Postby dognose » Sun Sep 15, 2013 7:54 am
DAVID MITCHELL Ltd.
6, Castle Street, Belfast
Noted as having been robbed of £400 worth of jewellery in March 1895. The three offenders were caught and each received three years imprisonment.
The 1901 Irish Census entry for a David Mitchell living at 56, Antrim Road, Belfast probably refers. He was described as a 64 year old, Co. Down born Hardware Merchant. He was married to 50 year old, Co. Antrim born Eleanor. The live with their two daughters, Minnie 38, and Lizzie 36 years of age. The family's religion was recorded as Presbyterian. They have one live-in servant.
The 1911 Irish Census reveals that David is now a widower, he is still in the Hardware business and still living with his daughters and one live-in servant. Their address is now recorded a 7, Antrim Road, Belfast. The census records that David and Eleanor were married for 33 years. They had two children, both living.
The 1913 Belfast Telephone Directory lists David Mitchell as an Ironmonger and Jeweller, located at 6, Castle Street, Belfast.
MESSRS. DAVID MITCHELL, LTD.
Few establishments are more in favour with the public for the purchase of desirable gifts for this season than that of Messrs. David Mitchell, Ltd., Castle Street. Before entering the shop, one might as well abandon any preconceived idea as to what is the best article or articles to purchase, so many novelties abound in these well-filled showrooms. Variety is the keynote struck, accompanied, it may be added, by a pleasingly moderate scale of prices, which lends an added attraction to the display. On glancing over the premises, we notice that every yard of floor space is utilised to the best advantage, and the light is particularly good. To the left of the entrance is situated the jewellery and fancy goods department, in which are displayed an almost endless selection of goods. The stock of silver and gold jewellery is large, varied, and artistic, embracing gold and silver watches, chains, seals, bracelets, bangles, brooches, scarf pins, and studs. In the centre of the shop a magnificent suite of glass showcases are filled with a most artistic display of sterling silver and electro-plated articles, consisting of fish knives and forks, fruit spoons, cruets, preserve dishes, and teapots. To the right of the shop is arranged a very extensive assortment of albums, writing case, ladies' and gentlemens' fitted bags, dressing cases, hair brushes, purses, and knick-knacks. The quality of these goods is excellent, and, as already indicated, the prices at which they are being offered are extremely moderate. In the house furnishing department is displayed every cooking utensil a housekeeper could wish for. In this department are also shown floor and table lamps, silk shades, brass, copper, and wood coal vases, brass and copper tea kettles, cake stands, gongs, crumb trays, and fancy American rocking and children's chairs. If one may judge by the crowds of customers, Messrs. Mitchell are already experiencing the rush of the Christmas trade.
Source: Belfast Newsletter - 16th December 1899
Trev.