Lucy Munro

@lucycmunro.bsky.social

929 Followers 637 Following

Professional literature geek. Theatre history and weird old plays. Leyton Orient aficionada. Writing a book about the Globe and Blackfriars Playhouses. she/her

A black-and-white photograph first published in The Daily Express on 5 August 1926. It shows eight young white men in pale, long-sleeved tops and shorts in a variety of shades, positioned in a semi-circle and jumping into the air. A caption reads: “FOOTBALL CALLING. — Members of the Clapton Orient football team prepare for the coming season.”
A clipping from The Hackney Standard, 4 August 1905, reading: Season tickets, can be obtained of — Mr. C.J. Lovelock, Priory Tavern, Elderfield Road, Clapton, N.E. Mr. A.H. Haines, 169a Lower Clapton Rd., N.E., 8, Median Road, Clapton, N.E. And 182, Well Street, Hackney. Mr. J.T. Robinson, 259a, Mare Street, Hackney.

Or of the Secretary — E.H. Roberts, 72, Elderfield Road, Clapton, N.E.
A clipping from The Hackney Standard, 4 August 1905, reading: The full list of First team fixtures for 1905 are as follows: — FIRST TEAM FIXTURES FOR 1905. Sept. 2. Leicester Fosse Away [Sept.] 4.** Derby County Home [Sept.] 9. Hull City Home [Sept.] 11. Glossop Home [Sept.] 16. Lincoln City Away [Sept.] 18.* New Brompton Away [Sept.] 23. Chesterfield Home [Sept.] 27. Swindon Away [Sept.] 30. Burslem Port Vale Away Oct. 7. Barnsley Home [Oct.] 14. Grimsby Town Home [Oct.] 21. Burnley Away [Oct.] 26.* Leyton Away [Oct.] 28. ENGLISH CUP [Oct.] 30.* Grays United Home Nov. 4. Burton United Away [Nov.] 6. * Leyton Home [Nov.] 11. Chelsea Home [Nov.] 16. Southern United Away [Nov.] 18. Gainsborough Away [Nov.] 20. *Crystal Palace Home [Nov.] 25. Bristol City Home [Nov.] 27.* Southern United Home Dec. 2. Manchester United Away [Dec.] 9 ENGLISH CUP [Dec.] 11.* Brighton and Hove Home [Dec.] 16. Stockport County Away [Dec.] 23. Blackpool Home [Dec.] 25. West Bromwich Albion Away [Dec.] 26. Bradford City Away [Dec.] 30. Leicester Fosse Home Marked thus *UNITED LEAGUE. ** FRIENDLY. Unmarked ENGLISH LEAGUE. See next week for Fixtures 1906.
A clipping from The Hackney Standard, 4 August 1905, reading: The players at present signed on are men with great reputations and young fellows who can play football and some are considered as good as can be obtained. They are as follows: — GOAL. J. Butler late of Stockport County. J. Redding [late of] Orient. W. Bower [late of] Orient. BACKS. J. Lamberton late of Bristol City and Stalybridge. W. Holmes [late of] Manchester City. H. Reason [late of] Orient. H. Allison [late of] Orient. HALVES. R. Codling late of Stockport County. J. Baden [late of] Glossop. G. McGeorge [late of] Orient.
P. Proudfoot [late of] Millwall. T. Poulton [late of] Orient. FORWARDS. R. Bourne late of Preston North End. G. Lamberton [late of] Luton & Bury. I. Evenson [late of] Leicester Fosse. J. Robson [late of] Bristol Rovers. J. Wootten [late of] Leyton. J.L. Hills [late of] Orient. H. Kingaby [late of] Orient. R. Orton [late of] Chesham. Beyond the above, negotiations are going on for some really first class men. Trial matches will be held about the middle of August and the Club would be glad to give trials to good local players on sending their names to the Secretary.
A clipping from The Hackney Standard, 4 August 1905, reading: CLAPTON ORIENT FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED. Ground — Millfields Road. The prospects of the above Club are of an extremely rosy character. The Club having obtained admission to Div.II. of the English Football League, are looking forward with some confidence to the support they will undoubtedly receive at their matches. Besides the English League the 1st Team are competing in the United League the matches in which have been arranged on mid week dates thus giving the tradesmen and others who cannot get away from business on a Saturday the opportunity of seeing some first class Football matches. Then there is the English Cup and the Directors are very hopeful of making great progress in this Competition. The Reserve team will compete in the London League (Premier Division) and the South Easter League. There have been some expensive improvements made on the ground and when the Grand stand is completed and the other necessary work finished the ground will be one of the finest in London capable of holding 40,000 people. Season Tickets are now ready and can be had of the Secretary. The prices are 15/- including admission to the stand; 12/6 enclosure and 10/6 admission to ground.
A clipping from Athletic News, 3 August 1914, reading "ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS."
