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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Northumberland => Topic started by: Phodgetts on Saturday 05 May 12 00:07 BST (UK)
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By the time I arrived on this mortal coil, the cars and shops had changed somewhat in Blyth Market Square, though I do remember Woolworth's looking like that. The Ford Thames 300E van outside Gillespie's Butchers dates it to 1958 or soon after. The finger board sign post points in the direction of Cambois via ferry. I used to like going to the market. If I was good boy I used to get to ride on the hand cranked merry-go-round. Happy days.
P
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Pretty good and clear photograph of the Market Place. Referring to the signpost - you can just see the top of it. It always fascinated me with one of the named places on the sign being 'Boca Chica'. It was on the Cambois/North Blyth side of the river. I searched on the internet about 12 months back and found out why the place had been called Boca Chica. It referred to some naval exploit in South America(if my memory is correct) and in which local(Cambois) sailor(s) had been involved. I am not sure if I posted details here on RootsChat re what I had found.
And next door to Woolworth's and between the Market Tavern was Soulsby's butchers shop. There were two brothers who ran that shop, and I believe they were called George and Stan. They had delivery boys working for them after school, and one of the trips was across the chain ferry, riding up past Cambois to West Sleekburn.
Also, if I remember, there was another Soulsby's butcher on Waterloo Road. I believe they were all related.
The Central Cinema - I remember queuing there one evening to see the film, "Sailor of the King". It starred Michael Rennie, and a young American actor. There must have been some age restriction re the film as I persuaded a couple to let me go in with them. Years later I found the film was based on the C.S. Forester novel, 'Brown on Resolution.' where the young British sailor held a German warship at bay when he was armed only with a rifle. The novel had been set in World War I, but for the film it was 'transferred' to WWII.
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I have no memories as such of the butchers shops, however I have a couple of other old pictures which show two Soulsby Butchers next door to each other, one owned by George and the other by Robert. There were also other shops owned by the Soulsby's, one a ladies blouse shop close to where Boots is and the other shop was a men's wear shop adjacent to the old railway bridge on the east side of Turner Street.
The first mention of a Soulsby in Blyth that I am aware of was when Messrs Hodgson and Soulsby bought the shipbuilding premises of Bowman & Drummond back in 1863. Their business must have done quite well since in 1879 they went on to buy the yard next door previously owned by Robinson.
Hodgson & Soulsby built many vessels including the very first iron hulled hoppers in 1880 for the Russian Government. They continued to build iron ships of ever greater size up until their yard was bought in 1883 by the Blyth Shipbuilding Co. which was to end up being called Blyth Dry Docks & Shipbuilding Co.
Hodgson & Soulsby built the legendary vessel 'Smiling Morn' a three masted brigantine renowned for her speed one of the fastest ships of her time. She worked on the West Indies / Brazil routes.
Perhaps afterthe business was bought out, Soulsby diversified and his descendants went into business in Blyth.
I did a little surname research and apparently Soulsby is a variation on Salisbury as in Wiltshire.
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Also, re Boca Chica, I think you got to find out about that from my Blyth & Cowpen memories page on the WWW. Wonderful little story which I learned about from John Wallace's book The History of Blyth dated 1869. A wonderful book which can still be bought as a reprint on sites like Amazon. Though the row of houses that was called Boca Chica has long since gone, I have been told that there is a new build house at Cambois which now carries the name Boca Chica, wonderful to know that the old names will live on.
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Hodgson & Soulsby brigantine 'Smiling Morn'
PS Image out of copyright
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Well, knock me down with a feather - 'Smiling Morn.' There was a saying in our family of 'Hail, Smiling Morn.' I always took it to be just a nondescript saying, I wonder if it had anything to do with the ship, and passed down through the years without us knowing it had anything to do with the ship.
Perhaps other Blyth people have heard it said in their families in the past.
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My mother used to say Hail Smiling Morn - normally a sarcastic reference to someone with a dour personality or lacking a sense of humour ;D
Christine
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I have several postcards of Blyth, including the Market Square , on www. blythtowncouncil. org . uk
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Thanks for the pointer to the collection of old postcards. ;D
Philip
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My Grandfather had the book stall for many years at the front of the market, near the road, not sure if it's in the picture where those two young girls are standing?
Jenny
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Trivia Angles,
Victoria St, once next to King St( once named Croft St) was originally named Soulsby St, after the Blyth shipbuilder.
In the recent posting "Clark the photographer" the addresses Central Hall Buildings and 11 Market Place were mentioned.
The market photo shows that single sided street Market Place on left hand side.
The young American actor, who played a Canadian in Royal Navy was Jeff Hunter
( who later played John Wayne's sidekick in the western movie "The Searchers", looking for Natalie Wod who had been kidnapped by the rascal redskins). He also played Jesus in later movie. In the WW2 film, the film showed two different endings, sad and happy, asking the audience which one was preferred.
I wonder where the photographer was positioned to take this shot.?
In the Co-op above the alley way into Croft Road ? In the Kam Tong Chinese Restaurant, notorious for it's green curry ? Upstairs in the White Swan ( where popular music was provided via a Dansette record player) ?
The reference to sailing ships in our house when I was a whippersnapper was more likely to be " you have this place worse than the Wreck of the Hesperus"
Enough already !
Michael
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The reference to sailing ships in our house when I was a whippersnapper was more likely to be " you have this place worse than the Wreck of the Hesperus"
Michael
Yup, I was equally accused of that - rarely justified, of course!
Christine
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I grew up in Seghill.....left school in May of 1960.
I remember my Mam and I buying a budgie at a pet shop near the Market Square....anyone remember that shop?
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I cant ever remember a pet shop actually in the Blyth Market Square, but there was Middletons pet shop just around the corner in Bowes St. It was there for a very long time.
Truth to tell, there is hardly any trade in Blyth right now,although we do have a petshop!
The town is no longer the beautiful town it was when I was young,
ahh those were the days. Dolly
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Correct the last 'poster'. the pet shop was in Bowes Street. Puppies were often 'displayed' in the window, which was a magnet for children. The Kam Tong - nice meal after a night out in Blyth. ;D But you never took ladies or canny lasses there. :o Also remember The Swan, and also The Globe, which was close by.
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And Betty Clough, wife of the landlord of the Swan, in the late 50s, providing pop music upstairs,
for us youngons on her record player.
Michael
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Many thanks to phodgetss for the link to the old Blyth photos at www. blythtowncouncil. org . uk.
I was delighted to find an old photo of Link House. Recently I took an old oil painting of Link House dated 1896 into Woodhorn (Northumberland Archives) to get scanned for their records.
It's now on their website and you can see it at
http://www.experiencewoodhorn.com/archive.NRO%2009172~1
Interesting to compare the two..
Gen in NBL England
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Many thanks to phodgetss for the link to the old Blyth photos at www. blythtowncouncil. org . uk.
I was delighted to find an old photo of Link House. Recently I took an old oil painting of Link House dated 1896 into Woodhorn (Northumberland Archives) to get scanned for their records.
It's now on their website and you can see it at
http://www.experiencewoodhorn.com/archive.NRO%2009172~1
Interesting to compare the two..
Ahem... .....you're welcome anyway (They're some my collection, I was Mayor of Blyth 2010-2011 )
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Thank you for sharing the painting with us GNL ;D
I also have a wonderful photo of the Blyth Link House. Not sure of the date or photographer. It might be late 1800's but more likely early 1900's. I'd say before 1910 though, unless someone else can tell me otherwise.
Enjoy the slightly different angle.
P
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Where do you get them all Phodgetts? Love this view from the beach. I was told you could buy hot water at the house door for making your tea for your picnic.
Another photo I'm looking for is one of Newsham Manor before it was pulled down in the late 1870's.......... :-))
Gen in NBL England
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Oh... I have my sources as they say! Can't say any more than that hehe. Trade secrets an' all.
Generally it is the older folk of Blyth giving up some of their secrets. Many of them have old pictures often passed down for their parents and grand parents. They have little idea that the images are worthy of interest to modern generations. Some aren't aware of the significance of the images they have. I have my little 'underground narks' who wheel and deal for me. Sometimes it is the surprise and coincidence that throw up the best pictures. They turn up in the least expected places.
