ON TUESDAY, September 2, members of Dorking Local History enjoyed a trip down memory lane, revisiting the Degenhardt drapers' store, formerly of South Street, Dorking, led by Sue Hoad, granddaughter of Charles Degenhardt.
Charles Degenhardt Drapers came to Dorking in 1906, when the newly-married Charles and Susie rented 76 South Street, previously Charles Newitt's store, from Attlees, the Dorking corn merchant. Charles was the son of immigrant parents, his father being a baker in London, and he trained as a draper's assistant, as did his wife-to-be.
They had four daughters and a son, some of whom followed their parents' example, to complete apprenticeships and return to join the family business.
In 1907, advertisements told of items to be bought including umbrellas and sunshades, gloves, socks, blouses and corsets. In 1925, the freehold of the property was bought and adjoining premises were incorporated in the store, including "the arcade".
Sue took members on a pictorial tour of the store. On entering, the right-hand side had the fabrics and on the opposite side were the fancy goods (lace, ribbons, cottons etc).
Beyond were the dresses and coats, leading to the millinery. Going past the underwear and corset department and up a level was the children's department, selling clothes and school uniforms. The basement was used for storage and the arcade was an additional display area.
Everyone who ever visited Degenhardt's must recall the vacuum system used to send money from sold goods to the upstairs office, where the ticket was stamped and then returned, with change, to the customer downstairs – to a child it was a magical sight.
Customer service allowed items to be taken home on approval and goods bought on account. The long-serving staff enjoyed a good working environment where, at the end of a trading day, items were all covered over, the floors were dusted and swept ready for the following day.
Charles and his wife both died in 1954 but the family continued trading until, finally, the decision was made to close the shop in 1979. In its place now stand "Bits and Bobs", retaining the original shop front, and Santander.
The next Dorking Local History Group's meeting is on Tuesday (October 1), for a talk about The Broom family, of Sondes Place Farm. The meeting is at The Friends Meeting House at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome.
For more details contact Peter Camp on 888123.