A clipping from The Hull Daily Mail, 2 August 1928, reading: KENT’S WICKETKEEPER. CLAPTON ORIENT RELEASE AMES. In releasing Leslie G. Ames, the Kent wicket-keeper, from his winter engagement, Clapton Orient have adopted a sporting attitude which may result in the weakening of their side for the coming season. Ames is a footballer of no mean ability, and commenced his career with his local club, then operating in the Folkestone and District League. He assisted Brabourne (Ashford and District League), and was with this club for two seasons, during which they twice won the League championship. He then joined Folkestone and went to Clapton Orient as an outside left in 1926.
A clipping from The Hull and East Yorkshire Times, 1 August 1925, reading: TROUBLE OVER WIRELESS SET. George Waite, a professional footballer, late of Bradford City, and now of Clapton Orient, who at present lives at Shetcliffe-lane, Bradford, was summoned by his neighbour, Maria Pollard, at Bradford, on Monday. Mrs Pollard said Waite kept her awake at night with a wireless set and loud speaker. On July 18 she rapped at the wall for him to stop, and then, she said, Waite came to her door and hit or kicked it, doing damage to the amount of £1. Waite said he had sold his wireless set. The noise Mrs Pollard heard was the creaking of his baby’s cot. He admitted knocking at the door harder than he ought to have done, and offered to pay damages. He was ordered to pay 20s. damages and 4s. costs.
A clipping from The Illustrated Police News, 31 July 1924, reading: Of Clapton Orient’s unretained players, Wilson has joined Bournemouth United F.C., Roseboom has gone to Rochdale F.C., and Nunn to Folkestone F.C.
A black-and-white photograph, originally published in The Illustrated Police Budget on 30 July 1910. It shows a crowd on a football terrace with a white fence in front of them. At the top of the stand is a sign saying "SPORTING BUDGET / BEST FOR SPORTS". The crowd is mostly composed of white men wearing Edwardian suits and flat caps, with some groups of boys at the front. The caption reads: “BOXING AT THE CLAPTON ORIENT F.C. ENCLOSURE.” / Al fresco boxing entertainments have invariably proved a failure so far as London is concerned. However, in North London they have solved the secret that leads to success; and, as glance at our photograph proves, big crowds are the order”.
A clipping from The Westminster Gazette, 29 July 1925, reading: SPORT IN BRIEF. Interesting Items from All Quarters. Archibald, the Clapton Orient left-half, is to be operated on for knee trouble.
A clipping from The Daily News and Westminster Gazette, 28 July 1928, reading: Former Chairman’s Statement. Mr. T.S. Ludford, who resigned the chairmanship of Clapton Orient at the end of last season, said he was satisfied with the result. He had declared all along that there was not the slightest foundation for any rumour that the Orient officials at any time, during any season, endeavoured to pre-arrange the result of any of their matches. “The suggestion is absurd,” said Mr. Ludford. “The club has gone through several strenuous seasons and has suffered anxiety at times in their efforts to avoid relegation, but they have always played the game and have escaped being sent down to a lower division simply through the efforts of their players. I am glad that I and other other directors who served with me during the time I was on the Board have been cleared of any suggestion of unsportsmanlike conduct.”
A clipping from The London Daily Chronicle, 28 July 1928, reading: ORIENT MANAGER SUSPENDED CLUB AND UNSATISFACTORY EVIDENCE. F.A. DECIDE ON OTHER THINGS. The report of the Commission of the Football Association, consisting of Messrs. W. Pickford, J. M’Kenna, A. Kingscott, H.J. Huband, and H. Keys, appointed to deal with alleged breaches of rules of the Football Association by the Clapton Orient Football Club, was issued at Sheffield yesterday.
 “The Commission, having inquired into allegations that Mr. Proudfoot, manager of the Clapton Orient Club, made proposals with the object of pre-arranging the results of certain matches, is of the opinion that the evidence in support of the charges was so unsatisfactory that, having regard to the seriousness of them, they did not feel justified in enforcing the full penalty. But there is no reason to doubt that Mr. Proudfoot acted irregularly in other matters, and he is suspended for six months. SUBMITTED TO THE LEAGUE. “The Commission expresses dissatisfaction with the statements made by Mr. A. Chadwick, manager of the Southampton Club, M.H. Curtis, manager of Brentford, and Mr. J. Tresadern, manager of Northampton. “The Commission also decided that a copy of the statements made before the Commission as to alleged payments of bonuses to players by the Clapton Orient Club be sent to the Football League. Peter Proudfoot, born at Wishaw, Scotland, has been manager of the Orient for five seasons, taking over this appointment in 1923 after the death of W.M. Holmes. Proudfoot was associated with Clapton Orient in 1905-6, the club’s first season in the Football League, when he played as a wing half-back. In the same year he was transferred to Chelsea, and later to Stockport County. During the war he enlisted as a private, eventually securing a commission, and served in the Dardanelles and Egypt.
A clipping from The North London Guardian, 27 July 1894, reading: The club runs of the Orient Harriers take place every Wednesday and Friday, at 8.30 promptly, from the club room in Mill Fields road. The runs are under the direction of K. Gibson, (Capt.). For particulars apply to H.G. Woods, 3, Berger road, Homerton.