I am also more than willing to freely share these pictures with people, but as is often the case with a website like this one that copyright has to be dealt with carefully. I am not in it for commercial gain, just general interest and enthusiasm for my home town drives me to seek out and share what I can. Most of my items and books / ephemera have cost me a small fortune, but I love to learn about the old homestead. It was quite a happening place with many world firsts. If only it were the case now. Perhaps with a few forward thinkers and investors it could take it's place on the world stage again, but alas, modern policy seems to have neutered the place along with the rest of Britian. Sounds like my soap box is coming out again so time for me to shut up.
How about a view from the Link House to the South Harbour circa 1902 or very soon after?
P ;D
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Also, returning to the theme of the Market Place / Square. On the 16th October 1904 there was a terrible fire that engulfed and destroyed some lovely buildings on Waterloo Road. Nine businesses and three offices were lost and the damage estimated to be in the region of £30.000. The modern day equivalent of £2,642,462 as at June 2012. It makes me wonder if there was an arsonist about, because not many days after that, on the 26th October 1904 there was a fire that destroyed Wallace's drapery shop on Seaforth Street, Chisholm's shop on Turner Street and the Maypole Butter Company 's store. Nothing was left standing of the three buildings after that fire! Of course, the fires might have been attributable to heaters of some sort given that Blyth could be a bitterly cold place when an East wind was blowing.
Anyway, my point to this topic is that the buildings on Waterloo Road were repaired and rebuilt. This next photo I have is of the completed 'new' buildings. I assume it would have been taken circa 1905 or 06.
Enjoy.
P
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Keep the photos flowing Phodg! Love to see them.
Don't think anyone will worry about copyright as they are so old and they are being shown for academic interest.
Gen in NBL England
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Keep the photos flowing Phodg! Love to see them.
Don't think anyone will worry about copyright as they are so old and they are being shown for academic interest.
Gen in NBL England
Don't be quite so sure about copyright. I know for the old stuff that it is often not a problem, but I have been warned before despite the non-commercial / academic aspect of my postings. It is a mine field. If in doubt........ don't post! Such a shame as I have loads of stuff I'd like to share, but it falls within the last 30 - 60 years or so and is governed by facsimilie or electronic reproduction, even in long forgotten titles that few people know about perhaps as recently published as the 1970s.
I'll have a rumage through my stuff and see what else I can share, without worries.
P
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This one I can share with you, and I think you will like it.
What is the significance of the picture?
The newly installed statue / bust of Lord Matthew White Ridley. If you look closely at the wee lads, the statue is cordoned off and is looking very 'fresh'. The date? 1909. This is a wonderful and unusual view of the park too, with the railway in the background and railway cabin on the embankment, the sidings full of wagons.
Sadly, the bust was stolen in 2008 after 100 years of standing on the spot. I have no idea what has happened to the bust since, whether it has been restored or left in it's dire state after the metal theft.
Lord Ridley, died in 1904 at the age of 72. He was a distinguished politician and home secretary between 1895 and 1900 and the family seat is / was Blagdon Hall, Cramlington.
Enjoy. Hopefully Michael will add a trivia angle later. ;D
P
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You're right, I do like this one. :D
I've always known that the railway ran along the back of the park - you can see the lines on maps - but I've never seen it in operation, so to speak. There's always been trees hiding the industrial bit.
Christine
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To give a completely different aspect on the previous photo, I managed to stitch together two old pictures taken from the High Light. Dating exactly is difficult. The East Pier is in the process of being extended, so it is prior to 1907 when the pier was completed and the new lighthouse atop the pier end was built. However, Ridley Park does not even look to have been started to be built which dates this picture to pre 1904 when the park was opened. Perhaps out of shot to the right, the park house is being built. One thing that can be said for certain, is that the 1902 lifeboat house down in the south harbour has been built and what looks like the Rushforth Shed is standing next to it. Two buildings in isolation in that corner of the newly developed South Harbour.
Again the sidings look very busy, and the common reference point for both images is the tall cabin alongside the tracks. Just a shame that the old mortuary cannot be seen just off the very left edge of the picture. Anybody want to see a picture of the 'bunker' like building that was the mortuary?
Enjoy this one for the time being.
Ignore the image title, I haven't amended the date on it since endeavouring to date the harbour works and various buildings in association with the park. The image is pre 1906 for certain.
