little over 201b.

His parents are persons of ordinary size, his father having for the past 10 years been employed as a workman in Messrs. Humble and Nicholson's foundry, Geelong, and the other children of the family are also of average size, a little brother two years old being rather taller than John.

As a baby he was very tiny and up to 11 years old was a delicate child, but since then, during which time be has not grown at all, he has been healthy and well. He has until quite recently been educated at the State school, Sandhurst, and is apt and remarkably observant.

Mr. Solomon has entered into an engagement with the father to keep the boy for a time at the Criterion Hotel.

Little Gulliver, "our own pocket comedian," is described on the bill as "the funniest man of his inches in the world," and he is certainly the funniest dwarf we have ever seen. His performance is that of a first-class comedian, and irresistibly laughable. The audience cheered the little man, and he had a most enthusiastic recall.
- Auckland Star, 8/6/1897.

One of the funniest items on the list is the appearance of Little Gulliver described as the "Funniest man of his inches in the world." He is only about 26 inches in height, and is 53 years of age. He is a born comedian, sings an excellent comic song, is most original in his business, and is one of the quaintest dancers it is possible to see. -Thames Star, 12/6/1897.

The death occurred in Dunedin Hospital last evening (says a Press Association message), as the result of a complication of pleurisy and pneumonia, of John Rumbelow, better known as “Little Gulliver,” a member of the Sheridan Company. He was a natural midget, twenty-nine years of age. His height was 3ft 4ln, & his weight 4st 31b. "Little Gulliver” was a familiar figure in the streets of Melbourne, where his parents reside.

The other members of the family are of normal stature. “Gulliver” was extremely fond of cycling, and, of course, rode a diminutive machine, which attracted much notice. He appeared in several pantomimes in Australia, and was with Mr Sheridan’s company in the pantomime “Cinderella” during the last visit to Wellington. Gulliver was a clever comedian. - NZ Times, 12/1/1906

The writer well remembers Little Gulliver when he was first brought under general public notice in Melbourne in 1888. Some time after this he was taken on tour through the Victorian towns, and in 1896 appeared in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre under Williamson and Musgrove's management in the second production of "Djin Djin," in which he did his specialty — a parody on "Home, sweet home." The next year saw "Johnny" as a comedian, when he played the Pigmy King in Messrs Williamson and Royle's "Matsa," which was a huge success.

It was then he acquired the name of "Little Gulliver." One day, at rehearsal, the stage manager said, "Here you, Gulliver, Little Gulliver." Johnny turned round at the name and said "Yes?" The name stuck to him, and very proud he was of it.

In 1897 he played a little Buttons in "Babes in the Wood," '83 a part in "Forty Thieves," '99 a Fat Boy in "Red Riding Hood," '00 a Little Sailor in "Australis," '01 the Cat in "Alice in Wonderland," '02 the Cat in "Dick Whittington." In 1903 he joined Mr John F. Sheridan in Melbourne, playing the Buttons in "Mrs Dooley's Little Joke," and he has been continuously with Mr Sheridan ever since, touring New Zealand, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, West Australia, and South Africa.

Little Gulliver appeared in the majority of the pantomimes under the Williamson/Musgrove regime, his last appearance in pantomime with that management being in "Alice in Wonderland" in Sydney. He was the star attraction in "Australis," staged by the J. C. Williamson Co. in conjunction with the Pollards in Sydney some five or six years ago.

He first visited New Zealand with the Matsa Vaudeville Co. about 1892, which company included in its ranks Misses Gertie Campion, Alice Leamar, Ernest Fitts, Johnny Coleman, and Leoni Clark the Cat King.

Of a quiet, retiring, and gentle disposition, Little Gulliver was a fast favourite with his fellow actors, and a special one of Mr Sheridan's, who naturally feels his death very keenly. His diminutive stature specially fitted him for many roles.

JOHN RUMBELOW, 29 years. Died 11/1/06.

There died in the Dunedin Hospital last evening, of a complication of pleurisy and pneumonia, John Rumbelow, better known as "Little Gulliver," a member of the Sheridan Company. He was a natural midget, 29 years of age. His height was 3ft 4in., and his weight 4st 31b. His parents reside in Melbourne, and though informed of his illness, they will be told of his death by cable in the morning.

As a comedian he was sprightly, a good spacer, a capital singer, and there was undoubted talent. He became the admiration of the adult play patron and the delight of the children, who will in coming years recollect poor Little Gulliver in the character of Whittington's cat. It was a sad duty for Mr Sheridan to perform in having to cable the news to a friend in Melbourne to convey the sorrowful tidings to the bereaved parents. Mr Sheridan has been the recipient of a number of telegrams of sympathy from friends of I his own and of the deceased in different parts of the colony.

Mr Sheridan wishes us to express his heartfelt thanks to Dr Macdonald and the nursing staff of the Hospital for their kindly and minute attention to their little patient; to Dr Watt for his interest and attention to Little Gulliver before his entry to the Hospital, and to the members of the Citizens' Band who took part in the pantomime of "Dick Whittington" with Little Gulliver.

AN IMPOSING FUNERAL.

The funeral, which took place on Sunday afternoon, was a deeply impressive one. The cortege left the Hospital at 3 p.m., and as the casket containing the remains of the little favourite was lifted into the hearse the quiet welling tears of sincere regret were visible in the eyes of many. The popularity of Little Gulliver had been so pronounced and his death so sudden that it was next to impossible for those with whom he had been such a favourite to subdue their emotion. Even the little children stood near by with sorrowful expression written on their faces, and in one instance a "wee mite" was heard to sob aloud.

