WEEK 42

George Jarvis at 70 Effingham Street

George Jarvis, born in 1888 in Rotherham, is my second cousin, twice removed and son of Eliza Jane Bowler Crossland and Frank Jarvis. In 1910, he married Gertrude Padley, in Rotherham.

Below is a newspaper article pertaining to the closure of his business due to pressures from a change in taxation laws. The S.E.T. was eventually replaced by V.A.T.

THE ADVERTISER, SAT., MAY 10th, 1969

‘Crucifying Tax’ leads to closure of another shop

The “crucifying” burden of S.E.T. has led to the decision to close another old-established Rotherham business – the town centre tobacco and confectionery shop of Mr. George Jarvis.

George Jarvis (advert) – 1930

Just a fortnight ago, “The Advertiser” revealed that increased delivery costs and Selective Employment Tax had forced one of the town’s oldest family grocery shops (Beaumont and Stevenson, at Wellgate) out of business.

Now, Mr. Jarvis, who is to close his Effingham Street shop on May 31st, or when present stocks run out, says his retirement is not something which he has sought.

George’s Effingham Street shop would have been along this row of shops (now demolished and replaced)

“Crucifying S.E.T. was the major cause of the decision to close down, he said.

It’s difficult

“The present Government have made things more and more difficult for the small shopkeeper, and I just can’t see small shops surviving in this particular trade,” he said.

Mr. Jarvis, whose business has also included wholesaling, added: “We in this trade have been working for a microscopic margin of profit, and now with the present legislation, plus cut price trading, the position is becoming impossible.”

Rotherham Steel Strip Classic Blade – 1937

One of Mr. Jarvis’ biggest regrets is that present retailing trends will bring an end to the personal service aspect of shopping of which he has been a champion for nearly half-a-century.

Mr. Jarvis owned two shops in Rotherham for more than 40 years, after first setting up his own business in 1919. His shop at Doncaster Gate was recently sold, and now his Effingham Street shop, which he has owned for 48 years, is to close.

Tusmore Street – 1966

Although he is still very active, Mr. Jarvis also feels that his health is not sufficiently good to maintain the pressure he requires of himself to stay in business, although he has no particular plans for filling his leisure hours.

Born at Tusmore Street, Rotherham, he moved into retailing after some time in the tailoring trade. Over the years, he developed a keen interest in horse racing, and has owned horses for several years, with 18 winners since 1954.

He now owns only one horse, Linton Spring, trained at Wetherby.

His biggest ever success was in 1955, when his Dalstar won £1,323 at Haydock in the John Buggins Nursery.