At centre is a fine example of a locally built Jersey Van. Prior to the advent of the motor lorry these were mainly used for transporting potatoes from the farm to the various merchants stores mostly on the Esplanade and along Commercial buildings in St. Helier where they were packed prior to export to the United Kingdom markets.
The van illustrated above is fitted with a hay ladder which enabled it to carry a much larger load. Many farmers made their Vans available to their local Church for annual Sunday School Treats, when the Van would be fitted with specially constructed seats designed for passenger carrying. An example so fitted out can be seen in the Museum. |