EARLIER this week, the business of R H White was officially sold after 116 years of professional service to the Stratford community.
"It really is the end of an era," said Peter White, former owner of the store, "I feel like one arm doesn't want to let go, while the other wants to move on."
It is hardly surprising that Peter, and his semi-retired father, Roger are in two minds about selling the business, given that they were the last in a long line of Whites running the store near the corner of Broadway and Regan Street.
Robert Henry White arrived in New Zealand from Tiverton, Devon, UK, in 1879, at the tender age of 19, with his cousin William.
Having done an apprenticeship in textiles, Robert found work in big department stores like Smith and Caughey's before opening his own store in Wanganui in 1893.
His first connection to Stratford came when he found himself overstocked and had to travel north to sell his surplus.
Robert realised the town's potential, sold up in Wanganui and established the Stratford store in 1910.
"At that time the building was in two halves," said Roger, "there were stables at the back and three shops out front."
Robert and his son Donald worked together in the store for many years, and Donald took over as owner in 1937.
His son Roger started working in the 1950s, before he took over in 1979 after Donald's death.
Roger, and son Peter, started working together in 1973 when Peter was 18, and together they kept the business going through what ended up being times of great change in both the retail, and the textile sectors.
"In the early days, Whites sold a huge range. We had ladies' wear, men's wear, dresses, fabrics, wool, mattresses, flooring, curtains, blinds, millinery, household linens, lots of things really and we did a lot of direct importing ourselves."
"At one time, we employed 18 staff, and they were all specialists at one thing or another."
As time went on and retailing changed in New Zealand, the Whites opted to reduce the number of lines they sold and specialise, dropping clothing and concentrating on the more economical household linens, flooring, curtains and blinds.
"I've always enjoyed curtains and blinds," said Peter, "and will continue to work in installation in future."
It was eight or so years ago that Maudette Brown came to work for Whites and three years ago, she expressed an interest in opening her own shop. At the time the Whites were wanting to specialise further in window treatments, while Maudette wished to work in sewing, knitting and craft supplies and the two came to an agreement Maudette opening her shop 'In Stitches' in one of the front shops, with the White's window treatments in the back.
More recently, the Whites have sold part of their original old store to Nelson's Bakery who have developed it into a caf?.
Now, with Whites selling up, what remains of their stock will be sold through Maudette and her shop, and Rosa and Peter Sharpe's 'Colour Plus' store - meaning that some part of the Whites' legacy will remain in Stratford.
As for Peter and Roger themselves, both are looking forward to the fresh start selling the business gives them, and while Roger plans to stay in the town, Peter will be heading to Northland to carry on working in window treatments there.
"We've loved dealing with the people of Stratford and have enjoyed having lovely and loyal clients for many years," said Roger.
"I'm looking forward to new challenges and new people, but I have always been grateful for the support the town has given us over the years," said Peter.
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