Following my mother’s death in 2020, I became custodian of my parents’ private documents, it was not until late last year I needed to search for a document buried among the papers I came across an invoice. I scrutinised the invoice and realised it was dated 24th November 1923. Why it was in my parents’ possession was a total mystery particularly as this document pre-dated my parents’ births. The invoice for its age is in good condition and itemised and costed all the purchases made by a Mrs Parish.

To put this into context and why possibly my parents had it, I can only assume. We lived in Harlow New Town, Essex from 1962 to 1977. My father was a keen historian and I can only think that this caught his eye at a flea market and he decided to salvage it.

My curiosity took over and I decided to research this fascinating piece of history, and it led me down an avenue I could never have envisaged.

The invoice dated 24th November 1923 was for Mrs Parish of items sold to her from the 19th Nov to 23rd Nov 1923 by shopkeeper Arthur Riley, of the Post office, Burnt Mill, Harlow, Essex.

Mrs Parish paid her bill of 9 shillings in full on the 26 Nov 1923. The invoice provides a fascinating insight into the items she brought, including some Steedman’s – research confirms this was a powder to soothe teething babies. So did Mrs Parish have a young child, or was it her grandchild?

(Incidentally, I went to the comprehensive school at Burnt Mill).

So, who was Arthur Riley, I did a little research on him, he was born on 3 March 1869 in Aldershot, Hampshire. In the 1911 census, he was assisting in the Grocer & General stores at The Post Office at Netteswell Cross, Burnt Mill, Harlow, he was married to Mary Elizabeth (Hazleton) and had four sons and one daughter, Francis Arthur in 1895, Thomas William in 1896, Cyril Patrick in 1898, Jack Donald in 1900, and Clara Eileen in 1904 it transpires he and his wife sadly lost three of their sons in WWI having previously lost their only daughter at just six months old. Mother Mary Elizabeth died in 1919.

By 1921 Arthur had remarried and was the Postmaster he also had a business as a grocer and general store owner.

By 1939 now aged 69 years he was living at Odd Spot, Netteswell Cross, Burnt Mill, Harlow, Essex he was a grocer & Provision dealer. Arthur retired in 1940. His death aged 86 on 15 July 1955 was reported in the Herts & Essex Observer on Friday 22 July 1955.

However, the story does not end here, following my discovery, I made the decision to try and locate Arthur’s descendants and return the invoice to them. This piece of memorabilia was too important to lose.

Returning home

My starting point to locate any family members began with Facebook, I belong to the Facebook page of Photos of Harlow – Old & New. I posted the image and preamble of the information I had found out about Arthur Riley; the interest was amazing. The post provoked so many comments and memories for those who still remember the post office, Arthur and his family. One person recalls their great aunt working for Arthur as a servant. A photo of the Post Office was shared, along with a photo of Arthur. I just love the car parked outside.

That same afternoon I received a message from Arthur’s granddaughter who was delighted to see this piece of family memorabilia and it being returned to the family. It transpires this was the only item that has survived from the Post Office. We had a lovely telephone conversation and I learnt so much more about Arthur his family and the post office.

This one piece of memorabilia has evoked memories for many, gave an insight into life in Harlow in 1923, and extended the family history of the Riley family. The family took receipt of the invoice in January 2024.

As for Mrs Parish, who knows, what we do know is that she frequented the post office regularly, had her items on tick, and settled her debts in a timely manner.