A clipping from Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper, 26 July 1914, reading: Clapton Orient’s Profit on Last Season. A wonderful capacity for providing football spectators is evidenced by the fact that the presence of The Arsenal, at Highbury, last season, only slightly affected the attendances at the Clapton Orient ground. At any rate, the Homerton club made a profit of £1,209, and the income greatly exceeded that of any year in the club’s history, the takings at English League, South-Easter and London League matches all showing an improvement. The Clapton Orient directors are expecting an even more favourable season than the last. When the season begins they hope to have the big bank, now under construction, completed. When this is accomplished the ground, it is computed, will hold 75,000 spectators. The seating on the stand is being increased and re-arranged. The centre portion will be fitted with tip-up seats, which will extend over the former players’ “run-out”. The latter is being removed to the extreme eastern end of the stand, and in the space thus liberated a new and commodious room for referees and linesmen, with bathroom, etc., is being constructed. The players’ dressing rooms are also being enlarged and rearranged, and fitted with plunge baths. Strenuous efforts, it is declared, are to be made to reach the First Division of the League, an end that would have been attained last season, it is thought, but for the series of unfortunate accidents to Hugall and Bower, the club’s goalkeepers.
Headlines and sub-heads from The Dundee Weekly News, 25 July 1914: THE EFFECT OF REFEREES’ TACT AND MANNERISMS ON PLAYERS. T.P. Campbell’s Praise for Scottish Players. Only Ordered Off Three in Twenty-Five Years.
A clipping from North London Guardian, 24 July 1896, reading: Orient were again one short when they met Endeavour, and paid the usual penalty. Stone, Beck and Gray all batted well for Endeavour and the united scores reached 89. Against this Orient were all dismissed for 29.
A clipping from The London Evening News, 23 July 1924, reading: The Orient’s Leader. London followers of Soccer have doubtless noticed with interest that Finlayson, who had a few trials at centre forward in the Chelsea League team, has found his way to Clapton Orient. If he gets into his stride in the Homerton club’s trial matches he may be given Green’s old place as the leader of the forward line. Other new players signed on by the Orient are Wingham (Boscombe), Pape (Notts County), Bell (Dumbarton), Lewis (Mardy), and Evans (Mardy).
A clipping from The Morning Leader, 22 July 1911, reading: 
CLAPTON ORIENT F.C. The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Clapton Orient F.C. was held last night at the Hackney Baths, when the proceedings throughout were of a cordial character.
 Capt. Wells Holland, the chairman of the club, presided, and he pointed out that an adverse balance of £426 had been wiped out and a profit of £319 made. He looked forward with confidence to the forthcoming season, and although they would be without two of their best players for the first month they had a first-rate new back in Riddell and several new forwards of whom great things were expected.
A clipping from The London Daily News, 21 July 1908, reading: NEW BACK FOR THE ORIENT. Johnston, a full back from Middlesborough, has signed for Clapton Orient, who have also secured Scott, a centre forward, from Seaham Harbour. The Orient team will start training on August 4, and with a view to drawing public attention to the club a meeting will be held in Hackney Town Hall early next month.
A clipping from Lloyds Weekly Newspaper, 20 July 1913, reading: Orient Strengthening Attack. Clapton Orient are showing signs of “getting a move on,” as our Yankee friends would say. Last season, undoubtedly, the forwards showed shocking form in front of goal. Their cleverness was undeniable where cleverness counted for very little. In the matter of finessing and of beating their men, the forwards were frequently artists, but there was ever a lack of forcefulness to drive home the advantages obtained by midfield work. We note that the Orient have secured William Hunter, from Manchester United. Not much is known in the South concerning him, except that he has been with Lincoln City and Barnsley. He appealed against the amount of the transfer fee put upon him by the latter club, and obtained a reduction. He has not been in the limelight with the Manchester club, but many good judges in Cottonopolis declare that he gives every promise of being a fine player. he will be given an early chance by the Orient to show his worth in one of the inside positions, very possibly at centre-forward. It was in this position that the Orient were lamentably weak last season. Our club managers would be well advised now that the football season is approaching, to keep strict guard over their grant stands. Suffragettes are abroad. During the past week their attempted to fire the stands on the ground of the Doncaster Rovers.
A clipping from The London Evening News, 19 July 1913, reading: It has been left to affluent Chelsea to do the “big thing” in new introductions. During the progress of last season’s campaign they spent nearly £3,000 on getting Sharp from Fulham, Hunter from Oldham Athletic, and Brown from the Celtic. Since the season’s end the cheque-book has again been used to obtain the transfer of Logan, the Falkirk centre-half — said to be the costliest player Chelsea have ever bought, and they have had a few — Halse, the prolific goal-scorer, whose departure from Villa Park produced such a great surprise, Walker, a centre-forward, and McFarlane, an inside left from the Dundee club. Clapton Orient, West Ham, and Millwall will all have new introductions next season. The former club has just signed Hunter, a centre-forward from Manchester United. However, the names mentioned represent the most important “new faces” that will be seen in London professional football next September.
