Records of A. G. Smith & Son, Coal Merchants and furniture removals, 24-29 High Street,...

These records relate to a coal merchant, furniture removals, storage and transport business which operated from 24-26 High Street, Sheerness from 1913. After the death of its founder, A.G. Smith, in 1963, his son G.D. Smith, carried on the business until his own death in 1983. Thereupon the coal merchant side of the business was sold to Stutchbury Fuels and the Furniture removals business wound up. Most of the company's records were destroyed, except for these deposited by another son of A.G. Smith.

From the deeds and the deposition made by S.L. Smith (See U2752/T10), one can trace the process whereby the business acquired new premises and expanded to include a warehouse, lorry park and repair workshop. A.G. Smith first resided on the premises at 24 High Street, but later moved out to 'Jessima', Shurlands Avenue.

The early photograph of removals wagons and the illustrations of lorries on the company stationery show the types of vehicles used. The account books provide information on staff employed and the wide area covered by the removals business, including arranging shipment abroad. Much of the removal business concerned personnel from Sheerness dockyard. The depositor used to be employed on the removals side of the business (See U2752/B3). He is an excellent source of information on the business and his father.

The collection also includes documents relating to the professional training of John and Stuart, two of A.G. Smith's sons, reflecting his concern for their advancement.

Correspondence from solicitors and estate agents about the sale of the premises in 1983-84 has been returned to the depositor.

Deposited 16 November 1984