It is reassuring that four of the books advertised in the Gazette of late August 1924 are among the Museum’s archive collection. We also have several dialect stories by ‘Jan Stewer’. As well as one of the well known people going to Widdicombe Fair, it was the pen name of Albert John COLES. Although he was born in London in 1876, both of his parents were born and were married in Willand. His mother, in particular was passionate about Devon and often spoke to her children in dialect. If you are interested in the dialect, you can buy a book in the museum shop.

Albert had a long and varied life. He is known to have had a short while in the Army but by 1901, he was the schoolmaster at Puddington where he was living with his new wife, Florence nee STEPHENS, she was born in Blackborough. They married in Exton, Somerset in January 1901. He also taught, at various times at the start of the 20th century, in Teignmouth, Poltimore and Bovey Tracey.  In subsequent censuses he describes himself as the ‘Managing Editor of a Newspaper Company (in Newton Abbot,1911) and as a ‘Public Entertainer’ in 1921, living in Torquay. In the 1939 Register, as well as being an ARP warden, he is a ‘Journalist Playwright’.

Albert or ‘Bert’ or ‘Jan Stewer’ wrote a huge number of books, booklets and newspaper articles on the Devonshire Dialect. He also  travelled the county, and far beyond, bringing to life not only the dialect but the music and lives of Devon people. He was an all-round entertainer. He died in August 1965 when he was living at Pathfinder Village, Tedburn St Mary.

Written by Museum Volunteer, Sue B.