A clipping from The London Daily Chronicle, 18 July 1928, reading: CLAPTON ORIENT F.C. F.A. COMMISSION TO SIT NEXT MONDAY. It was officially announced yesterday that the Football Association have appointed a Commission to inquire into matters affecting the Clapton Orient Club. The Commission, consisting of Messrs. McKenna, Pickford, Kingscott, Huband and Keyes, will sit at Russell-square at 2.30 p.m. next Monday. Rather more than a month ago Mr. F.J. Wall, the secretary of the F.A., admitted that certain allegations concerning the Orient had been brought to the notice of the Association, and were being inquired into by them. These allegations, he agreed, were o the effect that matches had been “arranged”. The chairman of the club at that time denied all knowledge of the alleged irregularities, and said the directors would welcome any investigation.
A clipping from The Star Green ‘Un, 17 July 1909, reading: There is no truth in the report that Clapton Orient have signed on Crelly, the old Everton back, who last season played for Exeter. It is not likely that any fresh signatures will be obtained until August, as the Orient directors wish to economise in the matter of summer wages.
A clipping from The Weekly Dispatch, 16 July 1922, reading: Owing to two public practice matches (August 12 and 19), it is probable that Clapton Orient players will begin training on August 1.
A clipping from The London Daily Chronicle, 15 July 1927, reading: NEW ORIENT LEADER Centre-Forward Acquired from the Wolves. The migration of Donald Cock from Clapton Orient to Wolverhampton Wanderers has been followed by the transfer of Robert Kerr from the “Wolves” to the Homerton club. Kerr, a centre-forward, has had two seasons with the Wanderers, having been obtained from Heart of Midlothian.
A clipping from Athletic News, 14 July 1919, reading: ANSWERS TO QUERIES NOTICES — Questions are not answered through the post except to Overseas men in His Majesty’s Service. All such desiring a reply must enclose an addressed and stamped envelope. — We do not answer questions relating to betting. — We do not publish the ages of professional footballers. — We do not communicate private addresses.
A advertisement from The Hackney and Kingsland Gazette, 13 July 1906, reading: NOW READY. SEASON TICKETS FOR FOOTBALL SEASON. ENGLISH LEAGUE, LONDON LEAGUE AND SOUTH EASTERN LEAGUE. Apply at Once. PRICES: — Admission to Ground … … … 10/- [Admission to Ground and] Enclosure … 12/6 [Admission to Ground] and Stand … 15/- Those applying at once will secure Admission to all BASEBALL MATCHES FREE. Apply to Secretary, The Ground, Millfields Road, Clapton. CLAPTON ORIENT FOOTBALL CLUB, LTD., MILLFIELDS ROAD, CLAPTON. (Tramcars and motor ‘bus pass top of road.) BRITISH BASEBALL LEAGUE. SATURDAY, JULY 21ST, 1906. GRAND MATCH. CLAPTON ORIENT V. WOOLWICH ARSENAL. (LEAGUE CHAMPIONS.) PLAYED CALLED 3.30 P.M. THE MATCH OF THE SEASON. ADMISSION 3D. BOYS 2D. SUPPORT THE CLAPTON ORIENT. THE GREAT LOCAL CLUB.
A clipping from The Daily Express, 12 July 1928, reading: COFFEE and Dining Rms., Southwark, 5 roms., selly,; large shop, seats 60; level working; nice large rooms; rent £65; trade £40; agreement £500. — Street. 223, Boro’ High-st. COFFEE, Din. Rooms; genuine; 2 mins. Clapton Orient grounds; lease; good living for four; same hands 26 years; hours 8 to 6.30. — Box 191, Daily Express, London, E.C.4. COFFEE Stall, main rd., Sutton; trade £5 week, neg.; huge scope; £50 everything. — apply WALKERS, 39, Upper Tooting-rd., S.W.
A clipping from North London Guardian, 11 July 1913, reading: Clapton Orient’s Finances. 
The seventh annual statement of accounts of the Clapton Orient Football Club shows a gross profit of £561 7s. 4d. It is recommended that the maximum dividend of 5 per cent. be declared. From the profit for the year has to be deducted £257 3s. 5d. for interest, which, with the £28 16s. paid in dividends last year, leaves a total of £278 7s. 11d. After writing off £46 18s. 3d. for depreciation, the net profit for the year is £31 9s. 8d. On the expenditure side of the profit and loss account it is seen that the players’ wages absorbed £3,696, and staff wages £567 4s. Teams’ training and travelling expenses were £844 2s. 5d., amateur players’ expenses £38 4s., and referees’ and linesmen’s fees and expenses £149 4s. 8d.; while £362 12s. 6d. was spent on printing and advertising, and £125 (net) on players’ transfers. Liddell’s benefit cost the club £61 15s. 4d., and £272 was disbursed to charities, £145 7s. 6d. was paid for gatemen, and £76 8s. for police. On the other side of the account, the following are given as the “gate” receipts: — Football League, £5,581 19s. 2d., English Cup £208 15s., South-Eastern League £551 9s. 7d., London League £140 8s. 7d., practice matches £195 1s., London Cup £111 17s., friendly matches £1 3s. 8d., Middlesex Cup £40 1s. 6d., and charity match £83 17s. 6., a grand total of £6,914 13s. Season tickets brought in £150 14s. 9d., “Oriental Notes” sales and advertisements produced £102 15s. 6d. There was a profit of £55 0s. 11d. on catering, and a somewhat curious item is 2s. 6d. for share of transfer fee.
