The Guardian Family
From caretakers to clerks, reporters to typists, the Manchester Guardian employed a range of workers. CP Scott likened his staff to a ‘boat’s crew, pulling well together, each man doing his best because he likes it, and with a common and glorious goal’.
The paper valued its staff in and out of work time. On-site benefits included a canteen and lending library. Sports clubs, train excursions and picnics encouraged staff to socialise outside of work. Workers became a close-knit family, sharing in life’s highs and lows.
The ‘Ho Jo’ was the nickname given to the monthly staff newsletter, the ‘House Journal’ that ran between 1918 and 1932. Its pages offer an intriguing glimpse into the lives of Guardian employees from cooks, cleaners, porters and errand boys to typesetters, reporters and the editor himself. The stories range from the prosaic events of office life: dances, trips, weddings and births to touching tributes to those killed in the First World War.
Manchester Guardian staff addresses and telephone numbers
The staff directory was an essential tool to help contact employees at home. Can we guess the status of staff by where they live and whether they had a home telephone number?
Coronation Picnic Invitation
To celebrate the Coronation of George V, the Guardian invited its entire staff to a picnic at Matlock Bath in Derbyshire. The party travelled by train and were treated to a tea in the New Pavilion.