I’ve got a bit of a local history puzzle going on, and I wonder if any of the readership can help? I received an email this afternoon asking the following question:
Hi bob
My nan and grandad owned starbucks buthchers on the high street circa 1950 for a couple of decades. I’m trying to locate pictures for my mother for Xmas as it was where she grew up. Don’t suppose you could direct me to books or something?
Dominic Jeffreys
I checked Clarice Mayo & Geoff Harrington’s wonderful ‘Memories of Brownhills Past’ photo book, and also ‘Brownhills and Walsall Wood on Old Picture Postcards’ by Jan Farrow, and whilst there are many interesting shots of the High Street in both books, none appear to show the shop in question. I sent out a Twatter cry for help to Stuart over at the excellent (and undervalued) Walsall Local History Centre, who also drew a blank… so readers, it’s over to you. I’d never heard of that particular butcher, so it’s all a learning experience for me, and I figure that there’s some very clued up readers out there who can help Dominic.
If you have anything to add, please comment here or send a meesage to me on BrowhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
A seasonal 1910 Mills postcard of the High Street, from Jan Farrows 'Brownhills and Walsall Wood on Old Picture Postcards'
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Must have been a good few butchers in Brownhills: I’ve got a book form the library that features one Alan Bird outside his shop, but nothing as exotic as Starbucks.
I’m friends (at least on old school and current FB level) with one of the Starbuck kids (as was in the ’80s) – I’ll pass him the link to this post.
And yes, I do know my Life’s got in the way of passing you the stuff I discovered off the ‘interview’ with my nan, sorry. I have such a massive story of my own atm (I’ve just discovered my bfam after 36 years of being adopted), and so am strugglin’. I am still reading at sporadic intervals mind. 🙂
Hi Bev
Thanks for that. I’m always here’ and if you have anything interesting it’s always welcome.
Best wishes
Bob
Hi
Dom, I’ll contact you directly.
Starbuck Butchers was No 80 High Street and was originally run by my Great Grandad from around the late 1800s, then by my grandpa until his death in 1969. My nan then rented the shop as a butchers for a number of years until my dad ran it in the late 70s into the 80s. It was sold in the late 80s and I think it’s now a sandwich type shop.
Other shops near were the old Co op – where Kwik Save is, Caters, Claridges, the old sports shop opposite, provost Chesmist, Lote Jewellers, Joes sweet shop, Holmes fruit shop. My parents also ran Gay Time Greetings.
I’ll send a picture of the shop to you Bob.
Enjoing the site
Richard Starbuck
Hi Richard
Thanks for your wonderful contribution, that’s what this blog is all about. I still can’t quite remember the shop, but I certainly remember Gaytime Grettings – I believe where the dentist is now.
A picture of the shop would be most welcome, and then I could post it for all to see. It’s be nice to jog a few memories.
Thanks again, and do have a great Christmas
Bob
I remember reg starbuck butcher,he had a son named tom,who had three sons tom dick and harry.
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has any one any pics of station hotel ??/
has anyone pics of station hotel???????
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