A clipping from The Athletic News, 10 July 1911, reading: The Progress of the Orient. Nothing succeeds like success. The performances of Clapton Orient, who proved one of the surprise teams of season 1910-11, are reflected in the balance sheet, which shows that the gate receipts were £2,107 5s. 1d. better than in the previous season. As the expenditure was only a little over £200 heavier, a deficit of about £400 was turned into a profit of £1,345 — and this with a gross income of £7,243, nearly £3,000 less than the sum which for Fulham meant a loss of £1,049. The astonishingly small sum of £2,700 was spent on players’ wages, an amount representing a saving of £420 in comparison with 1910-11.
A selection of small ads from The Athletic News, 9 July 1928, reading: A.G. DAVIES, physical culture expert, masser & bonesetter, Seeks Position as TRAINER; 20 years’ experience. — Further particulars, apply 11, Glanyrafon-road, Pongardulias, Glam. A.S. MOULE, INSIDE FORWARD, late of Millwall and Norwich City; free transfer. — Southcliffe, Cliff-road, Falmouth, Corn. B. ROSIER. Full-back, late Southend United and Clapton Orient (4 seasons); small transfer fee. — 73, Hessel-road, West Ealing, W.13. B. RALPHS, O.R., late Blackburn R., Stoke, and Crewe; free trans. as agreem’t; 42 first team last season. — 27, Myott-avenue, Newcastle, Staffs. E. FORD, Outside Left, late of Queen’s Park Rangers & Merthyr Town; 100 appearances in three years. — Apply 31, John-street, Bedworth.
A clipping from The Hull Daily Mail, 8 July 1922, reading: A PRESENTATION AT HOMERTON. At a meeting of the Clapton Orient F.C. directors, Mr E. F. Wimms was presented with an illuminated address and a silver fruit dish, in recognition of honorary services rendered during the illness of the secretary and the late manager.
A clipping from The London Daily Chronicle, 7 July 1913, reading: CLAPTON ORIENT’S FINANCES. The seventh annual report and statement of accounts of the directors of the Clapton Orient Football Club (1906) Ltd., has just been issued, and the figures show that, on the whole, the year ending April 30 last was a satisfactory one, a gross profit of £564 7s. 4d. being made. The players signed on for next season are given as follows: — J. Hugall, W. Bower, J. T. Johnston, N. Evans, W. Jonas, G. Scott, E. Liddell, H. Willis, T. Griffiths, F.W. Parker, A. W. Tilley, R. Dalrymple, R. McFadden, J. Dix, E. McMahon (York City), and J. Pattison (Sunderland), and to these names must be added that of W. Lomas, the ex-Bury, Burnley, and York City centre-forward. The retiring directors are Messrs. Hillman, Robins and Goodgor, who are all eligible and will offer themselves for re-election. It is recommended that the maximum dividend of 5 per cent be declared. Players wages absorbed £3,696, and staff wages £567 4s. There was a profit of £55 0s. 11d. on catering, and a somewhat curious item is “2s. 6d. for share of transfer fee.”
A clipping from The Athletic News, 6 July 1914, reading: Athletic News, 6 July 1914 IMPROVEMENTS AT CLAPTON. Encouraged by a successful season — the balance sheet, which is expected next week, will show that a substantial profit was made — the Clapton Orient officials are going steadily ahead with their scheme of making the ground spacious and thoroughly up to date. The mound on the popular side opposite the stand is steadily rising, and before another season is entered up there will be plenty of space for 40,000 spectators. Attention is being bestowed on the stand patrons. At present there is a gap in the stand which serves as an entrance to the arena for the players, but this is to be filled in, and in future the players will enter the field from the end. the new stand accommodation is to be provided with tip up seats, and there will be better and more spacious rooms for referees and linesmen. In addition the scheme includes new dressing-rooms for visiting clubs.