P
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One other point of interest that I failed to mention, is that St Mary's lighthouse can be seen on the horizon.
P
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An amusing point of personal interest is the original West Pier. There was the Inner West Pier and the Outer West Pier. The Outer West Pier ran from the dunes out into the bay and the end of it was topped off with a navigation light. On some plans of the harbour, the Outer West Pier is also referred to as the Training Wall. I initially thought that the wall must have been used by cadets on vessels or something for various things, perhaps like mooring of vessels or that ilk of training, however I was very wrong. The Training Wall was designed to 'train' the river Blyth. It was built in such a way as to accelerate the flow of the river close by the harbour entrance, thus scouring the river bed helping to reduce the build up of sand and silt in the harbour entrance, therefore reducing the need for dredging and help keep the navigable channel clear. The harbour entrance for many years suffered with a sand bar, and this wall moved the water in such a way as to clear the sand bar away. One lives and learns! ;D The original Outer West Pier was dismantled after the construction of the 'new' west pier circa 1914. On aerial photos the line of the original pier can still be seen as a shadow beneath the water. There is still a navigation lamp that marks the end of the original Outer West Pier.
P
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I'm sure I remember playing in that box as a kid in the 60's and watching a "puffing billy" travel along the line to the staithes. :-\
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Phodgetts, your certainly raking up some lovely memories of our town,
Many thanks, Dolly
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Here is a cracking picture taken during WW2 when the South Harbour was also used as a submarine base.
The sub's are moored off the West Quay / Fish Quay. In the background can be seen the Transit Shed. Further on, on the North Quay can be seen the bucket dredger Cowpen. On the right, moored against the Middle Jetty can be seen the sub's support vessel or Depot Ship No. 6, 'Titania'.
I had thought initially that this looked like a picture from WW1, however various facts (build dates etc.) about 'Titania' and submarine H28 prove that the picture can only have been taken at the time of WW2. Judging by the shadows, the lady has gone for an evening stroll. I am surprised that she would have been allowed to walk in such a sensitive place given the nature of the military hardware she is looking at, perhaps it is even more amazing that the person she was walking with took the photograph! Unless it was something to do with home war news. It certainly wouldn't be allowed these days. You can just make out the sub crews working away on the fore decks.
P
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Phil, I googled H23 and H28; the Submarine heritage centre (Barrow) website, (http://www.submarineheritage.com/gallery_h28.htm) states the H class were completed to late to see service in WW1 and that all except H28, H 31 & H32 were scrapped in the 1930's. H28 being eventaually scrapped in 1944. As H23 is in the photo I think your first thought is probably more accurate and the photo was taken some time after the end of WW1.
Cheers
Pete
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The newly completed houses in Millfield Gardens, Blyth. Not sure when exactly they were completed. The development doesn't show up on the 1924 map, but does on the 1937. I thought the houses might have been built late 20s.
Makes for interesting comparison with today. Note the shipyard structures sticking up in the background.
I could imagine for those living in the slum that was Cowpen Square, that these new houses might have offered a much brighter future for the tenants.
P
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I too think the pic of the Titania was more WW1 ,
judging bythe ladys dress alone and the pram?
Dolly
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I, too, thought the clothes and the pram were more WW1 but I was a bit puzzled by the lack of security.
According to my colleagues down at Blyth Battery this photo was taken in 1919.
10 out of 10, fremund ;D
Christine
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Excellent to have a date for this one. Thanks for the input everyone. I shall update the image details.
The lack of security got me to wondering about the image being some sort of 'publicity' shot, though given it was after the war had ended.........
The down side of the submarines using the Fish Quay at Blyth was the halting of fishing from Blyth. Various companies and individuals tried to make a go of it from Blyth but for that and other reasons, Blyth never really made it to the big time re fishing.
P
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Great pics Phodgetts - don't suppose you have any 70-80's shots of Regent St, Market Sq etc - really fancy a trip down memory lane that I can remember!
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Hi Ridley12, that is right where I run into copyright! I cannot use other peoples images on here unless the copyright has times out. In general where the copyright holder is unknown (as is the case with most of my pictures) 70 years has to elapse before they can be used. I cannot post any images from my collection on here that are dateable to 1942 or after that date. If you want me to post pictures from the '70s and '80s on here you'll have to wait until 2040 - 2050!
