Harrison Gibbisons Fire
Though this picture is dated 1955, I think its actually later than this. The reason for this is that about 1960 the Harrison Gibbison shop had a big fire that not only destroyed that shop but also Selfridges next door. This picture shows the Selfridges store after it had been rebuilt after that fire. Also looking further down the high road I can the Marks & Spencer store this was not built until 1965.
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RE: RE: Harrison Gibbisons Fire
As far as I can recall Harrison and Gibsons store burnt down in 1959, the store next door was actually called Moultons at the time. I think it only suffered smoke and heat damage but I was only 9-10 at the time.
My father, Arthur Elliott was Harrison and Gibsons dispatch manager, he also used to check out the building last thing at night, it was on the night of the fire that he reported smoke and the smell of petrol, draw your own conclusions.
We lived in a company house next door to the rear shop in Haverlock street. We were, as far as I know the only family to have the be rehoused after the fire.
Funny the things you remember, I recall the lead in the piano keys melted in the heat but our cat who took refuge under the stairs survived without any ill effect!
Comment from David Elliott on Wednesday, 11th June 2008.
RE: RE: Harrison Gibbisons Fire
I remember well Harrison Gibson's fire. My grandparents Alfred and Mabel Bott founded the Ajax Co. further down the road, almost opposite the Regal Cinema - my father was the mannaging director after my grandfather died - I could see the flames from my bedroom at our house on Chelmsford Gardens. We were very afraid that we would lose our shop. i believe the flames leaped over the shorter buildings and set fire to Moultons.
I now live in Las Vegas, Nevada but get home as often as possible. I have a lifelong friendship with a number of other Ilfordians from our Youth Group at St. Andrews Church on the Drive, as well as the Dramatic Society and Girl Guides. Would love to see comments from other friends from Highlands or Woodford County High. Great memories.
Comment from Hilary Green on Monday, 1st March 2010.