Leaving the Hospital, the procession, headed by the Citizens' Band, playing the "Dead March" in "Saul," journeyed along Cumberland and Princes streets to the Southern Cemetery, the pall-bearers being Messrs F. W. Winter, Robert Noble, Horace Jardine and T. Curran. Immediately following the hearse came the members of the Sheridan Company, down to the programme boys, the orchestra, together with the members of the Fuller Company; representatives of the musical societies of Dunedin, and sympathisers of the deceased.

The first carriage, containing a large number of floral tributes, was followed by another occupied by Mr J. F. Sheridan. Miss Barlow, and Mr Torrance. The third carriage contained the Misses Massey, Tate, and Leighton, and Mr Stanley Grant. The fourth carriage contained Misses Ray Jones and Merton, and Messrs Collard and Duncan, and other carriages with members of the Sheridan Company. In this order, and accompanied by other vehicles, the funeral was witnessed in the streets of the city and at the cemetery by nearly 10,000 people. At the grave an impressive burial service was performed by Mr Torrance, and at the conclusion of the obsequies an orchestra, under Mr A. I. Robertshaw, accompanied the members of the Sheridan Company in the singing of the beautiful hymn. "Abide with me."

It was noticeable that the singers were deeply affected at the graveside during its rendition. It was originally intended to engage in a full choral service, but the immense crowd edging in on the open grave prevented the members of the orchestra from being able to perform, and this part of the service had to be abandoned. The last rites performed, the vast crowd moved rapidly away, whilst the members of the Sheridan Company took a long and farewell look at the casket containing the mortal remains of their late little associate, Little Gulliver.

If further testimony to the esteem in which Little Gulliver was held were necessary, it was furnished in the large number of beautiful wreaths sent expressive of sympathy, of which the following is only a portion: Messrs Allan Hamilton, John F. Sheridan, S. Grant, F. Duncan, J. W. Weierter, Avalon Collard, T. Curran, Misses Heba Barlow, Ray Jones, Florence Faning, H. C. Campbell, Fuller Vaudeville Company, the Brescians, chorus ladies, John P. Sheridan Company, ladies' ballet, gentleman of chorus, boys and girls of Sheridan Company, stage hands, Robertshaw's Orchestra, Criterion Dancers, Mr and Mrs McKewen (Grand Hotel), admirers (Grand Hotel), Citizens' Band, Mr C. Little, passengers s.s. Maheno. The casket, which was covered with white figured cloth and mounted with nickel-plate, bore the inscription:

Mr John F. Sheridan writes: — "I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who so kindly assisted in the impressive funeral of Little Gulliver. It devolves upon me to acquaint his bereaved relatives of the great tribute which was paid him, and it should suppress somewhat the great sorrow which has fallen on them to know that here in Dunedin, so many miles away from his home, there were found kind hearts who paid this last token of respect to our dear little friend — beloved by his brother and sister artists, and by all who knew him." - Otago Witness, 17/1/1906.

LITTLE GULLIVER DEAD

At 7 o'clock last evening Little Gulliver, the diminutive comedian of Mr John F. Sheridan's Musical Comedy Company, died at the hospital from double pneu-monia The poor little man appeared in "The Earl and the Girl" at the Princess Theatre on Satuiday evening. He was then suffering from a slight cold. On Sunday he was worse, and on Tuesday he was admitted to the Dunedin Hospital, which he was fated never to leave.

His illness caused a great deal of anxiety among his fellow artists and to Mr. Sheridan himself, with whom he was a warm favourite. None of them were prepared for such a startlingly sudden end, and the news, which became known to all before the rise of the curtain last evening, was but a poor heartening for the evening's performance. Had it been possible, this would have been postponed, but it is one of the pathetic sides of the profession that it allows no pause or wait to its followers, under no matter what tragic circumstances There were many sore hearts among the company last evening; for it seems that the dead man was a charming little fellow, sunny -tempered, willing to do anything for them all and a universal favourite.

Little Gulliver was bom at Whitehills, Bendigo, in January, 1876. He was named after his father John Rumbelow. His parents were of average height, and so were the rest of the family, excepting one of his sisters. Gulliver himself was not a freak, but a perfectly-formed little man. His height at the time of his death was 3ft 4in , his weight was 4.3, and his chest measurement 31in. He would have been 29 years of age on Sunday next.

He entered the ranks of the profession ten years ago, appearing in specialities in the second edition of "Djm-Djin, " under Williamson and Musgrove's management at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne. He joined Mr Sheridan in July, 1903, and played the Buttons in "Mrs Dooley's Joke" at the Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; so that he was with the Sheridan Company for two and a-half years, touring Australasia and South Africa.

Within the limits set by his physique, in spe-cialty work, and especially in pantomime, he was a smart little comedian. He danced splendidly, and had a good voice.

His last appearance, like his first, was made at a Princess Theatre. Throughout Australia and New Zealand his name was well known in connection with pantomimes.

K.W. RUMBELOW CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LIMITED

NOTICE of voluntary winding up.—K.W. RUMBELOW CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LIMITED (In liquidation), A.C.N.

Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), Friday 28 May 1993 (No.52), page 2621

000 398 630.—Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 509 (2) of the Corporations Law, that the final meeting of the members of K. W. Rumbelow Constructions Pty Limited (In voluntary liquidation), will be held at the offices of Brooks, Deane & Powne, Accountants, Suite 1, Level 5, 189 Kent Street, Sydney, N.S.W., on 21st June, 1993, at 11.00 a.m., for die purpose of laying before the meeting the liquidator's final account and report and giving any explanation thereof. Dated 21st May, 1993. C. GILMORE, Liquidator, c.o. Brooks, Deane & Powne, Accountants, Sth Floor, 189 Kent Street, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000. [02230]