Margaret Webster and the mystery Chorlton building ……..

Now anyone who is not fascinated by the minutia of local history should turn away.

But for the rest this is the story of that tiny retail unit which occupies the space next to LewisBet on Wilbraham Road.

Today it is RJ’s Barber Shop, and back in 1956 it was part of the Maypole Grocery Shop.

But there was a time in the early 20th century when the extension didn’t exist and in its place was a wrought iron arch which stood above what I guess was the entry to the rear of the Maypole which opened in 1909.*

And that is the mystery, because I have often pondered on just when the entry became a building.  

In 1907, it is an entry, and by 1933 it is a building, which for now is the closest I will get.

Now I grant you as mysteries go it ain’t Agatha Christie or even a Sexton Blake but I am intrigued by the wrought iron arch behind the Maypole grocery shop at number 41 Wilbraham Road.

But I am pleased that Margaret Webster has helped move the story on, because in 1937 she was advertising in the Chorlton and Wilbrahamton News, a sale at 585a Wilbraham Road, which she aptly called Stocking House.  

There were a mix of pure and heavy silk stockings at reduced prices which she urged “Buy NOW For Holidays!”

I went looking for Margret Webster, and found one on Vincent Avenue and two more dotted around Chorlton, none for various reasons quite fitted the profile.

And so for now that is it.  But at least I have a name to put towards the little building, and it may be that Margaret Webster was its first occupant.

We shall see.

Location; Chorlton-cum-Hardy

Picture; advert from  the Chorlton and Wilbrahamton News, 1937, from the collection of Maggie Watson, and the Maypole Dairy Wilbraham Road, circa 1909, from the Lloyd Collection

*The mystery behind the Maypole on Wilbraham Road, https://chorltonhistory.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-mystery-behind-maypole-on-wilbraham.html