Postcards showing Jim Knight's shop next to the Green, was later part of Peter Crisp's

The business at 1 High Street was started as a hairdresser's by Charles Herbert Knight in the late 1880s. In 1891 he married Maria Wheeler at St Mary's Church. Their son James Edward was born in 1904.

James also became a hairdresser and tobacconist and eventually took over the shop in the 1930s. His hobby was fishing and he also started to sell fishing tackle and bait. He supplied all the local lads and their fathers with bait and rods. Jim was very well known in the district as an excellent fisherman.

Caught 12 Pound Pike
After a ten-minute battle, Michael J Howes, a 13-year-old schoolboy, who lives at 135, Irchester Road, Rushden, landed a 12lb pike while out fishing on Sunday.

Thin ice, which covered the lake, had to be broken before the pike was brought to the surface.

Michael, in his third season as an angler, was out for the day with Mr Jim Knight, the well-known Rushden fisherman.

Rushden Echo and Argus, 20th January 1950, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden Man’s 21st Birthday
A Rushden hairdresser, Mr George Thomas Wills, younger son of Mr and Mrs H Wills, of 71, Highfield Road, celebrated his 21st birthday on Friday with a dinner party at the Central Cafe.

Fifty guests joined in the celebrations and the main toast of the evening was proposed by Mr Fred Rich, a friend of Mr Wills, who replied.

There was dancing and games, with Mr A pack as pianist.

Mr Wills, who is employed by Mr Jim Knight, is a member of the Y.M.C.A., Rushden and District Amateur Photography Club and Rushden Thursday CC.