September 2022 Media Report
THE CO-OPERATIVE DEPARTMENTAL STORE, DARTFORD (Part 2)
Our members and visitors arrived at our September meeting, eager for the continuation of Keith Whitmore’s presentation. Keith reminded us that the first co-operative store was opened in Rochdale in 1844 by mill workers, The Rochdale Pioneers. Dartford Industria Co-operative Society opened the first store in the town in September 1889 in Spital Street, next to The Coach and Horses.
Keith guided us on a photographic tour of the Art Deco style departmental store opened in July 1935 that most of us would recognise. Fabric and bedding was sold in the basement until 1940 when it was used as an air raid shelter. We admired the stylish cabinets behind the hosiery; glove; jewellery and make up counters on the ground floor, with rows of wooden and Lloyd Loom chairs for the comfort of customers whilst being served. What a different world! Customers wanting ladies fashions; millinery; underwear and swimwear would ascend the elegant staircase, lit by art deco light fittings, to the first floor. Men were offered a large choice of suits, hats, casual wear and raincoats in menswear. Keith asked if anyone remembered the foot x-ray machine in the men’s shoe department.
Up on the 2nd floor furniture, mattresses, prams, bicycles and other items were sold. Families needed permits to buy wartime utility furniture. There was magic on the second floor at Christmas time. Many of us remember our ride in a moon rocket, stage coach or sleigh to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. We were treated to a short film of this experience. The ride was sold to Ruxley Garden Centre and destroyed in a fire.
Stores have always needed window displays to attract customers and examples that we would not see today in a Co-op window include groups of battery operated radios, including the in-house brand Defiant, stacks of Paddy washing powder proclaimed as ‘the brand used on the Queen Mary’ and a hosiery display of legs, stockings and suspenders.
The store was profitable and expanded over the years to include departments in hardware; music – many remember the listening booths and buying records – a snack bar; travel bureau; photographic equipment and a supermarket – photos of the opening day show crushes of people fighting to get in. An escalator was installed in 1962.
Employees had to take an examination when joining and further training was provided at Shornells, a former mansion in Bostall Heath and The Co-op training college in Loughborough. In 1964 the annual Miss Co-op Contest was judged by local members of a popular band – Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Photographs show them looking extremely unenthusiastic. Keith’s mother Doris worked as a washing machine demonstrator in the store.
Only the Art Deco facade remains since the doors of this store, once the largest in Kent, closed for the last time in 2007. The proposed Hotel Estuary and plaza is yet to be built on the site.
Christina Tyler, Programme Organiser
THE CO-OPERATIVE DEPARTMENTAL STORE, DARTFORD (Part 2)
Our members and visitors arrived at our September meeting, eager for the continuation of Keith Whitmore’s presentation. Keith reminded us that the first co-operative store was opened in Rochdale in 1844 by mill workers, The Rochdale Pioneers. Dartford Industria Co-operative Society opened the first store in the town in September 1889 in Spital Street, next to The Coach and Horses.
Keith guided us on a photographic tour of the Art Deco style departmental store opened in July 1935 that most of us would recognise. Fabric and bedding was sold in the basement until 1940 when it was used as an air raid shelter. We admired the stylish cabinets behind the hosiery; glove; jewellery and make up counters on the ground floor, with rows of wooden and Lloyd Loom chairs for the comfort of customers whilst being served. What a different world! Customers wanting ladies fashions; millinery; underwear and swimwear would ascend the elegant staircase, lit by art deco light fittings, to the first floor. Men were offered a large choice of suits, hats, casual wear and raincoats in menswear. Keith asked if anyone remembered the foot x-ray machine in the men’s shoe department.
Up on the 2nd floor furniture, mattresses, prams, bicycles and other items were sold. Families needed permits to buy wartime utility furniture. There was magic on the second floor at Christmas time. Many of us remember our ride in a moon rocket, stage coach or sleigh to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. We were treated to a short film of this experience. The ride was sold to Ruxley Garden Centre and destroyed in a fire.
Stores have always needed window displays to attract customers and examples that we would not see today in a Co-op window include groups of battery operated radios, including the in-house brand Defiant, stacks of Paddy washing powder proclaimed as ‘the brand used on the Queen Mary’ and a hosiery display of legs, stockings and suspenders.
The store was profitable and expanded over the years to include departments in hardware; music – many remember the listening booths and buying records – a snack bar; travel bureau; photographic equipment and a supermarket – photos of the opening day show crushes of people fighting to get in. An escalator was installed in 1962.
Employees had to take an examination when joining and further training was provided at Shornells, a former mansion in Bostall Heath and The Co-op training college in Loughborough. In 1964 the annual Miss Co-op Contest was judged by local members of a popular band – Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Photographs show them looking extremely unenthusiastic. Keith’s mother Doris worked as a washing machine demonstrator in the store.
Only the Art Deco facade remains since the doors of this store, once the largest in Kent, closed for the last time in 2007. The proposed Hotel Estuary and plaza is yet to be built on the site.
Christina Tyler, Programme Organiser