For many years, this was owned by Hunters the Grocers, who traded as 'the tea men'. In the late 20th Century, it was taken over by Readers as a shoe shop, and the 'K' shoe sign could be seen hanging over the entrance. It was then acquired by Chesters of Whitchurch, who sold greengrocery, sandwiches and spices.In 2010, Chesters closed and the shop remained empty for several years. However, in 2013, it was taken over as a butchery and given a major refit.
Hunters the Teamen
Hunters were founded in Mold by Soulby Hunter in the late 19th century. By the mid 20th Century, they had spread across much of northern Britain, with local branches in Pride Hill (Shrewsbury), Much Wenlock, Ellesmere, Bridgnorth, Oswestry, Wellington and Ludlow.Outside Shropshire, web records show they as far afield as Horncastle in Lincolnshire, Durham and Haltwhistle on the Scottish borders. They were described as 'wholesale and retail tea dealers, grocer and provision dealers and oil cake and agricultural seed merchants'. They were still trading in 1953, but since then they have apparently disappered.
The architecture
Architecturally, one of the most interesting features is the mysterious disappearance of the 2nd storey. Look closely at the line above the first storey window. The second storey, which was there during the time that Hunters owned it, has been removed and a flat roof substituted.At the back of No 49 was a magnificent dance room with an entrance into Noble Street.It had a sprung floor and the ceiling was covered with irridescent midnight blue tiles. These had suns and comets glittering on them. Sadly it was whitewashed over when taken over.
In 2013 the last remains of Wem's dancing past was removed as it had rotted to dust.
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