A clipping from The Sportsman, 5 July 1907, reading: CLAPTON ORIENT F.C. The members of the Clapton Orient F.C. held their first annual dinner at the Crown and Castle, Kingsland-road, Dalston, last evening. Mr Bottomley, M.P., was in the chair, and amongst those present were Capt. Wells-Holland, Messers E. Norris (Fulham), W. Lewis, T. Hardy (Brentford). Councillors Hasemer, Cornish, Southerton, and Bishop (Hackney Borough Council), P. Chapman (L.C.C.), W. Holmes, W. H. Dean, Lehmand, Arbour, Hillman, and Simpson. Over fifty sat down to an excellent repast, after which the evening was devoted to music and toasts. The toast of “The King” was received with acclamation, following which Mr P. H. Arber proposed the toast of the governing bodies of football, in which the speaker referred to the recent split in the Football Association, and considered that the amateurs had taken a wrong course. In referring to the Leagues, he was proud to say that his club had retained their position in the League and had obtained admission to the South-Eastern League First Division, which should considerably benefit the club. Mr W. Lewis responded, and congratulated the club on the manner in which it had overcome the serious difficulties of a season or two ago. The toast of the evening, “The Clapton Orient F.C.”, was given from the chair, and in a humorous speech Mr Bottomley expressed his sympathy with the club, and hoped that it would continue to persevere until they captured the cup. Capt. Wells-Holland responded. The other toasts were “The Press”, “The Chairman”, “The Visitors”, and “The Team”. The musical portion of the evening was contributed to by Messrs Arthur Bridge, Bernard Fountain, Jos. Whelan, Jack Milliard, Len Edgar, and Jack Dobson. Mr H. H. Heap was an efficient accompanist.
A clipping from The Nottingham Evening Post for 4 July, reading: Clapton Orient F.C. have secured the transfer for a big fee of W. Henderson, the Preston North End centre-forward. He is 25 years of age, stands 5ft. 10in., and weighs 12½st.
A clipping from The Islington Gazette, 3 July 1906, reading: ALLEGED FRAUDS IN THE FOOTBALL FIELD. Augustus Evans, 23, canvasser, of Railway-street, Barnes, and William James Hadfield, 34, joiner, of High-street, Mortlake, were charged at North London Police-court yesterday with obtaining money by false pretences. Mr. S.T. Tilley defended Hadfield. Detective-sergeant Sharpe, of the N division, said there were several charges against the prisoners, and he asked his Worship to take sufficient evidence to justify a remand. Mr. Joseph Baker, licensee of the “Beehive” beer-house, High-hill Ferry, Clapton, said that in August of last year the prisoners came to his house and asked him to advertise in Clapton Orient Football Club’s Fixture List. With the idea of benefiting the club he (witness) agreed to pay a guinea for a space. He paid the money, got a receipt, but never received the promised proof for correction, or the Fixture List as a whole. Failing to get any satisfaction, he spoke to the police, and then it was discovered that there were other complaints of a similar description. Mr. Edward Wiggins, of Milton-street, City, who was secretary to the Clapton Orient Football Club, Limited, last year, said he had no knowledge of the prisoners, and had given them no authority to canvas. As a fact the club’s official fixtures were printed and distributed in August, 1905, for the season. In reply to Mr. Tilley, the witness said there was no copyright int eh fixtures. Mr. Tilley here told the Magistrate that the list for which the prisoners canvased were no on their way from Manchester. Mr d’Eynecourt — Not of much value now. Mr. Tilley — There was no specified time for this list to be produced. Mr. d’Eynecourt — I will adjourn this case, and take one surety in £50 for the appearance of each man.
A clipping from The Athletic News, 2 July 1923, reading: CLAPTON ORIENT’S ARRANGEMENTS. Though it was doubtful whether Clapton Orient would be able to hold their usual practice matches for charities this season, it has been decided to make a special effort to play on August 11 and 18. The contractors have promised to push on with the improvements so tat the ground can be used. The training quarters for th players, when called up, may present a little problem, and other provision may have to be made. A suggestion has been made to train at Southend, but in view of the holiday season this may not be practicable in August. Chingford or High Beach in Epping Forest may be visited until the new baths and recreation rooms under the stand are ready. James Archibald, the left-half from Aberdare and formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, is the latest name to be added to the roll call, which now comprises 24 players.
A clipping from The London Daily Chronicle, 1 July 1907, reading: CLAPTON ORIENT’S SUCCESS. The first report and balance-sheet of the reconstituted Clapton Orient Football Club is in many respects a very satisfactory statement. The gross receipts for the past season amounted to £3,974 18s. 2d., of which “gates” were responsible for £3,621 17s 9d. The net profit was £121 6s. 10d., out of which the directors have decided to pay the full dividend of 5 per cent., which will swallow up £13 5s. 6d. From this it will be gathered that the number of fully-paid up shares is not large. The profit on the baseball season was £33 1s., without allowing anything off for cost of outfit. Wages last season were £2,291 10s., while guarantees to visiting clubs for expenses amounted to over £300. Although a dividend is declared, the balance-sheet does not appear to show that anything has been written off for depreciation on lease and fixtures. Evidently the directors are keeping down summer wages, as the list of players signed on is very small. During the season part of the directorate has resigned. The annual meeting is being held during the week.
