History – A look around the Wellsford shops

A 1960s newspaper clipping recalls the time when country people could buy everything they needed locally. Beginning, ‘Hello there, girls. With lightning and thunder traversing the northern skies, and daylight hours closing in, it’s time to be ready for the onset of winter’, the article gives a chatty round-up of goods appealing to Wellsford’s lady customers.

“Norman Gall for the latest in winter hats – mannish, the Pilgrim look or even the Lady Wilder look (from that great British TV drama The Planemakers).” You could order these hats in any colour to match your ensemble or coat.
“Coat time Culpan’s, with coats in all the latest fabrics, styles and colours. Wool coats, with or without fur collars, foam-backs or wool jersey.” Culpan’s also stocked a bewitching range of hats.

If children had outgrown last winter’s shoes, Russell’s Footwear had a comprehensive stock of toddlers’ imported shoes. Older children could have black and brown patents, with sling-backs for the girls.

Wigs apparently aroused quite an interest in the Lower North and Kathleen Anne had a dandy range. Ringlets were then the most popular, but there were also plaits, wigs, wiglets and falls in every hair shade.

Brides-to-be could purchase trousseau items from Distinctive Gowns and Footwear. In stock were some beautiful shortie pyjama sets, including a gorgeous one in flame with black trimmings.  There was a choice selection of ‘Prestige’ lingerie, including large sizes.

For the men in their lives, it was ‘Jacket Time’ at Reg Carmont’s. ‘White Stag’ jackets by Canterbury in 100 per cent laminated nylon and Swandri all wool jackets which were guaranteed waterproof.

Across the road at Teeny’s Baby and Children’s Wear, you could see a three-piece, ultra modern teenage trouser suit with mini-skirt, three-quarter double-breasted jacket and full length slacks.  Teeny’s also sold bras by Fayreform, ‘the most delightful, comfortable and well designed bras in town’.

A final stop could be at Te Hana Stores, where there was a good supply of raincoats in various colours for ladies and children. Also in stock were warm white blouses for the basketball season and, to while away the long winter evenings, ‘Fontana’ and ‘New Era’ knitting wools.

Those were the days!

Source : Lower North Weekly News clipping (abridged); Halfpenny Scrapbook #7 1967/68; Albertland Heritage Centre.