Sold c 1895
Thomas Asbury, Matlock Bath
Thomas Asbury (born 1867) arrived in Matlock Bath from Stoke on Trent,
Staffordshire just before 1891 and set up business as a chemist
and druggist. He was joined by his mother Sarah, a widow, and his
sister Martha. By 1901 he had married Alice Hawley, and had two children.
His business was in Derwent terrace and North Parade, in the centre of
Matlock Bath. In 1891 he had a shop assistant boarding, and a general
servant. In 1901 his sister in law was assisting in the shop, and
a domestic servant was still available.These details can be found in the
1901 and
1891 Census.
One of the items Thomas sold was a tin of tooth paste, in the form of a powder, tasting of areca nut and cherry, and claimed to preserve the teeth and gums. Tooth powder in a tin was common before tooth paste in a tube was on the market. Wikipedia states " In the early 1800s, the toothbrush was usually used only with water, but tooth powders soon gained popularity. Most were home made, with chalk, pulverized brick, and salt being common ingredients. An 1866 Home Encyclopedia recommended pulverized charcoal, and cautioned that many patented tooth powders then commercially marketed did more harm than good".
Dates:
Photo taken:
Size:
Source:
Click on photo for enlargement (on CD only)
Have any more information about this photo?
Please e-mail the author on:
Click on photo for enlargement (on CD only)
Have any more information about this photo?
Please e-mail the author on: