• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Lewis's Department Store

I worked the basement DIY dept and remember Kevin Dallow, he was a friendly funny guy, named me Tom Thumb because of a missing digit, he even engraved my tape measure. Good to hear he is doing okay, I'm trying to do the math, he must be close to 70 now. I remember the man on the shoe repair, Ray I think, both of them seemed pretty good guys. I recall the tragic accident, when one of the servicemen, fell down the lift shaft, I think that before I started working there in 1970. I also remember the great Christmas dances at the Top Rank, trying to chat up the girls who worked there too, didn't get too far, but became friends, oh the good old days. John Beard was the assistant manager where I worked, I recall a Don Jenkins getting fired I think for threatening a customer, and Kasturi Ram ne Juba, probably wrong spelling, but he was one of two chemical engineers working on the DIY dept, because of lack of jobs in their fields. Staurt Hanna rings a bell too, Larry Dennigan used to be the man who cut the shelving and laminate sheets, he showed me how to do it too. Larry sure could drink, I tried to drink with him ONCE, big mistake. I remember a Gwen, lovely older lady who worked that department, I think her last name may have been Elder?? The pay was not good, but I have great memories.
 
Hi Plumjones, I pop into Kevin's Shop every week in Chasetown. he's got two deck chairs right by a big radiator. so we sit there reminiscing about his time at Lewis,s and what he got up to around Brum. While his Wife Vickie is doing the C.N.C engraving at the back of the shop!
 
Hi John,
Thanks for the contact, if you wouldn't mind, please give Kevin my best regards, I am not sure if he would rmember me, I was just 17, right out of school and Kevin and a few others, made working there, pleasurable. Kevin seemed to always have a smile and some friendly teasing. I worked at Lewis's for a year or two and after a couple of factory jobs, Slumberland and Serck Heat Transfer, I emigrated to Canada and went back to retail, Iguess it was where I was meant to be. Anyway, thanks again, best wishes, David Jones (Tom Thumb)
 
I think I posted this but on another thread which I can't find now, sorry! My Uncle was Restaurant Manager in Birmingham, Liverpool and finally Hanley for a few years. I hope this Leeds menu from Friday 16th 1934 brings back a few memories even if we weren't around at the time.

s_Menu_1934_281000_x_82229.jpg

s_Menu_1934_2_281000_x_80429.jpg
 
Wow David! Fascinating to look through that old menu - if only the prices were the same now eh?

Judy
 
Yes Judy, I'm surprised that there are so many "exotic" dishes, West Indian Turtle Soup, Bortch a la Russe, Homard Americaine etc.
 
True David. It was a very large and adventurous menu for those days!

My Auntie worked on the make-up counter in Lewis's before the war, but left when the war started to work in a munitions factory. I wonder if she knew your Uncle?

Judy
 
David, I wish I could ask my Auntie but she died 21 years ago. Her name was Evelyn Hanson.

Judy
 
It does not matter what year that advert came out, it was certainly right. Lewis's was where you could get anything, from a kettle to an ice cream. Pity we don't have that kind of shop any more, shopping has changed and not for the better.
 
I could not agree more Shortie, I remember when going shopping with our mom was as good as a day out. Sadly, as things have progressed it has got worse and shopping in most supermarkets now is dreadful. That is why Sheila and I go away from Birmingham a short way to do ours. It really is much nicer shopping in smaller shops out of town. We do sometimes use M&S in Harborne but for Morrison's and the like we have a drive to Bromsgrove or further.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I used to like popping into Lewis's for fabrics to make skirts in the days when I was really slim. A half yard would do me quite nicely for a pencil skirt. I liked what shopping I did then, now I hate it and get lots of things online. I have M&S stuff delivered to the store (no delivery charge) try on at home and then return to the store if it's not suitable, and use many other online sites such as Minuet for clothes. I suppose buying things online has made me dislike shopping more and more. I just about put up with food shopping!
 
I agree with "Shortie" too what a marvelous shop Lewis's was and were't we lucky to have lived in that period when shopping was an outing and high adventure.
paul
 
Fantastic present Keegs! I was one of those kids that found Santa a bit too scary. And as for him being able to come down your chimney .... well, even scarier! Viv.
 
Love your photo Keegs! Those were the days eh? Queuing up all those stairs to see him with such anticipation!
 
Vivienne14 said:
Fantastic present Keegs! I was one of those kids that found Santa a bit too scary. And as for him being able to come down your chimney .... well, even scarier! Viv.
Click to expand...
I had two younger sisters that found Lewis's Uncle Holly realy scary.As long as there was a present a the end of it,it was all ok with me !
 
Jayell said:
Love your photo Keegs! Those were the days eh? Queuing up all those stairs to see him with such anticipation!
Click to expand...

Oh Yeah,and I loved the themed grotto and the Christmas window displays.Mom and Dad always took us to watch the Big Red guy arrive at Lewis's.Then we Knew Christmas was realy here.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top