Nostalgia: Remembering The Corner Shops Of Moor Row

Before the age of giant supermarkets and online deliveries, life revolved around the local high street - or in Moor Row's case, its essential collection of small, bustling shops.

These were the vital organs of the community, where every purchase came with a conversation, and the shopkeepers knew not just your name, but what you needed before you asked.

The Heart of the Village

Moor Row might be quieter now, but its commercial history is rich. Imagine a typical day: the smell of freshly baked bread mingling with the distinctive scent of paraffin from the general store.

Johnston Baker & Confectioner Illustration

Just look at the classic image above! You can see the old delivery service in action. The cart, pulled by a sturdy horse, branded with "A. Johnston, Baker & Confectioner, Moor Row." 

This picture speaks volumes about the early 20th century. Johnston's would have been the first stop of the day, delivering loaves, buns, and perhaps a small, sweet treat to families across the village. No trip to the local baker was complete without inhaling the warm, yeasty aroma that guaranteed a perfect loaf.

The General Store and The Co-op

Every good Cumbrian village had a Co-op, and Moor Row was no exception. This wasn't just a place to buy goods; it was a cornerstone of community life, often offering dividends back to its members. The Co-op would stock staples, from tea and sugar to boots and household essentials. Alongside it, the independent General Store filled any gaps, run by a family whose children likely helped out after school, weighing out loose biscuits or cutting a chunk of cheese.

The Post Office

More than just a place to buy a stamp or send a parcel, the Post Office served as the village's financial and communication hub. It was where pensions were collected, telegrams were sent, and local news was exchanged while waiting in the queue. It connected Moor Row to the wider world and kept the community knitted together. 

The Ubiquitous Milk Delivery

While specific dairies may have changed hands, the daily milk delivery was a constant. Like the baker's cart in the photograph, the milkman’s float - initially horse-drawn, later electric - would be a familiar sight. Bottles clinking early in the morning, leaving cold, fresh milk right on your doorstep. This service, essential in every era, perfectly illustrates the dedication of local businesses to serving their community directly.

Church Street Illustration

Memory Lane

The turn of the 19th century, a period bridging the Victorian and Edwardian eras, was a fascinating time of innovation, burgeoning consumerism, and a shift in how goods were produced and marketed.

While we might associate this period with corsets and horse-drawn carriages, it was also a time when many everyday items we still recognise today began to take shape.

Let's take a delightful stroll down memory lane and explore some of the iconic goods that graced shelves and homes around 1900.

The Sweet Sensation

Fry's Chocolate and Beyond Imagine a world where chocolate was a luxury, often consumed as a drink rather than a solid bar. By the turn of the 19th century, this was beginning to change, thanks in large part to pioneers like Fry's.

J.S. Fry & Sons, a British firm, revolutionised the chocolate industry. They produced the first mass-produced chocolate bar in 1847, and by 1900, their name was synonymous with quality confectionery. 

Think of the excitement of a Fry's Chocolate Cream or a Five Boys chocolate bar - a simple pleasure that brought joy to many.

While Fry's was a giant, other chocolate makers were also making their mark. Cadbury, another British powerhouse, was famous for its dairy milk chocolate, a recipe that was perfected around this time. The packaging, often ornate and illustrative, was as much a part of the appeal as the sweet treat itself.

Soft Drinks and Spirits

Before the advent of widespread refrigeration, beverages were a significant part of daily life. For those seeking something beyond water, a variety of soft drinks were emerging.

Carbonated drinks, often flavored with fruit essences, were gaining popularity. Think of ginger beer, lemonade, and various cordials, often sold in distinctive glass bottles.

For the adults, spirits continued to be a staple. Gin, whisky, and rum were widely consumed, with specific brands establishing their reputations.

The local pub was often the social hub, and the drinks served reflected the tastes of the time.

The Beehive Pub Moor Row Illustration

From Soap to Stoves

Life in 1900 was certainly different from today, but many household goods were recognisable. 

Soap, for instance, was essential for hygiene, and brands like Sunlight Soap (introduced in 1884 by Lever Brothers) were becoming household names. These soaps were often advertised for their cleaning power and purity. 

Cooking was primarily done on coal or wood-fired stoves, a far cry from modern gas or electric ranges. Kitchen utensils, while simpler, were built to last, often made of cast iron or enamel. Imagine the clanking of pots and pans as a hearty meal was prepared over an open flame.

The closure of many of these small shops is a sad reality of modern life, but their memory endures. They fostered a sense of belonging and self-sufficiency that defined Moor Row for generations.

Next time you pass through, take a moment to imagine the hustle and bustle that once animated the village streets, powered by the spirit of local Cumbrian trade.

Armstrongs Of Moor Row Illustration