Finlay and Co tobacconists

[Vivienne14]

The business was started by John H. Finlay, as well as selling tobacco products, some outlets sold newspapers and confectionery. Outlets were not only shops but also kiosks located where footfall was high such as near train stations. The business closed in 1989.

There was a shop on Easy Row (first two photos) and a kiosk on Navigation Street (third photo posted by the late Oldmohawk). Another location is shown in a photo posted by SteveBhx on the Old Birmingham photos thread (post #242) This Finlay shop was at 189 Corporation Street, to the right of the Ruskin Buildings entrance (modern Streetview attached). Location of the businesses all indicate these were once very busy streets.

 

[Radiorails]

Wonderful collection of older cars, most, if not all, were not rare. What is rare is the BCT bus. Fleet numbers 1320 - 1323 with registration numbers FVP 320 - FVP 323 were delivered to BCT in 1941 and were the first 8ft. wide buses for BCT. Originally destined for Johannesburg, but not delivered due to WW2. Due to their extra width the were initially restricted to certain routes - 9 Quinton was a regular route - and could be identified by their white steering wheels.

 

[pjmburns]

1936 Kelly's directory entry



By 1940 the entry read

 

[Vivienne14]

Thanks Janice. I think the 1940 entry for Finlays at 193 Corporation Street is the same as Streetview in post #. #189 is the left-hand side of the Ruskin Buildings entrance - my mistake.

Presumably the Navigation Street address is the kiosk - photo #3. Is this shown on a map ? It looks like it overhangs/juts out over the railway beneath - or it could be the way the photo was taken. Now wondering if it was more than a kiosk and rather a more solidly built structure.

 

[mikejee]

193 certainly is very small (in red)

 

[pjmburns]

1932

 

[Vivienne14]

193 certainly is very small (in red)

View attachment 230483

Finlays must have moved or had two outlets on Corporation Street at some point. The one below looks like a regular shop, so perhaps the one on Mike's map was more of a kiosk. The smaller one was on a different side of the street and opposite the Law Courts.

And could there have been some renumbering of premises along Corporation Street ? Or is there an error re the numbering of the premises next to Ruskin Buildings in the photo below ?

 

[Vivienne14]

Like many other tobacco companies, Finlay's issued cigarette cards. Finlays existed from at least 1847. Can't say I remember any of their products or even seeing the name on products. Is a 'rolled cartridge' a cigarette or cigar ?

 

[pjmburns]

1969 phone book entry


1970 entry

 

[pjmburns]

I'm confused Mike's map post #5 seems to show 193 opposite the Law Courts and by Central Hall.
The 193 by Ruskin Buildings is opposite the Central Hall on the other side of the street.

1940 directory definitely lists Finlay's next to Ruskin Buildings

 

[Vivienne14]

Me too Janice ! Can't seem to make sense of it.

 

[pjmburns]

Glad I'm not the only one.
What date is Mike's map?

 

[Vivienne14]

Yes, we're a digit missing Janice ! Hopefully Mike can let us know.