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One of the busiest shops in past times was that which
sold household necessities, the everyday items required for domestic
efficiency, and here in Bourne during the early years of the 20th century
we had Johnson Brothers who occupied the premises at the corner of West
Street and South Street, dealing in hardware, ironmongery and agricultural
implements.
Staff would arrive early in the morning to create an impressive display of
goods on offer across the frontage of the building which was soon adorned
with samples of their pots and pans, basins and bowls, cutlery and
crockery, brushes, forks and spades, everything required for the smooth
running of house and garden and as a result, business was always brisk
with a steady stream of customers most days.
The shop was originally owned during the 19th century by Henry Osborn and
later by F J Clarke whose stock was so extensive that he also sold
ploughs, guns, iron bedsteads and kitchen ranges. By 1905, the business
was being run by Johnson Brothers and the now familiar firm of Harrison &
Dunn took over from them in 1945 and remained in occupation until 2012
when they moved to their present location in North Street and the building
is now occupied by a carpet retailer, having been used as a hardware shop
for more than 160 years. |
