Was this your local Co-op?
Description
Wellington Street Emporium.
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Posted comments/stories
Bob Harbron
The Co-ops- What a picture of memories of past Co-ops. 'The Flatiron' building of Co-op furnishing in Bishopton Lane, Art-Decor of Billingham Co-op in Belasis avenue passed by thousands on the way to I.C.I. The Head-office with its oak-panel banking chamber upstairs where queues waited patiently in the hall and down the dark green stairs for their 'Divi' cash, for that Easter dress Christmas extras etc (17349). The horse drawn 'rully' being backed, the hooves striking sparks, into the off-loading bay of Holly-Street and Leven Road branch, (The entrances and cobble-stones are still there) .2005
Posted on: 07/10/2005 10:36:02
Ray Illing
My wife's mother, Muriel Robson (nee Williams) (co-op No. 443), left school in 1930 and was employed in the Wellington Street Emporium in the cashier's office. At that time and well into the stores life the money was put into tubes and transferred from the counter to the cashier's office, the relevant amount being taken out and any change sent back to the counter via the tube system. She worked there until 1938 when she had a child. After the outbreak of the war she was approached by Mr. Bamforth Co-op Butcher Manager, to be the accounts clerk for the Stockton Butchers' Buying Committee. This Committee was responsible for the allocation of meat to the local butchers during the time that meat was rationed. This committee operated from the Co-op premises in Dixon Street. She worked with men like Billy Bell, Peter Staples. Working here until 1953 to the end of meat rationing, following which she was the accounts clerk for Mr Ralph Moore of Ingleby Barwick who was the Cattle Auctioneer at the Sedgefield Cattle Market. Muriel was an absolute whizz with figures nd kept up with the Auctioneer as he sold, billing the butchers, crediting the farmers and keeping the tax man happy in one day of working. Finalising the books the next morning. She worked with Mr Moore until his death and for a while with his son until she came to Australia in 1973. Staying for 2 years before returning and taking a job back in the cashiers' office at the co-op, finding staff that were there when she left in 1938.
Posted on: 17/10/2005 10:54:21
Sarah Sheraton
My memory of this Co-op is more recent than the time of this photo. Shortly before the demise of this Wellington Street Co-op one could walk through the newly added Kwik Save shop (at the far left of this photo) and enter the Co-op. My parents and grandparents used many different Co-ops throughout the years and area, and like many other people their age, could remember their "divvy" number by heart. If you quoted your Dividend number with every purchase, you shared in the company's profit and got money back? Is that right? :)
Posted on: 28/02/2007 09:25:08
Anon.
I was told that my Great Grandfather George? Brown was manager of the Wellington Street C0-0P at some time, if it's true, it would be around the late 1800's early 1900's, I don't suppose anyone would have that information?
Posted on: 16/03/2007 14:14:27
malcolm corner
My first job was at the co-op green grocery delivery vans I was interviewed by Major Cooper VC a big thrill for me as a young army cadet. On my first day I started work at 8.00am and my father was looking for me at 8.00pm at night, a long day, that job did not last long.
Posted on: 26/06/2007 08:03:22
Library Reference
Dewey Decimal: 999 Reference: t5757 - link available