Topliss, Grocer and Draper, Waltham c1921.

A real photo of one of the Topliss shops in Waltham. This view was taken from Brigsley Road. The postcard was produced by The Doncaster Rotophoto Co. Ltd. who were only in business for a few years either side of 1920.

Amongst the enamelled signs on the shop, are those advertising Cadbury’s, Van Houten’s Cocoa, Old Friend Tobacco, Will’s RCV Tobacco and Brasso Polish.

The signpost points left to Caistor, Brigg and Barton and right to Tetney and Marshchapel.

Today, the Topliss shop is Canvas Pitstop.

I am very grateful to Alan Fletcher who sent these additional notes: “What a fantastic old photo. I have never seen a picture of the crossroads prior to the cenotaph being there. It was taken from Brigsley Road. The double-fronted house next to Topliss’ was Eddie Belk’s hardware store. In between was the Fire Station. The two front bays must have been removed along with the garden and railings to form the parking area we see today. This Topliss shop was known as ‘the branch’ when I was a lad. The main shop being on Ludgate Hill. A lady called Miss Ward, a friend of the family, worked there for many years.

When you look closely at the signpost, it clearly reads Caistor, pointing down towards Barnoldby-le-Beck. It is difficult to imagine how that junction evolved. There doesn’t appear to be enough room for how it is today.

Eddie Belk’s was a village Bakery at one point. I remember him showing me the ovens at the rear of the shop. I don’t know at what point the house was converted.”