In it's early days, Berwick's Company Store, later to be called Guinan's, used an
overhead 'Cash Carrier' system to carry customers' payments from the sales assistant to
the cashier and to carry the change and receipt back again. Information about this system
can be found here.
A
cashier on the second floor handled the transaction and a locked cage for safety and
security surrounded her. This is only half of the cage and the whereabouts of the other
half is unknown.
The Company Store was located next to City Hall and the lot now houses a CVS Pharmacy.
A few years ago I was helping a person move from his home that was located about one block
away from this location. In his back yard I noticed a grape arbor and after some time
realized that it was no ordinary arbor. I asked him about it and he told me that many
years ago his father had pulled the piece off of a scrap heap behind the store and with
permission brought it to his yard to use as an arbor. I told him that it was a shame he
was leaving it there and he asked if I'd want it. Needless to say, I didn't refuse his
offer.
Although it's rusted, the lock still turns and is in good condition
The other side of the lock is in much better condition.
