TWO members of Okehampton Teens to Twenties have turned detective in a bid to find out the history of their new premises.
Chairman Daniel Wayne and assistant administrator Janine Taylor-Carbis have uncovered some papers dating back to 1882 whilst tidying up at 3 East Street — and they are on a mission to put the pieces of the jigsaw together.
'Most of the papers, we think, are associated with the shop, which OTT has recently leased,' said Daniel.
'They indicate the kind of community that existed in Okehampton in 1884 and the involvement of the community of the Drew family.'
The memorabilia includes a newspaper cutting from 1884, a child's membership card for a church and some receipts from the shop when it was a 'Flour, Grocery and Provision Dealer.'
Some of the papers relate to 59 East Street.
The latest item is a note from David Woodley, dated December 24 1995, which said: 'This shop was once rented by my great grandfather, grandfather then my father. Sadly we have to say goodbye to the shop.'
OTT is hoping to open the vacant premises again by the end of February.
It will be the organisation's base and information drop-in centre for the youth of Okehampton.
Young people will be able to obtain information on things as diverse as careers, funding for personal projects, family planning clinics, education and all manner of social and recreational activities.
Extremely cheap or donated items of furniture and general office equipment would be most welcome.
If anyone can help with information on the shop or can offer items they should phone 01837 53800.