Shame I know, but rules are rules. I'd hate to get banned from this forum.
P :-\
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One picture I can share with you, is this one. Photographer's back to Waterloo Road looking down Bridge Street. The tall building on left still stands (the original Puck Matches advertisement also survives in paint up on that wall!) and the buildings on the right, though the roof lines have changed since the fire of 1904. I couldn't even hazard a guess as to the date. Probably before 1900.
Enjoy. The scene has changed somewhat on the left given the loss of the chapel, and the construction of the shopping mall.
P
PS Note the tall lamp at the junction of the three roads. It was a new electric lamp at the time. It was not there for very long as it was regarded to be too tall and the illumination it gave off was very poor.
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I'm trying to decide what is on the land just beyond the Central Methodist hall - where the bus station is now.
If it's still Wrights timber yard then it's definitely before 1905 as that's when they moved to the beach area.
Christine
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I'd agree that it is Wright's timber yard. :D
P
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Thank you - it was nice to see my childhood church again! I understand regarding the copyright - its such a shame when its for non commercial gain. My family has had various businesses in Blyth (and still does) before and throughout my life, sadly we have little/no photos and as we get older, pictures in minds become a little faded!
Kindest regards and many thanks
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There are some wonderful shots earlier in this thread showing how pleasant the market place was in the past. The latest incarnation isn't so pleasant. Who was responsible for deciding to turn everything grey? Its like a T Dan Smith revival.
This shot would look the same in colour:
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6215/6879236438_9488bfe645_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16818095@N08/6879236438/)
What the new Market Place looks like in colour (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16818095@N08/6879236438/) by skida (http://www.flickr.com/people/16818095@N08/), on Flickr
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Aye, sadly there is very little character in buildings these days.
Dolly.
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The original Buffalo on Regent Street. It was replaced with a much nicer building in 1899 which has since become the Buffalo Centre.
P
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For all you Blyth Ex-Pats out there that might not know it, the market place has a new feature. Seating made of stone flags which has been laid out in Morse Code to spell B L Y T H.
See photo.
I'm not going to get into a debate about the politics, planning and cost of this wacky stunt, but I do quite like the idea. Unique ;D
P
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Good grief :o
I'm not even an ex-pat, I still live there and didn't know that ::)
Christine
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Oh dear c-side, have you been spending too much time at Woodhorn and missed out on all the modern exciting stuff? ;D
P
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I think perhaps I have - Woodhorn, Blyth Battery and Blyth Local History Society.
Living life in the past lane ;D ;D
Christine
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I had to look at the Morse Code photo a while before I realised it's an aerial view. Clever but wasted on most, who goes flying over Blyth Market??? :-))
Gen in NBL England
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I have some scans of advertisments from an old 1929 publication about Blyth. Copyright is no longer an issue. Would any of you like me to start a new thread with the images?
P
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Go on then!
Gen in NBL England
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You know you want to, so do we, thanks,
Dolly
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Again the sidings look very busy, and the common reference point for both images is the tall cabin alongside the tracks. Just a shame that the old mortuary cannot be seen just off the very left edge of the picture. Anybody want to see a picture of the 'bunker' like building that was the mortuary?
And here is the picture with the mortuary shown. It is the barrel roofed building in the bottom left of the image. The picture must have been taken from the top of the High Light.
This picture is an interesting one. The East Pier was in the process of being extended (work started 9 April 1906) and the new light atop it's end can also be seen to be under construction. The new pier and lighthouse was officially opened by a Mr. John Whitfield on 18 July 1907. Also, note, that the West Pier is the original one! A few years after this picture was taken a new West Pier was built, which still stands to this day. WW1 interrupted it's construction.
In the harbour entrance is one of the dredgers ('Cambois' I think) working hard judging by the smoke emitted from it's stacks. Dredging work was carried out for some years to increase the depth of water available to shipping. By 1912 the dredged water depth was 24 feet at low water and 39 feet at high water. As part of that work over 500.000 cubic yards of rock had to be removed from the river bed.
Note the flat calm conditions.
Philip
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Philip,
A great photo !
Certainly looks unusually calm.
