Masborough Equitable Pioneers' Society

Scope and Content

This series consists of records created by Masbro' Equitable Pioneers' Society including volumes of reports and balance sheets.

Administrative / Biographical History

On 20 Mar 1869 a meeting was held in the offices of the Midland Railway Company at Masbro' to discuss forming a Co-operative Society along similar lines to the ones already in operation at Sheffield, Kilnhurst and Rawmarsh. There were approximately 30 persons present with a Mr William Jackson in the chair.The first Committee meeting was held on 22 Mar 1869 at a private house in Prince's Street. Mr C Firth was appointed Treasurer and the rules were drafted and completed two days later. A meeting was held on 29 Mar 1869 to take on members and receive subscriptions. Fifty six shares were taken. On 21 Apr 1869 it was decided to rent a shop and house in Sarah Street for the rent of 20s per month. The store was to be opened every night between 7 and 9. The first stock to be bought was tea, coffee and cocoa.

In 1870 the Society decided to move to a shop at Pool Green, however, this was short lived and in 1871 they moved onto a shop at No.162 Masbro' Street. On 13 Nov 1873 a deposit was paid for the purchase of a large shop, 5 small shops and 4 cottages at Effingham Street. The large shop was opened on 11 Mar 1874. On 1 May 1877 the Central Stores were opened which consisted of a grocery, drapery and boot shop, warehouse, flour store, stable and a large hall.On 28 Feb 1881 a branch store was opened at Greasbro and on 21 Jan 1886 a further store was opened at Rawmarsh.

In 1925 the Society became part of Rotherham Co-operative Society which in 1971 transferred its engagments to the Co-operative Retail Services.

Source: 'Masbro' Equitable Pioneers' Society Limited- Notes on the past and present position of the Society', (1890).