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Messrs J W & E Sowman -
Ironmongers,
Olney
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IN the year 1888 Mr J W Sowman and Mr E Sowman, tow brothers, purchased the old ironmongery business formerly carried on by Mr Joseph Palmer and afterwards for many years by the late Mr Thomas Cooper. It was more of a shop, at the time they took it, for antiquarians or those in search for antiques than anything else, and the business had
been conducted in such amanner as to cause it gradually to dwindle away. The shop doors at that time were always locked during meal times and customers had the choice of waiting until the proprietor was ready to attend to their wants or to purchase elsewhere. Such was the curious business-like style then. What it is now my readers will glean from the following remarks.
The original shop is now much modernised and occupied by Mr Moss the Olney tailor. It was a poor old-world place devoid of any convenience for carrying on a go-a-head business. Messrs Sowman are two who will make trade, and as they started so they have continued. The business under their direction has gone up by leaps and bounds, and finding the old shop inadequate to carry on their growing business they erected their imposing new shop, with warehouses, store-rooms, and well appointed workshops. In short, from time to time improvements have been made, which have resulted in the formation of one of the best and most conveniently appointed business premises within a radius of many miles. The shop is well built on three storeys.
The ground floor is utilised as a retail shop and well fitted for showing customers samples of their various requirements in all branches of ironmongery, fancy goods, hardware, cutlery, electro-plated wares including tea and coffee services, cruets, etc, of all sorts, copper and brass goods, sporting guns and games of all sorts, gramophones, and everything appertaining to an up-to-date store. We notice that there is also a very useful lift for sending stoves and heavy goods to the first and second floors, also spacious offices well arranged for light and comfort.
On the first floor the visitor's attention is attracted by the fine selection of ranges and cooking stoves, mantel pieces with pretty designs in tiled grates, hearths, and accessories such as kerbs, fire brasses, etc, assortment of baths, lamps, gas fittings, gas stoves, and an endless variety of brackets, gasoliers, fancy shades which have pleasing effects; also furniture, bedsteads, etc. The second floor is devoted to storing the vast number of every day wants that are called for in the wholesale and retail trades. Fine views can be obtained of the surrounding country from the windows here.
We now descend and find ourselves in the shop again; from thence we inspect the new workshops fitted with the most modem appliances for making work a pleasure with gas engine, lathe, grinder, etc; also the cycle repairing shop which is roomy and light. We passed through the large galvanised iron stores where we noticed all kinds of implements, mills, etc, and then to the seed and furniture warehouse. Lace pillows and all things necessary for making the far-famed Buckinghamshire lace are stored to be sent to all parts of the world as required, viz, thread, pins, pillows, horses, bobbins, bobbin winders etc.
The firm has a separate bicycle and motor shop and stores at the other extremity of the town. They are agricultural machinists, seedsmen, gas and hot water fitters, tin smiths, copper smiths, motor car and cycle repairers and each department of their business receives that practical personal superintendence without which success cannot be obtained. We notice the firm delivers its goods by its own vehicles for a radius of fifteen to twenty miles by road, which customers find a great convenience.’
The “Bull” Hotel, Olney
Proprietress-Mrs S York
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AN important house a 100 years ago as a famous hostelry and coaching house, it is not less valued in the present day as the head quarters of the C.T.C. The “Bull” Hotel is under the excellent management of Mrs York, whose extensive experience has prepared her for the success which has attended her proprietorship. The hotel is a commanding building of three storeys, having a fine portico supported by pillars at its entrance. It is situated quite in the centre of the town, close to the Post Office and Telephone Office, and occupies a prominent position on the west side of the Market Place.
An omnibus from the hotel meets all the trains at the station which is about a mile distant, and thus affords a great convenience to persons staying at the house. The bar is conveniently arranged as is also the commercial room. The billiard-room is a favourite resort of both the hotel guests and the better class residents of the town. With regard to the cuisine, we may state that its resources are constantly being tested to their fullest extent by the onslaught of motorists, cyclists and others, but it has never been found wanting; hot and cold dinners are provided every day, Sunday included. A first-class stock of wines and spirits of the best vintages and brands are to be found in the hotel cellars, while the ales, stout, mineral waters, etc. provided are good in every respect. The wayfarer, exhausted with his day’s travel, will, however, turn with the greatest satisfaction to the spotlessly clean and comfortable bedrooms, where he can take his rest, undisturbed by the din and rattle of the traffic.
