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Interview with William Henry ('Harry') Watterson about working as a souvenir shop proprietor in Peel, 1960-1987

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Date(s): 20 September 1999

Creator(s): Manx Heritage Foundation

Scope & Content: Tracks 1 and 2: Harry Watterson talks to John Beckerson about his life as a Souvenir Shop proprietor in Peel (1960-87) and memories of other tourism work in Douglas before 1960. He talks about his family; Belmont Terrace; Prospect Hill; Victoria Street and Douglas. He says he worked originally for Gores a wholesale sweet and rock confectioner’s in the late 1960s in their offices; at first, he helped his father, but when an old rep retired Harry decided he would like a go at being a rep; he started part-time and he became full time; he mentions time and motion man (Nevill) from UK who would come and monitor the reps; how he would show how the reps helped the shop and kiosk sellers decide what to buy, tell them what the special offers were and how much they owed him; how shop keepers andrReps in the same street or town would be supportive of each other; he says some kiosk owners would only open in the summer months and he says Town Commissioners like Lesley Kelly would be very helpful to tourists, compiling and printing guidebooks for towns (e.g. Peel) and helping them find places to stay.

Administration / Biographical History: William Herny Watterson born on 21 July 1922 in Douglas. John Beckerson, researcher, born 1974.

Language: English

Extent: 1 hr. 19 min. 46 sec.

Item name: cassette tape

Collection: Sound Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: SA 2019-0001/4

Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.

Subject tags : #UOSH

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