The Good Old Shops

A Memory of East Ham.

I was born in Hatherley Gardens in 1951. My memories are of all the lovely shops that were around, I wonder if anyone can remember some of them? Salters Prams, Larkins Sweet Shop, Rowes Sports, Hamlets estate, Economic Stores, Cohens furnishers, Bertwistles chip shop, Slaters show repairs, Greenwoods, Eddy Grimsteads, Streletts Junk Shop, Greens Surplus Stores, East Ham Pet Stores, Hill Bros Fishmongers, Alex's Barbers, Ravels Shoes, Bricks Fashion opposite the Denmark, they are just some that come to mind. I hope they bring back fond memories to you. I remember by first Saturday job, working in the Co-op butchers opposite St John's Road, saving up to my my Mod shoes in Ravels, then my tonic mohair suit from Michael Throns Tailors, shirt from Take Six, Brent & Collins. Great times. Saturdays were always good for strolling down the High Street with your friends, having a pint or two in the Black Lion or the Cock before going home and trying on your new attire in readiness for the night ahead. So sad to see such a nice area go downhill, but the memories will stay.