A clipping from The Dundee Weekly News, 30 June 1923, reading: Sam Tonner, captain of Clapton Orient, is spending his holidays in Edinburgh with his family. Sam, who has been with the London club for six years, is a brother of Jimmy Tonner, captain and outside right of Lochgelly United, who is some flyer.
A clipping from Lloyds Weekly Newspaper, 29 June 1913, reading: Clapton Orient Matters. Clapton Orient are expecting to secure almost immediately the signature of a capable centre-forward, at present on the books of an English League club. Terms have been practically agreed upon between the Orient and the player, and the signed forms are all that are required to complete the negotiations. It was though that Hind, the right-half who has been with the Homerton club for several seasons, was to be transferred to Bury, to which club Prior, a former Orient outside-right, went last season, but the player still remains unsigned. It has been decided to utilise a portion of the vacant space underneath the stand near the entrance to the ground by constructing a recreation room for the players. The directors’ room is also to be enlarged, and better accommodation provided for Mr. Dean, the secretary. The whole of the work, together with the new terracing, is to be completed before September.
A black-and-white photograph of a group of soldiers, published in Athletic News, 28 June 1915. It shows three white men, two in military uniforms of the First World War, and another dressed for athletics in a vest and shorts. One of the men in uniform has been caught in the act of taking off his coat; the other appears to be massaging the leg of the man dressed for athletics. The credit reads, “Photo by E. Hulton and Co., Ltd.”. A caption reads, “Private TILLEY, Clapton Orient. Being attended to by two of his colleagues — Privates M’Fadden and Scott (taking off his coat), prior to winning the 100 yards race.”
A clipping from The Daily Express, 27 June 1914, reading: Bower, the Clapton Orient goalkeeper, has left the London hospital, where he recently underwent an operation on one of his knees, and is now able to walk about without much inconvenient. It is expected that he will be ready for service when the football season begins.
A clipping from The Norwood News, 26 June 1923, reading: WIMBLEDON F.C. The annual general meeting of the Wimbledon Football Club will be held in the Club Room on the ground on Wednesday, the 27th inst., at 8 p.m., when SIr Joseph Hood, Bart., M.P., will take the chair. Clapton Orient’s grand stand has been purchased and is now in course of erection along the Plough-lane side of the ground. This will accommodate 1,200 people, and contains 200 tip-up seats. There will be no enclosure to this stand, so that the general public will have a space of 15 feet deep in front of it at their disposal. Arrangements are already being made for trial games, the first of which will take place during the third week in August, when it is hoped that one or two really first-class players will be found.
A clipping from The Daily Mirror, 26 June 1922, reading: Swimming Record. — A Reuter’s message from Honolulu states that Johnny Weissmuller swam 100 yards in 52 4-5s. This is a new record. Clapton Orient have added their first new name to their list of men engaged for next season by signing on Bailey, the Charlton Athletic player.
A clipping from The Star Green ‘Un, 25 June 1910, reading: “Pearlies’” New Goalie. Clapton Orient have secured the signature for next season of J. Hugall, a goalkeeper from Whitburn, Durham. He is just over 20 years of age, and has the stature helpful in the making of a first-class custodian, standing 5ft 11½in., and weighing 12st. The Orient now have, with Bower, two goalkeepers, and it is not expected that Whittaker, who was with the club last season, will be re-signed.
A clipping from The Lincoln Leader and County Advertiser, 24 June 1922, reading: LATEST FOOTBALL. FOOTBALL SIGNATURES. EX-LINCOLN MAN FOR CLAPTON ORIENT. Mr. Peter Proudfoot, an old Lincoln City player, and now manager of Clapton Orient, visited Lincoln on Thursday, and signed Raby, an ex-Lincoln City and ex-Grismby forward. Underneath it is an advertisement showing a square box of peas labelled “Wrinkles Peas”, with text above reading “In Everybody’s Mouth” and text below reading (in capitals) “BECAUSE SO GOOD.”
A clipping from The North London Guardian, 23 June 1893, reading: CLAPTON AND DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE. There can be no doubt now as to the success of the league. The clubs required to fill the vacancies have been found, and all the preliminaries arranged. Now the advent of the football season is awaited. The Clubs forming the league are, without exception, clubs of good local standing, and of that nature that disputes may be reckoned as very unlikely to occur. They have reputations for gentlemanly play, and, best of all, appear to have a belief in the utility and desireability of the League. At the general meeting held on Tuesday last, at the “Caledonian,” Stoke Newington, Merle occupied the chair. There were three vacancies in the League and several applications had been received. Eventually the vacancies were filled by Saracens, Alkham Wanderers, Leymor. The eight clubs forming the League are Clapton Circle, Grove Athletic, Ferncliffe, Stamford, Orient, Saracens, Alkham Wanderers, and Leymor. There will be a meeting some time in August, to arrange various social functions, and to receive from each club, the names of two gentlemen willing to officiate as referees in league matches if desired.
