Description:This advertisement for John Key & Sons, Ltd. appeared in the ‘Carnival Cracker’ the Rugeley Hospital Carnival, Diamond Jubilee Year 1931, Official Programme.
In the late 1870s John Key had a shop in Lower Brook Street. Around 1888 his son George set up his own mail order business on the second floor. The shop and business (which also sold uniform clothing) lasted until mid-1980.
The ‘Carnival Cracker’ Programme also announced that there would be a Monster Whist Drive at Rugeley Town Hall on Wednesday 15 July at 7.00 pm, Crowning of the Carnival King of Mirth in the Market Square on Friday 17 July at 7.30 pm and on Saturday 18 July commencing at 2.00 pm a Grand Procession through the streets with the crowning of the Carnival Queen in Horse Fair, a Motor Cycle Gymkhana in Leather Mill Lane at 6.30 pm and a Y.M.C.A. Dance in the Town Hall at 8.00 pm. In addition The Palace Theatre would be holding a Benefit Performance on Wednesday 22 July at 8.15 pm. The Palace was later demolished and replaced by the Library.