HERE we have another lovely image from a collection loaned to us by John and Kath Bloore of Kingswinford.
Now long gone, there was a time when George Mason was a very well known name in these parts, being something of a local chain with branches in several Black Country towns. The branch p-ictured was in Blackheath, where Kath's family lived for some years. Her mother, Alice Jones, or Alice Massey as she still was at this point, is the young woman at far right. The picture dates from the late twenties or early thirties.
As is often the case with these old shopfront pictures, there's a wealth of fascinating detail to be picked over if your eyes are sharp enough. There are hams hanging, steaks and bacon piled high, and smaller cuts of meat individually priced across the front of the window.
And there are adverts for margarine, 'Fine Cooking Rice’ for 2d, Starch for 3d, Pearl Tapioca for 2d, and a list of George Mason's own confectionery on the left hand side. To the side of the door is a poster for Mason's own tea — Fine Blend Indian and Ceylon is 8d; Very Choice Tippy Tea is 9d, and George Mason's Golden Tips is 8d
