The companies were the Hutchinsons and the Nutts, and they both continued until about 1928.

A Reo Safety Coach

This photo was taken on 18th March 1922 and shows the brand new Hutchinson's Motor Service vehicle which was handed over that day to the Limavady Hutchinson family to start their business. The bus was photographed outside John Hill's in Gloucester Street Belfast. The body work was built by Harkness. Total cost was £800.

By 1927 the company had added four more buses- Leylands this time. The photograph below shows drivers, conductors, mechanics and the owners standing outside the Hutchinson Bros. Limavady premises in Catherine Street.

Hutchinson Bros., Limavady

From Left:-
Tommy Nichol, Alan McConnell, Tommy Greer, Jack Allen?, W.Simpson, Sam Donaghy, Joe Hutchinson, William Hutchinson (Sen.) W. Nichol and Marcus H Hutchinson.

The car on the left is a Dodge which presumably had been shipped in from America. The Pratts petrol pump was one of the first in the town. Prior to the arrival of pumps such as this, the only way to purchase petrol was in two gallon cans.

CLICK on the petrol pump in the photo to see a close-up of pump and car. And who knows you might also be able to shed light on the names of the coy couple standing in the grocer's doorway.

Hanging in the shop window, behind the men, can be seen two Coleman Petrol Lamps for use in people's houses. (As opposed to paraffin) Are these lamps still made? CLICK on the window behind the men in the photo to see a close-up.

Archive photos lent by Willie Hutchinson.

Your Responses

W.Hannam - Jan '08
I am looking for information about Andrew Hutchinson of County Derry, I know that he was racing a super charged MG in 1936/1937. He won the Limerick Grand Prix in 1936. Is he any relation?

Eric Hemer
Good day,
Interesting article.
I am trying to find some background information on my Great-grandfather Harbison Hutchinson who was born in Moneygriggy, Londonderry in 1879 to Mary and Alexander Hutchinson.
He emigrated to the United States around 1900.
Just wondering if Willie Hutchinson might recognize any names and know of any relationship. Harbison had three sons in America, Harbison Jr., Alexander, and Hollis.

Thank you,

Eric Hemer