An important adjunct to the business of the hotel is the spacious room at the rear, which is used by the Freemasons and for private parties. An interesting memento of the past history of the hotel is the following advertisement which appears in the Northampton Mercury, Monday 13th, 1769:-
This is to acquaint all Noblemen, Gentlemen, and others,
THAT Thomas Rogers, of Sherrington, in the County of Bucks, will have a WAGGON set out from the Bull Inn Olney, on Thursday the 23rd of March Instant, at One o’Clock, (and to be continued Weekly) which will be at the Windmill Inn in St John’s Street, London, every Saturday Morning at Three o’Clock; will return from thence the same Day at Twelve o’Clock and be at Newport-Pagnell and Sherrington on Monday Evening:- His Old STAGE-WAGGON sets out every Monday from Olney, and returns on Saturday Morning, as usual.
Mrs Hooton,
Sweet Shop,
High Street South, Olney
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SWEETS and toffy seem to be an indispensable commodity in Olney, and the shop of Mrs Hooton has a fair share of the custom of the townsfolk to
judge by the numerous people who patronise it. Every kind of these toothsome little comestibles is to be had, and a remarkable weight given for the money. All kinds of sweets - from the old fashioned peppermint to the up-to-date chocolate - are on sale, and little knickknacks in the way of sweets suitable for gifts to the youngsters who delight in getting fancy packets of “suckers”.
Mr G W Parrott -
Baker, Confectioner,
Corn Dealer, &c.,
Bridge Street, Olney
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THE present is undoubtedly an age of progress.
All the arts and manufactures in the country have been made, and are still making great strides towards perfection,and bread is not behind other articles of food in the improvements introduced into the manner of the ingredients used, or the superior manner of their manipulation, either as dough or in the oven. If we could compare the bread made, say, some fifty years ago, with what is now produced by Mr Parrott, we should be surprised at the superiority of the latter, which was thoroughly proved at the competition in connection with the Bakers’ Exhibition at Lewisham, in 1901, when a gold medal was awarded our well known townsman for the excellence both in quality and purity of his exhibit. Besides the ordinary kinds made, he devotes much of his attention to certain specialities in which he excels. These are home made bread, whole wheat meal bread, and babies’ rusks - the last especially being recommended as being easy of digestion, and highly nutritious in their nature. Apart from the ordinary baking business, a good trade is carried on in sweetmeats, mineral waters and a general trade in pills, powders, glycerine, etc.
Mr W Johnson - Dairyman, Poulterer, and Fruiterer,
High Street, Olney
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DAIRY produce, poultry, and fruit! The very
words have an appetising sound, and, as for the goods themselves, they represent at once the most essential and delicious items that go to make up our daily bill of fare. Dairies are neither few nor far between in Olney considering the size of the place, but Mr Johnson has every reason to congratulate himself on the position he holds in the town as regards such commodities as milk, eggs, poultry, rabbits, etc. It is an undoubted convenience to residents to have them near at hand. For this reason, as well as for the high quality of all articles he sells, Mr Johnson has a considerable share of local patronage throughout the town and neighbourhood.
| Messrs S Cowley & Co, Wholesale Boot and Shoe Manufacturers, Olney |
MR COWLEY, proprietor of the well-known Boot and Shoe Factory on the Northampton Road, carried on for so many years by Mr G A Drage, is one of the most representative leaders of the trade in Olney. His business is a manufacturing wholesale house trade business, and it is safe to say that in all the departments and branches of the trade, there is not a single detail that can escape his eye. He supervises every part of the business, and is ever on the move looking after the progress of the work, and attending to the wants of his numerous clients. He himself being a thoroughly practical man, is able to cut his own patterns, and can make, if necessary, all classes of boots by hand or machine. He started in a small way in the face of strong opposition, and against the advice proffered by some of the knowing ones, and his indomitable courage has carried him through to the position he now holds in the shoe trade.
