I am trying to find out more about my great-great Aunts, Louisa (1857-1905) and Kate Richardson (1860-1939). Louisa married Joseph Charles Smith in 1890, Kate married George Whatham Ward in 1894. Both have been named as milliners in the censuses. Louisa in 1901, Kate in 1881 and 1891.

In the 1901 census, I believe Louisa had a shop at 205 Crookes Valley Road (now Beanies wholefoods). Beanies have sent me an 1890 map showing Crookes Valley Road wasn't there at this point. I would love to know the name of the shop,w as it new, and if Louisa's children carried on with it.

Also where Kate may have worked. Are there any directories for milliners/drapers?

Any help with uncovering more would be much appreciated.

All the best,
Sue

Hi Sue,

In the newspapers, between 1896 and 1899, there are various ads put in by
Mrs Smith, 205 Crookes Valley Road.
"Wanted, Apprentices to Millinery: also for sales".
"Wanted, good general servant, country girl preferred".
"Girl wanted, about 16,as general, to sleep out".
"To be sold,a good double Mailcart, in perfect condition, a bargain".

Moira.

Dear Moira,Thank you very much for this.

PictureShefield has photographs of Crookes Valley Road, including No 205. In the 1950/60s it was Booths Ladies Outfitters.
Dave
Edit this may be coincidental, but Your great aunt had a daughter Hilda Smith.
A Hilda Smith married a Booth in Sheffield in 1922.

Thanks very much Dave. Much appreciated.

Directories

205 Crookes Valley Rd
1905 Smith & Richardson Fancy drapers & milliners
1911 Mrs Pattie Robinson milliner
1925 HODGKINSON, Annis (Miss, Milliner).

Hugh

This is great. Thanks Hugh :).

Hi Hugh,

Please could you tell me what info you typed into 'directories' to find these names and dates? Thanks.