Had a trip to Salford Local History Library the other day. It's in the old Art Gallery next to the University. Small, comfortable and a friendly place to visit. One of the advantages of going is that it is never too busy. Another is that there is collection of Kelly's Street Directories that you can just pull of the shelf and browse. A bit battered but they do the job. The job was to see what other shops there were when the Co-op Stores opened in 1929.

Here is the answer:
Barlow Moor Road
343 Draper, Mrs. Margaret Duncan
345 Confectioner, George Smith
347 Florist, Joseph Cusick
349-351 Butchers and Grocers, M&SE Co-op
Here is Hardy Lane
355 Grocers, Brown & Clay
357 Confectioner, P Parker & Sons
359 Newsagent & Post Office, Mrs. Ethel Kelly
361 Draper, Mrs. Julia Fairbrother
363 Hardware, Mrs. Minnie Smith
365 Grocers, Mrs. Annie Forrest

Note there is no number 353. This has remained as an empty plot of land next to the Store and is now a car park for the Store. There was also no number 341, this site was built upon in the 1960's.

Back Seat

History has taken a bit of a lull at the moment due to other happenings. A trip to Salford Local History Library got cancelled last week. However with the weather going into the autumn phase there will be no distractions to spend time outdoors or on trips. The picture is of some handwritten minutes from the M&SE Co-op Grocery Committee back in 1929. I think for future generations the ability to read hand writing will be a skill that will be very uncommon. It's becoming a struggle for me - you need to get used to it again.