I used to associate with a gang of lads. A regular dare was to swim
out and around the West Pier ( we called it Blyth Pier).
It frightened the heck out of me- but I had to do it !
Michael
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The above picture of the East Pier works, leads me to another subject.
On the other side of the railway embankment just behind the mortuary and out of sight, was an Oil Depot. By various means I have come across some old photo's of the Oil Depot and a notation states that the depot was destroyed by fire in what looks like "Mar 1911"
Here, first, is an aerial picture of the site, the red circle marks the site of the mortuary and the blue circle the site of the Oil Depot.
Ergo, date of this picture pre 1911
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These are the other two images I have just acquired of the site.
Blyth Oil Depot
Interesting to note just how 'safe' the oil was, given that the depot was destroyed by fire!
A more modern fuel oil depot occupied a site close by this one in later years.
Michael........ is there anything in local papers of the time that give a better idea of what took place regarding the fire and when? As I say, the only clue at the moment is March 1911. I had no idea there was an oil depot, let alone what the fuel was used for at that time. Was it just for harbour and ship use, or for local 'lamp oil' too?
An interesting subject I hope.
In these images the depot looks to be very 'fresh', so I guess the photo must have been taken when the depot was first opened. Judging by the wheelbarrow and shovel some work was still in progress. Also in the aerial image, the depot look to have been expanded somewhat, suggesting some period of time between the various photo's.
P
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In this next view, from when the tracks were being lifted in the area, the old site of the oil depot can be seen marked in red, with the more modern site marked in blue.
P
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Philip,
Via my membership of Newcastle Library I can access provincial newspapers, e.g. Newcastle Courant, Northern Echo, etc.,
1800-1900 (pity) and Times of London 1780-c1970.
But Blyth Library (first floor) have films on Blyth News from about 1880s to c1960s.
A regular feature in the Blyth News was a page headed something like "Pit, Port and People".
This featured all sorts of industrial news, both big and small.
Michael
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Michael,
When swimming round the West (Blyth) pier you had to avoid the fishing lines. Those fishing off the pier weren't too pleased at times that you were disturbing their pastime. Another stupid "dare" was to swim across the river to the East pier from near the hut which was the swimming club changing room. However we were careful to do it at high tide when the tide was not running either way. The daft things we got up to as youngsters.
Rob.
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Rob,
Yes that was a dilemma for me !. Because I was not a strong swimmer, I tended to keep fairly
close to the stanchions of the west pier- which brought me to the attention of the fishers above.
This was at the point where the pier angled into the river and at the end point.
When there were folk above, I performed a strong crawl stroke like Johnie Weissmuller (Tarzan).
With no spectators I reverted to the trusty dogy paddle.
Our crowd never ventured across the river !
Michael
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The Wallace History of Blyth is available as a free download on:
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=-YoHAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA1&dq=history+of+Blyth+Northumberland&output=text
Al the best
Alan
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Re morse code the following may be more appropriate:
- .... . / --. .-. . .- - / --. .-. . -.-- / -.. . ... . .-. -
"The great grey desert
Regards
Alan
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You're not wrong ;D ;D ;D
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The latest addition to my Blyth photo's and ephemera collection is this shot of the Thomas Knight Memorial Hospital procession, making it's way south along Regent Street. Soulsby Street is on the right, so to get this view, the picture must have been taken from the railway bridge above Regent Street. As I understand it, the procession took place every year and it's last transit was 1938.
Some wonderful adverts on the walls. The bus would have been one of Allen's of Blyth, a Leyland Lion which places this images circa mid 1930s.
Enjoy
Philip
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What colours did the Allen's bus fleet carry?
P
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Veering off-topic , for which I apologise , have you seen :- http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/10th-july-1928/100/considering-running-municipal-buses
It doesn't answer your question I'm afraid, but might give a little background to buses in Blyth
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Thanks for the pointer Alisdair. Very interesting.
P
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Just bumping this thread up just in case some of the Blyth guys and dolls missed it since the last picture I posted. It's a beauty and well worth seeing.
P
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Dear, Phodgetts.
I am currently putting together a website based on Blyth; stories of the past, problems of the present and ideas for the future, alike. I have included your picture (found through Google) on the website, with all credit and a link to this thread provided. I just thought I would also make you aware of it and let you know that if it is a problem I will, of course, remove the picture at your request. I hope this won't be the case, however, as the picture is a great one!
