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Tailby & Putnam
129 High Street
Tailby and Putnam traded as grocers and
provision merchants from the late 1890s,
at first from 129 High Street.




Rushden Echo, 29th June 1900, transcribed by Kay Collins

A Go-Ahead Firm
We hear that Messrs Tailby and Putnam are making extensive alterations to their business premises in High-street. The contract has been secured by Mr H Sparrow, Messrs Sharman and Archer being the architects. It is contemplated to make the present shop about double its present length, besides widening it considerably.

129 High Street

Courtesy of the late Colin Bryant's Collection
129 High St
129 High Street showing the fine stained glass window details
business card
Business Card
In 1903 they also had a shop at 32 Grove Road.
The Argus, Friday 30th September 1910

Rushden Notes
Everyone was delighted with our shoulders and gammons we sold last week. We sell the best that money can buy, and our friends appreciate the quality. Shoulders are again 6d. per lb., and choice lean mild slices 10d. Golden Meadow butter 1s. 3d.
Tailby and Putnam (Advert)


wine jar detail
Tailby & Putnam wine jar
Postcard advert
Advertising Postcard c1910

Rushden Echo, 16th September 1910

We Are Cheap Sellers of Bacon
Slices cut from the finest smoked, 10d. per lb. and shoulders from the same meat, 6d. per lb, Golden Meadow butter 1/3. Tailby and Putnam.

c1920
Tailby & Putnam's van BD4886 outside the High Street
shop and the railway bridge advertising the stores c1920.
Beyond the van is a lady with pram just crossing at
Duck Street - just a narrow lane at that time.
49 Newton Road (now 69)
49 Newton Road (now 69)

By 1914 they had four shops and were also selling glass, china and enamelled household requisites.
219 Wellingborough Road 35 High Street, Irthlingborough
219 Wellingborough Road
35 High Street, Irthlingborough

1916 invoice - 3 shops
1920 invoice - 4 shops
1916
1920
From a bundle stored on a 'spike' (a traditional way to keep receipts)

Oakley Arms & W'boro Road
Messrs. Tailby and Putnam always had an advert painted on the railway bridge.
In this postcard the Oakley Arms public house is extreme left
"The Oakley Cash Stores" of Tailby & Putnam's is extreme right
c1955 Putnam & Sons
"Famous for Bacon & Cheese"

Newton Road c1950s
Putnam's shop - corner of Pratt Road/Newton Road - has two blinds down. Opposite corner - Co-op Bakery - has another blind; a bicycle is parked on the roadside kerb.
Far left - the old Fire Station and next - the Athletic Club.

Original artwork for an advert
Original artwork by Clive Wood - at the request of A J George, presented to Rushden Historial Transport Society for use as a logo or an advert

Rushden Echo, 19th April 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

AppealAt the County Tribunal on Tuesday, Herbert E Abrams, 30, married Grade 1, grocer’s manager to Messrs Tailby and Putnam, Grove-road, Rushden, applied for renewal of exemption granted on domestic grounds. Mr W W James appeared for applicant, and said that Mrs Abrams was very ill with tuberculosis.Three months’ final exemption was given, with an intimation that the case might possibly be reopened at the end of the three months.


Extract from a Military Tribunal in May 1918

Walter James Turner, 42, manager of Tailby and Putnam’s grocery stores, Wellingborough Road was granted six months exemption V.T.C. conditions excused, being a Special Constable.


Delivery cycle
This lad with cycle is taken from a larger photograph of George Warner's shoe factory outing to Cambridge dated 1920.

Most traders used this type of cycle to deliver goods to their customers. The carrier in front, would take a large cardboard box or sometimes a basket.

Grocers, butchers and bakers often used this type of cycle.


The shops closed down in the 1960s.

Mrs. Ellen Tailby

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