Henry & Mary Ann Allen

.NEW POSTMASTER. In 1914 Henry Allen was appointed Postmaster.   The 4^th Postmaster but still in the same property.

ADDED STOCK. These sub-post offices were by tradition general stores, but Henry Allen perhaps struck a different note with the very wide selection of goods on offer.  One speciality was pocket watches at 1/6d each (7.5p).   He had a large display in the window – all working.   He also bought discarded books from the circulating libraries which he offered at 2d or 3d each (about 1p)

TELEPHONE. The Post Office had a telephone, a rare thing just after WW2.   Opposite, in a small cottage lived Dr Ucko.   His practice was in London.   His patients would ring Henry Allen, who would signal to Dr Ucko by hanging a red handkerchief out of the bedroom window.