If you (or anybody else, for that matter) would like to look at the site, contribute or provide ideas for building on it (It's still very early days as of yet) I would be very interested in hearing from you.
The Website is found at: http://bitsofblyth.weebly.com
My e-mail is: bitsofblyth@live.co.uk -if you'd like to talk.
Many thanks,
Lee.
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Do not remove the photograph under any circumstances. It will be needed for evidence ! ??? Have you seen the young girl sitting on the front nearside mudguard of the 'bus ? Must notify Elf and Safety - give them something to do trying to trace the bus driver to prosecute him, they might be so occupied in that quest, they will leave the rest of us alone. ;D
Getting back to the photo it is part of the town's history. I could not believe the numbers standing watching,and presumably similar crowds all along the route; whatever it was. Mention of the railway bridge/Regent Street, that would be the bridge just north of the railway station, yards in fact ?
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PYofB,
The railway bridge marked the division between the south end of
Regent St and north end of Turner St.
Michael
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Welcome to rootschat, Lee, and best wishes with your website. I will be in touch via email
Christine
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It's a while since anything was posted to this thread. However, I am able to update it a little with a newly acquired picture of Bridge Street, Blyth looking west passed the old Post Office and the Library towards Waterloo Road and it's junction with Regent Street. Date I have been told is circa 1944, I have no reason to argue, but if anyone sees something which gives better proof to a date I'd be only too glad to hear what they have to say. Enjoy.
P
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Eeee, takes ye back a bit.
Coulden't argue about the date, but its pretty near.
Great Picture! Thanks Dolly
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Who remembers when Hedley Young had their own "currency"/ coins ?
And re the above photograph, have a look at the 2 men outside the Post Office, bottom right of the photo, the right hand one seems to have something enormous on his head.
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I've just joined this forum, and have loved following this thread.
I lived in Blyth from 1936 to 1958. My parents left Blyth in 1966 but returned 1988 and I visited them there until Mum died in 2002. So I share many memories with some of you - especially the swimmers ::)
That last photo , of the library and Hedley Youngs, much time spent there. I once had a holiday job there, selling hankies!
re the market square, who remembers Harper's fish shop? now round the corner I think.
Sadly I don't have any photos to share, except for a painting of my g.g. grandfather's ship The Messenger.
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Well Welcome Tricia K, glad you have enjoyed the trip down memory Lane.
Re Harpers fish shop, sorry but no longer here, the old shop facing market square is actually a fish and chip cafe now. As we Blythonians love to see and hear anything about Blyth, why not post a pic of your Grandfathers ship The Messenger? Dolly
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Welcome Tricia, wonderful to be getting comment from another of Blyth's folk.
If possible I'd also love to see the Messenger painting too. Was it a Blyth ship? I'd love to be able to track down some of the old paintings of the Blyth vessels. In a book by Walter Runciman there are prints of Blyth vessels which are taken from original paintings, but alas, they are black and white.
Smiling Morn was one of them which you will have seen on this thread.
Philip
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Thanks to both of you - my eldest son has the painting now, hanging in his house. He's away until end of June, then I'll ask him to take a photo of it and I'll try to post it on here.
I've tried to research the ship, with "John Knott master" - not sure if it actually belonged to him, I think they were sort of leased from a big company.
I do have a photo somewhere of my class in Crofton Juniors from ?1947. Would that be the kind of thing to post on here? I remember some of the names, might help with tracing people.
ps - the Messenger mentioned in an older post on here:
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/TheShipsList/2000-09/0970318345
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The info in the link comes from Runciman's Collier Brigs and Their Sailors. The vessel 'Messenger' was owned by John Bell and he would have employed John Knott to Captain the ship. I was hoping that there might be a picture of either the ship or the men in Runciman's book, but alas not.
Re the school photo, please do share it with us on here. The only thing we have to be careful of is peoples privacy and we are not to discuss living people on the forum, that said, I'm sure identifying a person in a photograph is not actually discussing them is it.
These threads about Blyth are great for reminiscence and are proving popular amongst the ex-pats of the town. It is developing into a wealthy resource of information.