The genuine quality of his goods has been his advertisement and a customer once gained is retained without being worried by commercial travellers with samples. Mr Cowley is one of the very few manufacturers who do not employ traveller representatives. We understand his trade is chiefly men’s, youth’s and boy’s boots, both in strong and light wear, and so quietly is his business carried on that he would not be known but for the fact of his numerous employees. We understand his output has reached to 2000 pairs of boots per week, and double this quantity could be sold quite easily if only they could be produced under his supervision. No doubt the fact is owning to the foresight of keeping pace with the modern times, as we understand he has made some very fine specimens of gent’s shooting boots, which have been absolutely water tight, and light to handle, in fact his quality is second to none, and his workmanship as good as can be produced, although at a very moderate price. We are also informed that his two sons, Horace and Harry, who are now taking an active part in the business will shortly be partners of same, although we believe the intention is to keep the style of business as it has always been, S Cowley & Co.
Mr W E Moss -
Ladies’ and Gents’Tailor,
Market Place, Olney
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THERE exists a very wide difference between the various grades of the tailoring trade. In its lower branches it is simply a commercial speculation, in the carrying out of which the manufacturer neither see, knows, nor cares anything of the ultimate possessor of the goods he makes, but simply bases his calculations on the opportunity of supplying articles at a remunerative rate. On the other hand, in its higher developments tailoring becomes essentially a fine art, and in the skilful operator’s hands, results are achieved that surprise even those for whom they are accomplished. It is my agreeable duty in this article to treat of a professor of the sartorical art, who, though not located in the metropolis is capable of holding his own and producing garments fully equal to those
turned out by any of the London houses, I refer to Mr W E Moss who it will be remembered, came to Olney to manage the tailoring department of the old established business carried on by the Whitlocks.
On their retirement Mr Moss, after due consideration, and on the advice of a number of friends, decided to embark on a business career at 14, Market Place. These premises soon proved too small for his rapidly increasing connection and necessitated a removal to a more commodious establishment at 31, Market Place, where the business is carried on at present. Mr Moss is a thoroughly practical man, having learned his trade in the best schools, where his natural aptitude enabled him to master the most difficult branches of his profession. His varied and expert knowledge render him equal to any eventuality that might arise in dealing with a wide and exacting connection. This practical knowledge has proved a great advantage both to himself and to his clients, and enable him to personally supervise and direct every detail of his business.
Customers who have invariably found their idiosyncrasies carried out to the letter, have come instinctively to repose the utmost confidence in all that he undertakes. The list of specialities for which he is noted include liveries, hunting coats, and riding breeches. In the latter he has had a long experience in the Pytchley country and has gained a big reputation as a breeches cutter. All branches of ladies’ tailoring, Ulsters, habits, costumes, etc, will be found executed in the latest styles introduced by the leaders of fashion.
Mr W Andrews -
Boot & Shoe Repairer,
Weston Road, Olney
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Boots and shoes have always required patching up at intervals and those who areanxious to get these little items attended to on the shortest notice will find Mr Andrews always ready to oblige them.
Mr C R Buggins,
The Castle Inn, Olney
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THE Castle Inn is one of the oldest inns of Olney and is supposed to stand upon the site of the old castle of Olney which stood in feudal times, be that as it may it is a well known hostelry at the present day, and under the mana
gement of Mr C R Buggins, the proprietor, and his ever obliging wife, has become one of the best managed houses in the town. Mr Buggins having been in the neighbourhood for many years was well-known and highly respected before he entered the Licensed Victualler’s trade, and consequently he has a good round of customers who patronise him in his retail trade which he carries on throughout the neighbourhood in ales and stout, bottled or otherwise, mineral waters, wines and spirits.
The “Castle” is most conveniently situated for those who drive, motor, cycle, or walk into the town from the Northampton direction as it is the first Inn they can put up at and leave their horses, etc. From the Wellingborough and Bedford direction it is the first on the right-hand side on entering Olney.
