Rushden Research Group: J S Taylor

J S Taylor

Furnishers

J S Taylor's, Lightstrung Cycles & Fairey Bros, probably decorated
for the 1935 Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary

The shop opened in the early 1920s as 'complete house funishers'.

Baby equipment such as prams and cots were added to their range. They were agents for Montford, Marmet, Leeway and Paragon prams. Mrs Ada Draper (nee Taylor), for many years ran her father’s business in Church Parade.They traded here until the 1980s when Peter Crisp bought the property and he then continued with the baby equipment part of the business.

J S Taylor's shop in Church Parade with the blue sunshade

Rushden Echo, 16th January 1931, transcribed by Kay Collins

New Company—J. S. Taylor, Limited (253428) Registered January 12, 1931. To take over the business of a house furnisher, carried on by J. S. Taylor, at 3 Church Parade, Rushden. Nominal Capital £4,000 in £1 shares (2,000 preference and 2,000 ordinary): directors, J. S. Taylor, 15 Park-road, Rushden (permanent chairman and director). Ada M. Draper, 15 Park-road, Rushden. J. H. M. Taylor, 15 Park-road, Rushden. Qualification of directors: 100 shares.

The Directors:

In 1940 J S Taylor, A M Draper & J H M Taylor
By 1947 they were joined by C S Taylor

Suite	19	19	0
Bedstead	3	19	6
Spring Interior and base	7	7	0
Pillows & Bolster	1	7	6
2 Clevedon Easies	7	19	0
Dining Set	16	16	0
Lounge chair	2	9	6
Trickett Table	2	5	0
Chair	1	9	6
Chair		9	6
Carpet	6	19	6
Rug	1	19	6
Rug	1	3	6
2 rugs @ 18/6	1	17	0
5¾yds lino@ 5/11 (surrounds)	1	14	1
9¾yds lino @ 5/11 (kitchen)	2	17	9
9yds 2ft Stair Carpet @ 5/11	2	17	3
9 Clips @ 7, 10 Pads @ 4½		9	0
11yds Lino @ 4/11 (bedroom)	2	14	1
£	86	13	2
5% Dis	4	6	8
£	82	6	6

The Rushden Echo, 29th March 1968, transcribed by Jim Hollis

Two Traders are Calling it a Day

Two Rushden traders who have conducted their businesses from adjoining premises in Church Parade, Rushden have both announced their retirement to take effect from tomorrow.

Mrs. A. M. York, joint managing director of the furnishing and nursery equipment store of J. S. Taylor Ltd, has been with the firm for fifty years.

Mr Knight & Mrs York

The business was first started by Mrs. York’s aunt and uncle Mr. and Mrs. W. McDonald in Newton Road, and dealt mostly with second-hand goods. The business then moved to Church Parade and was later run by Mrs. York’s father, who bought up premises on either side of the original shop and extended the scope of the business.

Ten years ago the nursery department was opened.

Mrs. York is a member of the Rushden and District Chamber of Trade and was its president from 1964-65. She also worked for the Rushden TB After Care Committee, and a member of the Rushden Business and Professional Women’s Club. She is also a worker for the Institute of Directors for about fifteen years.

Mrs. York will spend her retirement with her husband at their home at 17 Park Road, Rushden. Her brother Mr. C. S. Taylor with whom she had been joint managing director, will take over as managing director, and her son-in-law, Mr. F. A. Newell, will become a director.

Next door, Mr. Jim Knight – one of Rushden’s best known personalities, especially among angling enthusiasts – is also planning his retirement tomorrow.

Mr. Knight, who owns his own business as a tobacconist and fishing tackle dealer, first started at the shop as a lather boy for his father in 1914. The shop was then a barbers founded by his father in 1888. It was only a year ago that Mr. Knight decided to close the barbers department because of his difficulty in getting suitable staff.

Mr. Knight is able to recall shaving customers until 11 pm on Saturday nights, and the days when a haircut was sixpence a time.

Angling is Mr. Knight’s favourite pastime, and he is looking forward to devoting some of his free time during his retirement to his hobby.

A 1948 invoice for Harold Holloway

Index of All Traders