J. Scurrah, Tailor

Like many Ipswich residents over the years, John Scurrah worked at Cribb & Foote. He managed the tailoring department and was Head Cutter  from 1902-1906. On Wednesday 11 July 1906 he opened his own tailoring establishment in Nicholas Street after purchasing the business of H. W. Goldspink. He described himself as a practical tailor. Worsteds, tweeds and suitings were available.

Scurrah's business did well and at the end of 1908 he moved to new premises located next to Isaac Ham's Coffee Palace, still in Nicholas Street. As the business continued to thrive, John Scurrah began to visit Rosewood every Saturday to further offer his tailoring service in that town. 

John's son Albert joined him at work and by 1914 the firm was known as J. Scurrah & Son. At the beginning of 1920 at about 70 years of age John retired leaving the business for his son to carry on. Although their partnership in the company was effectively dissolved, Albert chose to continue trading as J. Scurrah & Son. 

An unusual incident occurred in October 1927 when an out of control sulky backed into  a front shop window at Scurrah's and caused it to break.

The firm was a part of Ipswich for 22 years. In March 1928, City Men's Outfitters opened in the premises recently vacated by J. Scurrah & Son.