Sutton Road Erdington: large houses and their residents

[Pedrocut]

Sad story concerning Roy Widdicombe (RIP)

Why was Albert travelling to the US during such troubled times ?

 

[Pedrocut]

“Albert Penfold spent the 1930s commuting between New York and the UK., building his business….By 1936, Penfold had made it necessary to set up a factory in the USA.”

The A.E.Penfold Story

In the annals of sports history, the story of A.E. Penfold emerges as a captivating narrative of innovation and passion that forever altered the landscape of golf. Albert Ernest Penfold, known by his initials A.E., was not merely a craftsman but a visionary who left an indelible mark on the game...

penfoldgolf.net

 

[pjmburns]

We posted at the same time

I don't know for certain why he travelled but guess business.but he was going to USA and other places throughout the 1930s. Ellen often went with him.
Sad thing is they were only 1 day from safety in Liverpool.

 

[Pedrocut]

Birmingham…”The first bombs in August 1940 in Erdington…city centre badly hit in October….Heavy air raids in November, and in December Witton tram depot hit…Further heavy raids in 1941” (Wikipedia)

But business interests…

 

[pjmburns]

By June 1941 the house was for sale

 

[Lady Penelope]

Thank you all for solving the mystery. A lot of work has gone into that and it's really appreciated.

Penny

 

[pjmburns]

Enjoyed the challenge - Pen.

 

[Gavin R]

Very late to this thread, and it may have been mentioned already, but Herbert Austin was living at number 31 (St Anne's) on the 1901 census. This was before he bought the old printworks at Longbridge to make the car factory and became Lord Austin. In 1901 he was working with Wolesley in Adderly Park. Later the family moved to a big pile in the Lickies. I was quite surprised to see him turn up in Erdington though. He's probably one of the most notable former residents.