Mr W Clarabut -
General Draper, Milliner,
Tailor and Outfitter, Olney
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THE shop of Mr Clarabut is situated in the heart of the town, on the west side of the Market Place, and near the principal hotel, and the fine show windows are a daily source of great attraction for lady passengers up and down the town. His stock is large, far larger than we can spare space to
detail, and includes a fine assortment of dress materials in all the latest patterns and fabrics, costumes, mantles, etc, of superior quality; hosiery, in merino, cashmere, etc. Dress materials form an important department, including English and French goods, and many novelties that are constantly being introduced by manufacturers. Gloves, too, are largely represented in kid, tan, suède, silk, Lisle-thread, et; while the selection of laces, frillings, sunshades, and umbrellas must not be omitted.
The stock of ladies’ and children’s corsets, under-clothing and baby linen is very complete and of the best possible character. Millinery of charming design is always to be had; indeed, this department is one to which ladies’ attention may be directed with special advantage, as Mr Clarabut takes every precaution to keep it up to the highest standard of excellence. Experienced assistants are in charge of the various departments,. Skilled milliners and dressmakers are constantly engaged, and all the work turned out is guaranteed both as regards make and material. As is usual in such establishments, mourning is taken especial pains with, and the prompt manner in which orders are executed receives favourable comments on all hands, it having proved no small factor in naming this house one of the best patronised and favoured of its kind in Olney.
Some few years ago through the ever-increasing nature of such an establishment Mr Clarabut found it necessary to purchase the adjoining premises, this he modernised and subsequently transferred the tailoring portion of his business. To this was amalgamated the business of Mr Whitlock, and here an extensive trade in Ladies’ and Gent’s Tailoring is carried on, and the excellence of Clarabut’s Ladies Tailor-made Costumes, and Gent’s Riding Breeches and well-fitting suits have become a noted feature of Olney. This shop is a compact and well fitted one, containing a comprehensive stock of ready-made clothing for men and boys, of various materials, stylish cut, and of excellent workmanship. Parents who study economy will find this a very advantageous house at which to obtain clothing for their young folk, and they will have the satisfaction of seeing them stylishly as well as cheaply clothed.
There is a capital choice of materials for selection in the bespoke department, in which the distinguishing features are promptness in execution of the work, the best material, fashionable cut, and experienced workmanship. Silk and felt hats in all styles, ties, gloves, hosiery, pants, vests, collars, cuffs, handkerchiefs, and in fact a complete outfitting stock of the best quality, is always available here and Mr Clarabut fully enjoys the confidence of the general public of Olney.
Mr G Wright - Bill Poster,
Umbrella Repairer, &c,
38 Weston Road, Olney
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AS will be seen by Mr Wright’s advertisement
on page 80, he has several irons inthe fire and his sign-board denotes that he is the proprietor of an “umbrella hospital”.
Not only is he the bill poster for Olney and district, but he carries on a fair trade in old furniture and umbrella repairing, marine stores, and market gardening.
His stores are a veritable “curiosity shop” and it would probably be more difficult to say what things he has not than what he has in them.
Messrs Ellis & Everard Ltd,
Builders’ Merchants,
Olney
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THE supply of building materials is naturally of much importance in a neighbourhood where building operations are carried on, and through the agency of a merchant much time is saved in having all kinds of materials ready at hand instead of having to wait till the required goods arrive from a place
some distance off. On the score of quality Messrs Ellis & Everard, Ltd’s stock will satisfy any demands likely to be made upon it, their yard and stores being filled with a large collection of all manner of requisites necessary for the use of builders. To compile a full list of all the goods in which they deal would be to undertake a very formidable task, but the following are among the principal items: stone lime, lias lime, Portland cement, fire goods, slates, glazed socket pipes, blue, red, and white bricks, chimney pots, paving and roofing tiles. Other building materials are also kept, and those who may be looked upon as practical men will easily understand that there is nothing wanting from the combined stock that a builders’ material merchant of any importance could naturally keep. Not only do Messrs Ellis & Everard deal in the above but also largely in coal, coke, salt, artificial manures and soot. Their agent here being Mr William Lett an old and respected townsman.
Mr W Shouler,
Grocer, &c
Weston Rd, Olney
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THE shop occupied by Mr Shouler once was, in the time of the late Mr Peter West, one of, if not the best grocer’s shop in Olney. Since
that time it has seen several changes; it has now become a general stores and is a great convenience to the immediate neighbourhood thus thoroughly deserving its local support. Something of everything is practically kept in stock. Besides the above business Mrs Shouler and her daughters undertake dressmaking and needlework, receiving a fair amount of patronage which no doubt is due to their good workmanship and moderate charges.
