A tiny token for Tiny Tuesday
This oval, plated brass token has a textured surface, decorated with a rope-like boarder. Stamped onto the front is “R.A. McWhirr Co.” and a star; the symbol of the McWhirr Company. Etched into the smooth back is the number 630, revealing this little token’s purpose as a charge coin.
Charge coins were first used in the mid-1800s and could be made of various materials such as copper, aluminum, brass or, later, celluloid. They were mainly issued by individual shops and department stores. With these tokens, a patron’s information could be kept on file and their charges billed to them later. Charge tokens would eventually be replaced by modern store credit cards in the mid-20th century. There is no record of when McWhirrs began issuing this sort of charge token, though its low number is evident that it was an early issue. Tokens with low numbers were considered prestigious, indicating that the holder was a long-time customer.
After opening its doors in 1877, R.A. McWhirr Company became the favorite department store of Fall River. The store was in the heart of downtown and sold all sorts of goods. McWhirrs was particularly remembered for their famous candy counters and Christmas displays. The store was housed in the Mills Building, named for the President and Treasurer of the Company, Asa Adams Mills (1864-1941); after 98 years of operation, R.A. McWhirr Company closed its doors in 1975.
Though the brick-and-mortar store may be gone, pieces McWhirrs history lives on, including this token. Generously donated to us, the coin was found in a catch-all drawer of the donor’s home, with no hints of how it ended up there. Many years after it was issued to its first owner, the token has found its way to our collection.
The FRHS is currently researching McWhirrs long history.