House by House: 168 Northfield Road

170 and 168 Northfield Road, c. 1908. Click to enlarge.

Photo: With an old tree yet to be removed, this is 168 Northfield Road on the right, attached to 170 on the left, c. 1908.

1911
The first census recording the houses was taken in 1911, so these were probably the first tenants of the house.

• Herbert Norman, 36, head, secretary of insurance company, born Aston Manor.
• Harriet Mary Norman, 33, wife, ---, born Aston.
• John Norman, 4, son, ---, born Handsworth.
• Hilda Margaret Norman, 1, dau, ---, born Northfield.
• Emily Langston, 18, servant, general servant, born Doddershill in Worcestershire.

Click to enlarge.

1915-1919

Between December 1915 and March 1919 the Norman family were still residing at 168 Northfield Road as Herbert Norman was a volunteer with the British Red Cross during World War I, giving this address. His rank was 'Quartermaster' and he worked at The Beeches hospital in Bournville, his duties being describeds as: 'Night orderly, Conval. Hospital'.

1920-1930
On the 1920, 1922, 1925 and 1930 electoral registers the residents at 168 Northfield Road were:
Herbert Norman
Harriet Mary Norman
(this register included men over 21 and women over 30)


1935
On the 1935 electoral register the residents at 168 Northfield Road were:
Harold Thomas Smith
Florence Smith
Henry Smith
Maud Evans
(this register included men and women over 21)


1939
On the 1939 electoral register the residents at 168 Northfield Road were:
Harold Thomas Smith
Florence Smith
Henry Smith
Eileen Spencer
(this register included men and women over 21)


1945
On the 1945 electoral register the residents at 168 Northfield Road were:
Florence Smith
(this register included men and women over 21)


1947
On the 1939 electoral register the residents at 168 Northfield Road were:
Beryl Smith
John Smith
Florence Smith
(this register included men and women over 21)


By 1950 the Hughes family had moved to 168 Northfield Road.