Walter J. Spear was a dairyman and then in 1913 he opened a picture house in Wootton Bassett – not an obvious career progression.
Walter Spear came from a railway family, as most people did in Swindon in the latter half of the 19th century. In 1901 the family lived at 81 Radnor Street where Walter’s father Charles and his three brothers Charles, Henry and William, all worked as Steam Engine Makers & Fitters. Even 14 year old younger brother Frederick claimed to be working as a fitter although at such a young age it was highly unlikely he had such a skilled occupation, but you can appreciate his aspirations.
However, Walter aged 17 had bucked the familial trend by becoming a milkman. In 1911 he married Edith Frances Mary Elms and the couple set up in a dairy business at 37 Commercial Road.
Walter’s involvement in The Picture House was over by 1920 and just five years later he died.
Opening of Picture House
On Monday evening the new Picture House of which Mr W. Spear is the proprietor, was successfully opened, and Mr Spear is to be congratulated on his new enterprise.
Beyond local efforts, little has been done in Wootton Bassett in the past to cater for the amusement of the public. This new venture will not only add to the amusement of the public, but may also be made an educative help to the public. The Hall, which has been fitted with all the latest improvements, will seat over 200 people, and the whole arrangements are excellent.
The cinematograph is housed in an iron room, and the light provided by a petrol dynamo. The operator is Mr W. Hicks, and the pianist Mr Lewis.
The opening ceremony was performed by Mr H. Horsell supported by most of the Parish Council. Mr Horsell said that no doubt they would appreciate the enterprise and public spirit of Mr. W. Spear in embarking on that enterprise. He sincerely hoped it would turn out a success for him. He thought this and similar agencies tended to make the people more sober, and, personally, he believed more in counter-attraction than in legislation as a means to promote sobriety. He hoped that it would be such a success that it would have to be enlarged so as to permit of other meetings being held there, which would be a boon to the town. He heartily wished Mr Spear every success.
The exhibition was then proceeded with, and was heartily appreciated by the crowded audience. The programme was as follows:- “The Cattle Ranchers,” “The Redskin Raiders,” “The Adventures of a Timid Young Man,” “The Clifton Zoo,” etc. There will be exhibitions every evening.
Extracts from The Swindon Advertiser, Friday, March 7, 1913.
Walter Spear aged 43 years died at his home 37 Commercial Road. He was buried on December 18, 1925 in grave plot E7843 where he lies alone.
Radnor Street Cemetery 