Shop On Wheels

IW Observer 8 July 1922
In these progressive days it is only natural that merchants and purveyors should keep up-to-date in regard to the quick transit of goods by motor to the scattered towns and villages, and in this direction commendable enterprise is show by Messrs Eynon and Son, High-street, in a “Shop-on-Wheels” which this week commenced a regular delivery to Springvale, Seaview, Nettlestone, St. Helens, Bembridge and Brading, and to Binstead and Wootton every Wednesday and Saturday.

The new motor delivery van is a small serviceable vehicle, nicely painted in blue by Mr. Grinham, with the appetising inscription “Dairy fed pork and Royal pork sausages” prominently displayed.  This van was supplied by Downing and Donovan, of Union-street, and has given complete satisfaction.

The 1910 Kelly’s Directory shows Joseph William Eynon & Son (William) having two premises, 161 and 162 High Street, Ryde.
The 1920 and 1927 directories just show them at number 161.
By 1931 the Eynon name does not show at all, and another occupier was at number 161.

Unfortunately, the enterprise and forward thinking did not have the desired effect, as Joseph William Eynon was declared bankrupt in 1926.  He was also found to have a previous bankruptcy case against him in September 1908 at West Bromwich, as related in the Birmingham Mail.

IW Observer 28 August 1920
Considerable excitement was caused in the vicinity of High Street on Thursday afternoon through the outbreak of a fire which at one time looked serious but which, thanks to the prompt action of the police, fire brigade and civilian assistance, did not spread to the surrounding property.

About 4.20 p.m. a telephone message was received at the Police station from Mr. J. Eynon, pork butcher, 161 High Street, that his slaughter house at the rear of his premises had  caught fire.  The Fire Brigade under Chief Officer Jolliffe were at once summoned and on arrival found the loft at 160 and 161 was well alight, a defective chimney being responsible for the outbreak causing the floors and roof to become ignited.  The brigade worked hard, but the loft which was used as a store by Mr Rumsey, cycle dealer, was entirely burnt out.  Fortunately Mr Hapgood, of the garage, John Street, who was early on the scene, rendered timely and valuable assistance in removing the oil and other inflammable contents, thus averting immediate danger.

The owner of the property was Mrs Dewing, Pellhurst Road and was insured, Messrs Wallis Riddett and Co. being the agents

 Notes:
From the history books, we know that for hundreds of years, people have used various forms of transport to convey their goods to market, and the above article praises the mobile shop as being a very modern innovation.

According to the “Commercial Vehicle Archive,” The Mobile Shop, the shop on wheels, is not an innovation.  For many years past certain classes of peregrinating traders, and notably those who sell their wares in the various market places, have made use of light motet chassis fitted with different types of body suitably equipped to accommodate the goods in which the user trades.  These vehicles invariably attract a lot of attention, and, as the result of giving the user a distinct advantage over his less enterprising competitors, brings him additional business.

Source: IW Observer and The Commercial Vehicle Archive
Image: RSHG Archive and IW Times
Article: Ann Barrett