A clipping from The London Evening News, 22 June 1929, reading: NEW ORIENT PLAYER. Clapton Orient have signed Walter Little, the Brighton and Hove Albion half-back. PIGEON RACING. The London North Road birds were liberated as follows: Red at 9.20 and white at 9.45. The London Federation Rennes birds (1,500) were liberated at 8 a.m.\ Guildford City Football Club have decided against greyhound racing on their ground.
A black-and-white photograph of a footballer running with the ball just in front of him, published in the London Evening News on 14 February 1925. He is a white man with dark hair, wearing the white shirt with a dark chevron of Clapton Orient and dark shorts and socks.
A clipping from The Derby Daily Telegraph, 21 June 1924, reading: Clapton’s New Centre. Another centre forward transfer of considerable interest is that of Albert Pape from Notts. County to Clapton Orient, for this transaction has caused the London club to pay the highest fee they have ever paid for a single player. That the Homerton people do not believe in handing over big cheques may be judged when I state that for Pape they have not paid a four-figure fee! Pape is the tall, strongly built lad who use to be such a favourite when he was with Rotherham County at Millmoor. He went there from the Midland League club, Wath Athletic, and for the three seasons prior to his transfer to Notts. County exactly a year ago he managed to be top scorer at Rotherham. At Meadow-lane he hardly had a fair chance, though he scored two goals in six games. Pape is a temperamental sort of player, but at his best he can be a really dangerous leader, for he has a terrific shot in either foot. If Bert Bliss will only nurse him next term Pape may have an enjoyable and memorable campaign, but one can never judge what will happen with a player of Pape’s temperament.
A clipping from the Star Green ‘Un, 21 June 1913, reading: Clapton Orient have something to keep them occupied. They are looking for a centre-forward. f
A clipping from The Liverpool Evening Express, 20 June 1925, reading: Clapton Orient are looking to their attack also. They are without any experienced leader, and to our mind Billy Broadbent, who may still be remembered at Oldham, and who has just completed a somewhat desultory season with Brentford, is hardly the man to solve this problem. Still, this is the player the Orient have signed up for the job, and now it remains to be seen whether he can succeed at Homerton.
A clipping from The Sunday Mirror, 19 June 1921. It consists of a black-and-white photograph of a bride and groom in 1920s clothing. He is a white man with short dark hair, wearing a dark suit and white shirt, and holding a pale-coloured hat in his hands. She is a white woman wearing a three-quarter-length white dress and holding a large bunch of flowers. She has flowers and a white veil on her head. Behind them are other, indistinct, figures of wedding guests wearing hats. A caption reads, “FOOTBALLER WEDS — Mr. John E. Townrow, centre half of Clapton Orient Football Club, with his bride, Miss Miriam Wallace, outside West Ham Parish Church.”
A clipping from Athletic News, 18 June 1928, reading: DOG-RACING DAMAGE. TWO of the Football League clubs who fell in with the greyhound boom and allowed their grounds to be used for dog-racing have had their attention sharply called to the claims of football. Members of the League Management Committee have inspected the Southend United and Clapton Orient grounds. Each was considered to have been more or less seriously affected for football. At Southend it was held that the racing had done such damage to the corners of the football pitch, together with the injury to the grass and the level of the ground, that the club were informed that they must take steps immediately for the discontinuance of dog-racing at the earliest possible moment. The first year’s agreement with the dog-racing company expired on May 16, and, although there was an option for a further four years, it is under-
A clipping from The Nottingham Evening Post, 17 June 1913, reading: Clapton Orient are still without a centre forward, the negotiations with Young, the ex-Tottenham and Gainsborough Trinity player, having unexpectedly fallen through. The Orient are negotiating for another leader for their attack, and a fresh signature is expected shortly.
A clipping from The London Daily Chronicle, 16 June 1927, reading: That Orient-Southend Transfer. “Bert” Rosier, whose departure from Clapton Orient to Southend United has caused much criticism, is one of the smallest full-backs to be found in League football. A native of Hanwell, he began his football career there with the St. Ann’s School team. He possesses Middlesex junior and senior medals. Playing for Uxbridge F.C., he attracted the attention of the Brentford management and turned professional for the West London club in 1919, and was transferred to the Orient four seasons ago. He stands 5ft. 5in. and weighs 11 stone.
A clipping from The North London Guardian, 15 June 1906, reading: The effect of the severe sentence on Manchester City will be felt even by the Clapton Orient club, for Holmes, the Orient’s new manager, is one of the fined and suspended players. He will not be able to work for his new Club till the new year. When will the troubles of the Orient cease? They got into the Second Division again, but it was a very near thing and it is to be hoped that never again will they be under the necessity of making an application for re-election.
A clipping from The North London Guardian, 2 May 1902, reading: WHISPERS. A supply of cricket report forms will be sent gratis to any secretary upon receipt of a stamped envelope. Clapton Orient won the Middlesex Charity Cup on Saturday. They beat Ealing by a goal to nothing at Hanwell, and now have two trophies as the result of a seasons work. Their great ambition is to win the Middlesex Senior Cup.