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Journal of the Nelson and Marlborough Historical Societies, Volume 1, Issue 4, October 1984

Snippets from Store Books

Snippets from Store Books

I had a delightful time browsing through the books of Hodgson's Store for 1879–1888 period. As one could expect candles, kerosene and bootlaces were on most lists, also Irish Moss, Stedman's and Washbourn's powders, magnesium and rhubarb and castor oil at a shilling a bottle. Indeed, Edward Baigent purchased a bottle of the last named on Christmas Day!

I was intrigued to note that I could guess when the customer got married, had children, had a cold and so on. For example, David C. bought a rush hat, two and a half pounds of shot, a box of caps, an ulster and some tobacco; while William H. purchased two shirts, a box of collars and a necktie. I guessed they were both going hunting though for different game.

Monday mornings seemed to be busy with big sales of painkiller. From the Painton Store books, 1895–1898: it was obvious that people were now buying more of the goods that made life a wee bit more comfortable. There was more butter sold, more currants and lots of bars of Monkey brand soap. Mr G. bought malt and hops – that is all he bought – but he was a regular customer. Shoes at five shillings cost less than a forty pound bag of sugar at eight shillings and nine pence. I felt a bit nostalgic for the good old days when Mr B. had just one pair of bootlaces delivered and charged to his account!