W. H. Purdon, tailor and outfitter, Hainton Street (Avenue), Grimsby by Edwin Noble c1905.

An original, posted (no stamp), real photographic postcard by the photographer Edwin Noble and addressed to New Zealand. The location of the shop was 145 Hainton Street (later Avenue), Grimsby.

William Henry Purdon was born in Skipsea, Bridlington in 1862. He was the son of Thomas Purdon, cordwainer, and Matilda Purdon (née Greenidge) of Skipsea. At the age of 18, William was an apprentice tailor in Nunkeeling with Bewholme in the East Riding of Yorkshire. William married Sarah Elizabeth Owen (1864-1947) in Sculcoates, Hull in 1891. From about 1893 until about 1898, the couple were living in Norwich, Norfolk where they had two children, Florence Winifred “Winnie” (1894-1959) and Edward Owen (1895-1962).

In 1901, the Purdon family were living at 145 Hainton Avenue, Grimsby where William has his tailor and outfitter’s shop, as shown in the picture. William, Sarah and Florence were still at the shop in 1921 and in 1939, although, by then, William had retired. William died on 29th April 1942. Sarah died on 3rd February 1947. The couple are buried in Scartho Road Cemetery, Grimsby. After Sarah’s death, Florence “Winnie” Purdon moved from 145 Hainton Avenue to 94 Patrick Street. She was last seen alive on 7th December 1959.

Edward Owen Purdon became a bookkeeper for the Great Central Co-operative Engineering and Ship Repairing Co. Ltd., Fish Docks, Grimsby and later became a coal merchant and haulage contractor in Cartergate, Grimsby. He married May Smith and they had a daughter, Joyce (1919-). Joyce, a hairdresser, married Seaman Allen Briggs at Flottergate Church in 1943. Edwin Owen Purdon, of 18 Lord Street, Grimsby, died on 16th February 1962. May Purdon, of 18 Lord Street, Grimsby, died on 26th December 1971. Allen and Joyce Briggs were living at 25 Sinderson Road, Humberston in the 1970s.

The postcard was written at 145 Hainton Street, Grimsby by Winnie. This must’ve been Florence Winifred “Winnie” Purdon (1894-1959). It is addressed to her Auntie, Mrs R. Owen, 10 Goldsmiths Street, Sydenham, Christchurch, New Zealand. The message reads, “Dear Auntie, This is the photo of our shop. We have just had it taken. Can you see our dog? We have had him four years. I hope you will have a happy Xmas. With love Winnie.”

The accomplished, fine art photographer, Edwin Noble (1867-1948), had a studio at 233 Freeman Street. He appears to have been there until at least 1942.

Research by Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum.