Cass: A Journey from Coal Mining to Folklore Scholarship
The life of Cass is a remarkable testament to lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity. From the depths of the coal mines in Manchester to the heights of academic leadership in folklore studies, his trajectory reflects a deep commitment to preserving the cultural and social history of the working class and the regional identity of Lancashire.
Early Career: From Mining to Banking
Born in Manchester in 1937, Cass began his educational journey at Central High School, which later became Sheena Simon College. His early professional life was characterized by diverse experiences, starting in a pharmacy before transitioning to heavy industry as a coal miner at the Bradford Colliery in Manchester. During this period, he developed a strong connection to the National Union of Mineworkers and formed a lasting friendship with Jim Allen.
Seeking a change in direction, Cass moved into the financial sector at William Deacon's Bank, which eventually became the Royal Bank of Scotland. While climbing the professional ladder to become a bank manager, he pursued part-time studies at the Manchester College of Commerce and was eventually elected as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Academic Transition and Research
Cass's passion for history and community led him back to academia later in life. He earned an MA in 1992 from Manchester Polytechnic (now Manchester Metropolitan University), focusing his thesis on the relationship between a local newspaper and its community, specifically The Cotton Factory Times from 1885 to 1937. He furthered this research by completing a PhD in 1996 at Edge Hill University (awarded by Lancaster University), where he analyzed the Cotton Factory Times as a family newspaper within the Lancashire cotton community.
His academic contributions were recognized through prestigious fellowships. From 1997 to 2004, he served as a Research Fellow of the National Centre for English Cultural Tradition at the University of Sheffield, followed by a tenure as a Research Fellow at the Elphinstone Institute at the University of Aberdeen from 2004 to 2014.
Leadership in Folklore Societies
Cass became a pivotal figure in the study of folklore. He held several leadership roles within The Folklore Society, serving as a Council Member starting in 2001, President from 2008 to 2011, and vice-president from 2011 to 2014. Similarly, he was deeply involved with The Society for Folk Life Studies, where he served as Council Member (2002–03), Honorary Secretary (2003–08), vice-president (2008–11), and President (2011–14). For his outstanding research in the field, he was honored with the Coote Lake Medal.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Cultural Contributions and Collections
Beyond academia, Cass was a dedicated steward of Manchester's cultural institutions. He served as Chairman of The Portico Library (1988–90) and acted as a curator for its exhibitions. His commitment to labor history was evident in his role as Secretary and Trustee of the National Museum of Labour History, which later became the People's History Museum (1989–2002).
His leadership extended to the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, where he served as Treasurer (1982–90) and President (1993–95), and the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society, where he was President from 2009 to 2012. He also contributed his expertise to the Museum of Science and Industry and Manchester's Cornerhouse.
An avid collector, Cass gathered extensive materials on plays, chapbooks, folklore, and literature. A significant portion of this collection was donated to the Folklore Society and is currently deposited at the University of Sheffield. Additionally, a specialized collection of approximately 600 books of poetry and fiction related to Lancashire is housed at Chetham's Library in Manchester.
Key Facts
- Early Work: Transitioned from pharmacy and coal mining at Bradford Colliery to bank management at William Deacon's Bank.
- Academic Focus: Specialized in the Cotton Factory Times (1885–1937) and the Lancashire cotton community.
- Fellowships: Held research positions at the University of Sheffield and the University of Aberdeen.
- Folklore Leadership: Served as President of both The Folklore Society and The Society for Folk Life Studies.
- Honors: Recipient of the Coote Lake Medal for outstanding folklore research.
- Legacy: Donated folklore materials to the University of Sheffield and a 600-book Lancashire collection to Chetham's Library.
| Period/Year | Role/Achievement | Institution/Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Coal Miner | Bradford Colliery |
| Professional | Bank Manager | William Deacon's Bank / RBS |
| 1992 | MA Thesis | Manchester Polytechnic |
| 1996 | PhD | Edge Hill University / Lancaster University |
| 1997–2004 | Research Fellow | University of Sheffield |
| 2004–2014 | Research Fellow | University of Aberdeen |
| 2008–2011 | President | The Folklore Society |
| 2011–2014 | President | The Society for Folk Life Studies |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the focus of Cass's academic research?
Cass focused his research on the Cotton Factory Times (1885–1937), examining its role as a family newspaper and its connection to the Lancashire cotton community.
Which professional certifications did Cass hold in banking?
He was elected as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers after studying part-time at the Manchester College of Commerce.
What awards did Cass receive for his work in folklore?
He was awarded the Coote Lake Medal by The Society for Folk Life Studies for his outstanding research in folklore.
Where can Cass's collected materials be found today?
Much of his folklore, plays, and chapbook materials are on deposit at the University of Sheffield, while a collection of 600 Lancashire-related fiction and poetry books is at Chetham's Library in Manchester.
Which museums and libraries did Cass help lead?
He served as Chairman of The Portico Library and was a Secretary and Trustee of the National Museum of Labour History (now the People's History Museum).