Goole's Music Shop: Thomas Sheppard

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SHEPPARDS' MUSIC SHOP

THOMAS SHEPPARD started his business in 1887 aged 22 years at 16 Boothferry Road, Goole, a double fronted house, selling pianos, organs, violins etc. and sheet music.

He moved to 46 Boothferry Road in 1890 on the demolition of the premises to make way for the present day shops. In 1911 the numbering changed and number 46 became number 84 Boothferry Road.

Thomas had served a 7 year apprenticeship with Milne and Harris in Aire Street, Goole and was very well equipped to do all piano, organ, violin repairs and renovations. In 1894, an advertisement in the Goole Times stated that to buy a "New Walnut Piano" would cost 25 guineas cash. It had an iron frame, check action full tricord with inoised and gilded panels and sconces and a 10 year warranty. Music lessons were also available. By 1909 advertisements for phonographs and records were beginning to appear. Marconi Wireless was advertised in 1924.

Thomas' son was born in 1899. He was called Thomas Herbert and always known as Bert. He entered the business when he left school but he wasn't musical and took up repairs and was seriously into radio. He and his wife Alice, who started work in the shop at 18 years of age, took over the shop in the early 1930s when Thomas retired.

Pianos gradually faded in popularity and more emphasis was on radios, gramophones, records, music and later television.

Thomas passed away in 1952 and his son Bert in 1958. The business was then sold.