Show on mapThe remains of this painted sign can be found on the end of the row of houses at St Johns Well.
There are mentions of a “Moulding Mill” and ‘Hardwoods of every description stocked” but most of the paint is gone now. Does anyone have any ideas about the company and age of the sign ?
UPDATE : At first I thought it could have been “John B Smith & Co” who had a yard in the area, but many thanks to Ian who has come up with some great additional info and old photo which show its “Foster Brotherton & Co Ltd”
Foster Brotherton & Co Ltd
Timber Merchants?
Sawing, Planing & Moulding Mills
Joinery Manufacturers
Importers of Deals, Battens
???? Boards, Hardwoods
Link to older picture
http://www.picturestockton.co.uk/viewpage.aspx?id=2350
Theres a blog that says the IRA attacked and destroyed the sawmill by setting fire to it on 21st May 1921.
http://republic-of-teesside.blogspot.com/2012/01/fire-at-home-ira-war-on-teesside-1921.html
My great grandfather worked at Foster Brotherton.
He died at home in Stainsby Street, Thornaby on Tees on 2nd July 1909. His death certificate states that he died of “Heart failure following dilation arising from an accidental wrench whilst at work at Messrs Foster Brotherton & Co Timberyard.” He was aged 36 and a joiner by trade. My grandmother, his youngest daughter always understood that his work involved fitting out ships.
My first job was at Forster Brotherton in 1975,. Lyle Brotherton was the owner then before it was passed to his son, they were bought out by Magnet & Southern round about 1980.
In response to a couple of comments. I believe that during the fire of 2021, the tram station was next door, J.T. Dove Builders Merchant in the seventies. The trams were moved, which ran over and cut the fire hoses resulting in increasing the fire damage to FB & Co.
In 1975 there was exhibition in Johnny Walker square in front of the then Swallow hotel featuring the 150th anniversary of the first public railway in the world. The map of the Stockton to Darlington route show that the building where the FB & Co sign is sighted was the first ticket office.
Stephen, I was an apprentice joiner in the late seventies, but unfortunately do not remember you; Did you have a nickname?