Fitts' 15 Years of
Progress.... By 1934!
In our last week Chat Column, our contributors
caused quite a stir with information on the old Fitts Motors
Group ranging from a trike in Australia to a Company Driving
Licence wallet in Yorkshire (If you missed it, click
here)! Now, Barry Tilley picks up the
story back here in Whitstable with a fascinating piece of
memorabilia..... an advertising booklet from 1934! It gives our
research a massive boost
Let's take a look......
That cover page shows the familiar
frontage in Tankerton Road and some very old petrol pumps. One
of the signs provides evidence of a division of Fitts that
no-one has yet mentioned - the taxi office! I'll let our
visitors name those new and second hand cars on the
forecourt! It'll keep everyone busy around the globe during the
next week or so.
The summary page below provides a short
pictorial history.....
... and the booklet continues with
some detailed information, a synopsis of the 'modern' services
offered during the 1930s and some wonderful illustrations....
I just love that photo of the Repairs and
Servicing Department. I presume the car in the bottom of
the picture shows just how thorough a service could be! It also
explains the comments of many satisfied customers....
It is quite clear that respect for Fitts
extended well beyond the boundaries of Whitstable and the county
of Kent.
Thanks to Barry, we now know that it all started back in 1919 and
that it grew rapidly in the Tankerton area during the 1920s and
1930s. There is no mention of the Faversham or Margate garages
and, so, I presume that they may have arrived in later years.
However, the booklet indicates that Fitts operated in Herne Bay
from at least 1925.....
Other operations that are not mentioned include
the invalid carriage (MoH) department, body works (Northwood
Road) and engineering works (Westmeads Road).
I am going to need time to assimilate all this
material.... BUT I thought you would all like to get an early
viewing so that you can contribute some thoughts!
Thank You, Barry....
I know you would all like me to thank
Barry Tilley for taking the time to scan and forward the
contents of the booklet. These things take a lot of time and
effort and Barry's work is much appreciated by all at Simply
Whitstable.
Comments...
|
Can you supply more
information?
If you want to comment on any item on this page,
please ...
click here.
We will insert your views immediately below the
relevant article. |
Return to Chat Menu
|