Mr W Watson,
Plumber, Painter, &c
Weston Rd, Olney
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THE business premises of Mr W Watson are prominently
situated in Weston Road at the junction of Lime Street. It is a recent venture, but judging from the many orders he is carrying out, behoves a prosperous future. Mr Watson is a townsman of long standing but has only recently embarked in the business career. He was an apprentice of the late Mr Raban and thus fully understands all things appertaining to painting, plumbing, etc.
Messrs A Gudgin & Co,
Cowper Roller Mills,
Olney, Bucks
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This Mill can boast of being the oldest recorded business premises connected with Olney. It was so important at the time of William the Conqueror that it was recorded in the Domesday Book which was compiled during the years 1081-1086, and there described as “a mill, yielding annually forty shillings and two hundred ells”. If rented at that time to such an extent it must have been even more important then than now and that is saying a good deal for every one for miles round knows or has some idea of the large and up-to-date Cowper Roller Mills of Olney.
This mill was at one time worked in conjunction with the old Clifton one which stood at the foot of Clifton Hill. The following advertisement in reference to the two mills appears in the Northampton Mercury for October 21 and 28, 1771:- “To be Sold, at Clifton-Mill, near Olney, in the County of Bucks, Two Pair of French Mill-Stones, with Iron-Work and Brailes; a Shaft, Cog-Wheel, and Heads; Wallows, Counter and Geer Wheel;
and Heads; Trow, Flats, and Hopper, and one ditto; Water-Wheel and Shaft, and Cog ditto; Wallows, Counter, Geer-Wheel, Axle, and Heads; and Flour-Mill, three Hoppers, Spouts, and Four-Tackle, all in good Repair. Enquire of John Barnard, at Olney-Mill”.
To those unacquainted with milling or who have not seen the interior of the Cowper Roller Mills, I will endeavour to explain the workings of this well-appointed structure. It is a well known spectacle to all who indulge in rural walks across the fields, and they will notice it is a building of five storeys. The whole is so entirely filled with machinery that it looks impossible to move about with any degree of safety. It has, during the last twelve months, been entirely remodelled and improved; machinery added and every inch of space utilised in the most marvellous manner that the present day skill can suggest.
The motive power comprises two water wheels, one estimated at twelve horse-power, the other, when a good supply of water is available, will drive from forty to fifty horse-power. Coupled with this is a forty-five horse-power suction gas-engine by Grice, Engineers, of Birmingham, which is powerful enough to work the whole mill. The ground floor of the mill is used for sacking and packing ready for the steam lorry to carry the large consignments to the numerous customers within a radius of thirty miles.
The first floor is devoted to the meal rolls and reduction plant which are placed in a bay, whilst the extensive and up-to-date wheat cleaning plant, erected by Simon Ltd, of Manchester, is at the north end of this floor. The second floor is taken up with purifiers, hanging sieves, etc. The third floor contains the various centrifugals for dressing the different products from the rolls. The garners which occupy the forth floor are very extensive, which goes without saying in a mill of such capacity, the largest holding 700 sacks of corn. The whole of the mill and outbuildings are lighted by a two and a half horse power dynamo by Christy, Bros, of Chelmsford.
Mr W Taylor,
Grocer and Provision Dealer,
High Street South, Olney
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MR W Taylor’s establishment is one of long standingand the quality of his
grocery and provisions is well known. The shop is a fair sized one and well arranged, and the stock includes, not only choice blends of tea, and fresh ground aromatic coffee, but choice butters, best brands of bacon, specially selected cheeses, high-class provisions, wines, spirits, glass ware, &c. The goods are obtained from the best sources, and the greatest care and discrimination are exercised in selecting them, so that none may be brought into stock except such as are of reliable character.
Mrs Carter, Shopkeeper,
Bridge Street, Olney
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MRS Carter’s shop is a very old one having been for many years the one occupied by the late Mr John Morgan, tailor and breeches maker. Mrs Carter caters principally for the sweet-loving fraternity and apparently has a fair share of their patronage.
