Rushden Research Group: Tailby and Putnam

Tailby & Putnam

Tailby and Putnam were grocers and provision merchants from 1897, at first from 129 High Street.

The Rushden Argus, 30^th July 1897, transcribed by Kay Collins

Business Venture.—We understand that the enterprising firm of Messrs. Tailby and Putman have the business until recently carried on by the firm of Bellamy and French in the High-street, and will immediately take over the management of same.

129 High Street

1897 newspaper advert

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.

Courtesy of the late Colin Bryant's Collection

129 High Street showing the fine stained glass window details

Business Card

In 1903 they were also 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)


	Tailby & Putnam wine jar

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.

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.
Messrs. Tailby and Putnam painted on the railway bridge.

49 Newton Road (now 69)

By 1914 they had four shops and were also selling glass, china and enamelled household requisites.

219 Wellingborough Road - with a showroom	35 High Street, Irthlingborough

1916 invoice - 3 shops	1920 invoice - 4 shops

From a bundle stored on a 'spike' (a traditional way to keep receipts)

In this postcard the Oakley Arms public house is extreme left
"The Oakley Cash Stores" of Tailby & Putnam's is extreme right

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, 3^rd May 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

Appeal—At 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.

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.

This little label was affixed to sugar packets to alert buyers to the new rationing regulation during WWI.

Families had to purchase goods from the same supplier each time so would choose a store nearest to them.

Each family would have books of ration tickets for meat, butter, sugar etc., to use at their designated butcher, baker or grocer.

The advert opposite tells us that the Wellingborough Road shop was also "a large Show Room showing Glass, Tea Sets, China, Dinner services, toilet sets, enamel and Aluminium Cook Utelnsils, and all kinds of Galvanised Goods."

1921 advert

Newton Road Post Office - Thomas Overy sub-postmaster c1920

By the mid 1920s Tailby's no longer traded, and Charles Putnam kept the store in Newton Road.

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.

Later the sons of Charles joined the business and they advertised on the
old railway bridge that was demolished in 1973.

Messrs. Tailby and Putnam previously had an advert painted on the railway bridge.
Later it was repainted for Putnam & Sons Ltd "Famous for Bacon & Cheese" c1955

The shop closed down in the 1960s.

Mrs. Ellen Tailby

Index of All Traders