Old Postcards and Photos

With several hundred postcards and old photos in his collection Ron is always on the look out for more, regularly visiting Postcard Fairs and searching Ebay. His collection includes many views of Mersea past dating back to the early 1900s, Old Thames Barges moored in and around Essex especially. He shares his interest with other local enthusiasts who also have large collections and there is a certain amount of friendly rivalry involved.

The older cards are obviously in black and white but when he has time he creates water colour paintings of some of his favourites in full colour

A few examples follow:-

Old Photos

Wendy’s grandfather, Arthur Cock’s shop in Yorick Road where he worked until he was 92 and still riding to work on his bike. Dudley and Bruce his sons ran it later and Martin, another grandson of Arthur is now in charge. At the right of the building, facing the High Street, was The Barber’s Shop, originally run by Bob

Digby’s shop in Barfield Road, owned by Edgar Potter Digby sold ironmongery, bicycles, radios, TVs and petrol and much more besides. It used to be said “if you can’t eat it, get it at Digby’s, The shop front was removed long ago but the house still stands with two smaller shops.

Chatters Bros, hardware shop originally run by Fred and Bert Chatters and later Dennis who was the expert on Radios and TV, now the site of the Trading Post

E A Vince (Ernie) Butchers shop, later the Coop Butchers and now a Chinese takeaway

Liza D’Wit’s Tobacconist and confectioners and one time tea shop shop, in High Street (group of ‘local’ lads outside) Later Woodward’s Store and now home to Jan’s Collectables

In High Street looking down Yorick Road, Mussett’s shop was run by Clarence know as Cadder and Clifford (Brassy) Mussett later Jeffrey’s grocery store and now Sallyann’s

In Barfield Road, opposite the school, stood Oscar and Elsie Whitings ‘Central Stores’ and Pavey’s house. These were demolished to make way for the present Co-op supermarket

Mersea Milk Bar in Kingsland Road run by Glennie Cock and ‘Joe’ Dawson. Photo taken we think in late 1940s or early 1950s. Inside left hand door is Mrs Lilley, the young lady in the other doorway holding a baby we don’t know but it is thought the two walking outside are a Mrs Cousins and her daughter.

Beach kiosk serving ice creams etc below the main car park on the Esplanade probably 1950s. No longer in use