The high street was the king of ladies’ fashion, and the word Amazon was strictly a reference to the South American rainforest.

When Armstrong’s the draper set up shop on Haltwhistle’s main street in 1926, local opinion was that it might not last.

But next weekend, staff past and present will join together to celebrate its 90th anniversary.

Now known as Armstrong Bridal & Fashion, it’s still the place to go for South Tynedale’s brides and bridesmaids.

The business has evolved over the decades, and has undergone several transformations, but has always remained under the auspices of the Armstrong family.

The shop is currently under the stewardship of Catherine Davidson, who this week reflected on the history of a business founded by her two aunts, sisters Rebecca May Armstrong and Catherine Armstrong, who was usually known as Kitty.

Rebecca was the creative one, making hats at home and building up a client base in the days before the shop opened.

Mrs Davidson said: “Hats were very fashionable at the time. She made them especially for each customer, and it was not unknown for her to work through the night to complete them and deliver them the next morning.”

As the business prospered, Catherine got on board and the pair decided to open up shop on Haltwhistle’s main street, at Westgate, known as ‘The Misses Armstrong.’

In the early 1930s, the sisters were joined by their brother and Mrs Davidson’s father, William, who increased trade by building up an outside credit travelling service, calling at houses and farms.

Best known as Willie, he started his mobile shop with a motorcycle and two cases strapped to his back, before moving on to cars, vans and, eventually, a walk-in van.

Mrs Davidson explained:

“He would often have to wait on farms for them to return from the fields, or the milking, then they would all sit around while the contents of the boxes were displayed, and an order taken.

“Sometimes dinner would be offered, but he would always get cups of tea.”

With the business becoming more established, it moved into larger premises on Westgate, selling ladies’ dresses, coats, suits and hats.

There was also ladies’ underwear; men’s and children‘s wear; bedding; lino; carpets and table oilcloth.

The 1930s shop carried out clothing alterations in the cellar, with three young women employed to work six days per week.

One of these was Peggy Henderson, who was expected to wear a hat for work, as they were such an integral part of most outfits for sale.

Now aged 92, Peggy is the oldest surviving member of staff, and still sews today.

The year 1944 was a significant one. On the plus side, the business took over the neighbouring premises to increase the size of the shop, but sadly, Rebecca had to retire due to ailing health.

Later, in 1947, the firm purchased Westbourne House, on Main Street, which is now the home of Haltwhistle Partnership.

This provided even more floor space for the Armstrong empire, and an additional workroom upstairs.

Betty Mason was drafted in to the fashion department, and it wasn’t long before younger members of the Armstrong family got involved, with Mrs Davidson signing-up, along with her brothers Billy and David.

Despite the untimely death of Willie due to ill-heath at the age of just 55, in 1960, the business was well set-up for the future.

The following year, the Armstrongs branched out further by acquiring a shop for ladies and children’s clothes in Brampton, which was managed by Mrs Davidson’s sister, Helen Ferguson.

The 1970s saw an end to mobile trading, with the two Haltwhistle stores now offering departments for men’s and boys’ clothing and household goods.

During its golden anniversary year in 1976, the firm employed 16 members of staff, which later increased to 26.

This coincided with another expansion. After Mrs Davidson’s aunt, Nancy Riddell, retired from hairdressing, the business opened a salon.

The Amstrongs are specialists at window displays, for which they have won numerous awards over the years.

In the early 1980s, Mrs Davidson’s son, Anthony, joined the menswear and carpet arms of the business, gaining the experience which saw him move to Milton Keynes, where he now runs his own carpet business.

Today, Anthony’s sister, Eleanor, works alongside her mother as a partner at the Westgate shop.

Mrs Davidson added: “We used to have large queues outside our shops on sale days. Customers would queue from 7am to purchase something they had their eye on.

“On some occasions there could be very heated arguments when someone purchased an item that another customer considered theirs.”

Mrs Davidson and her team have regularly supported Haltwhistle Carnival over the years, providing dresses for the carnival queen, and on one occasion, taking part in a float as the cast of Are You Being Served?

Changes were afoot in 1995. Superstores such as Gateshead’s Metro Centre were making it difficult for medium-sized stores to compete, and the internet boom was soon to follow.

The Brampton premises closed, shortly followed by the Haltwhistle shops.

However, after her brothers deciced to specialise in carpets at Westgate, Mrs Davidson carried on in the form of Armstrong Bridal & Fashion. Two separate, but neighbouring businesses, run by members of the same historic family.

Weddings have always been a key part of the business, with customer service at the heart of its success.

Key figures in the shop’s bridal department include Angela Brannigan.

Mrs Davidson added: “We have worked hard in promoting our name, with great attention to detail and making sure everything is right for that special day.”

Next Friday and Saturday, customers can pop in to join staff past and present for cake, wine and a trip down memory lane.

Prizes are on offer for the owner of the oldest receipt or garment from one of the Armstrong shops.

Armstrong brides are also being asked to send in their wedding photos.

Peggy Henderson, who started working at the Haltwhistle shop agef 15 in 1939, will be guest of honour.