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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: B.E. on Monday 18 June 12 17:38 BST (UK)

Title: Beaminster shops
Post by: B.E. on Monday 18 June 12 17:38 BST (UK)
Four questions:
1. Do you think the name on the shop outside which the people are congregating might be 'Poole'?
2. Does the pole outside suggest it was a barber's shop?
3. Can you identify what's on display in the shop window nearest the camera?
4. Can you date the photo based on the roadsign, fashions, etc?

Thanks in anticipation of a miracle!
Title: Re: Beaminster shops
Post by: rosie99 on Monday 18 June 12 17:59 BST (UK)
There is a similar photo on Francis Frith website with 'no pole' dated 1902
http://www.francisfrith.com/beaminster/photos/hogshill-street-1902_48425/

 ???


I can't make the name out as Poole though  :-\

Rosie
Title: Re: Beaminster shops
Post by: B.E. on Monday 18 June 12 18:14 BST (UK)
Thanks. Yes, I have that one already - I think the poster in the window was advertising fireworks, but it didn't really tell me what sort of shop it was.

I'd like to make the assumption that adjacent entries in the 1911 census were a solid guarantee that the households were next door to each other, but I suspect it's unsafe. The census has the New Inn next to Fred Poole the barber next to Thomas Gibbs the shoemaker. It's Tommy Gibbs I'm really interested in - I want to find out exactly where his shop was.
Title: Re: Beaminster shops
Post by: nanny jan on Monday 18 June 12 19:56 BST (UK)
Hi,

Have you tried Historical Directories?

http://www.historicaldirectories.org/hd/


Anything on the Beaminster page of Dorset OPC?    www.opcdorset.org



Nanny Jan
Title: Re: Beaminster shops
Post by: B.E. on Monday 18 June 12 20:48 BST (UK)
Thanks, but yes, I've done the directories. They confirm that the shops were in the street, but not exactly where!

And I spend half my life on the OPC pages. Again they confirm the existence of the people and the businesses, but not the precise location...
Title: Re: Beaminster shops
Post by: susan hemmings on Tuesday 19 June 12 18:05 BST (UK)
Hello,
Are there any books on Beaminster - sometimes they give pictures and descriptions of who lived where.  Or maybe an old map of the area.  I think there are various CDs giving this information.  Will go and look to see if I have any freebies with old maps of Beaminster on.

The photo to me looks to be dated around 1904 by the look of the dress.

I am not sure what the pole was for but it looks too big for a barbers one, unless they were that large in those days. 

I don't envy your dilema.  It is a shame the 1901 census cannot help us.  Maybe there are maps available at the national archives?

Sorry not to be able to help more. (unless I miraculously find something upstairs)

Susan

Had a quick look on google.  One very intresting link failed to open - old victoria postcards of White Hart Street, beaminster ...


did you see the following:

http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2007/02/going-shopping-in-beaminster-a-hundred-years-ago/

(it mentions a confectioner William John Gibbs)
Title: Re: Beaminster shops
Post by: B.E. on Tuesday 19 June 12 18:29 BST (UK)
I think I've been through every book, directory, etc, on Beaminster that exists. I even have the working notes of Marie Eedle (who wrote the History of Beaminster), but she could only narrow it down to the same small area I've arrived at myself.
Title: Re: Beaminster shops
Post by: Geoff-E on Tuesday 19 June 12 19:07 BST (UK)
Quote from: rosie99 on Monday 18 June 12 17:59 BST (UK)
There is a similar photo on Francis Frith website with 'no pole' dated 1902
http://www.francisfrith.com/beaminster/photos/hogshill-street-1902_48425/

 ???


I can't make the name out as Poole though  :-\

Different nameboard, isn't it? :)

Note that a chimney pot a couple of doors beyond has been replaced and some sort of cowl added.