P
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Where do you get them all Phodgetts? Love this view from the beach. I was told you could buy hot water at the house door for making your tea for your picnic.
Another photo I'm looking for is one of Newsham Manor before it was pulled down in the late 1870's.......... :-))
Gen in NBL England
My grandparents actually lived at the Link House. My nanna used to sell hot water from the back door to workmen and beach trippers. My dad, who was a child at the time, told me that there was a 'flag room' upstairs in which there were musty-smelling flags of all nations. He also told me that a Commander Kitcat (not to be confused with Sergeant Snickers ;)), who was a big shot from the submarine base, stayed there.
He would tell us stories about his childhood at the Link House when we went past on the bus to Whitley Bay - at that time it was unoccupied and boarded up.
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Wonderful to hear you Yossarian. Thank you for sharing with us. :D
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My latest acquisition is an old picture postcard used in 1913. I'm intrigued as to the message written on the card. Looks like some sort of 'code'.
The picture is of the 'Dalmer' the Blyth No.1 Lifeboat from 1886 - 1901.
You can read about Blyth's lifeboat history here;
http://blythlifeboat.co.uk/?page_id=4
and more about the Blyth Lifeboat and mention of 'Stan Laurel'!;
http://andydavison.zxq.net/pafn04.htm
They have done some excellent stuff over the years and on occasions suffered terrible loss.
Enjoy the picture.
P
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Great pic P.
The code written on the photo is indeed most intriguing ! I'd love it if someone knew what this code said. Any war spies about that could decipher it?
Well I had to ask.. Dolly
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It is intriguing - could it be upside down, mirror writing? ie right to left. Starting with R.
I wonder if it's a record of callouts, and how they turned out?
Or referring to the Lifeboatmen - there are 5 in the first group.
I have a photo of the Ladies Group from the ?1930s, with my paternal grandma on it - wish I was clever enough to post it!
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I am probably way off the mark here but the first thing I thought of was Icelandic Runes.....
I googled that and found similarities but variations also for Norse etc... have a Google yourself:-)
Gen in NBL England
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Thanks for that pointer GLL. Most interesting. The card has a message on the back in he same 'code'.
It was sent from Blyth to Denmark on 30 March 1913 to Bagmar Jensen, Bagenkop Street, Langeland, Denmark.
I looked up Danish Runes and they look to fit the bill perfectly.
http://www.fortidensjelling.dk/jellinge13.htm
Are there any Rune experts on here?
P ;D
The card was sent to a house on this street, Bagenkopvej;
http://goo.gl/maps/SJGGQ
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Spot on Gen!
Had a play around on the suggested site, still like to know exactly what the card said tho' One learns something new every day... Dolly
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Good guess Gen :)
Interesting there was a connection between Blyth and Denmark.
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I don't know about a connection with Denmark, but I remember a connection with France..
Does anyone remember the French Onion Man.?
I grew up in Seghill during the late 50's early 1960's and I would often see him on the road from Blyth, heading to Seaton Sluice, Seaton Delaval, then onto Seghill.
His bike was a 'work of art'... piled so high with strings of onions, that you could barely see it as he passed by.
My Mam and most of the neighbours always bought a couple of strings of onions from him.
Mam was his last regular customer, so she always insisted he have a cup of tea and a biscuit before he continued his long journey back to Blyth..
I never knew where in France he came from, but he told my Mam that a small boat brought him from France to Blyth Harbour, and they would return to the boat during the week for more onions.
Looking back now, after all these years, I imagine he didn't have an easy time of it, yet, I always remember how happy he was, and seemed so grateful that we always bought his onions.
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The Onion Johhnie, Monsieur.. They came from Roscoff, Finisterre. The one who came to Cowpen Estate was Josef Tanguy. In the late 50's to the early 60s he told us that they sailed into the Tyne with their small boat, rented some where to live, then with a van they would spread out from the Toon, the van laden with onions and bikes. Josef's brother joined 'Les Flics' - the gendarmes in Paris.
Ah ha haa, zose oignions, skin them and you could eat them like an apple. At least I did. ;D
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Are there any Rune experts on here?
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I'm not an expert by any means but I have a book with the Runic alphabet in it. There are one or two variations (possible writers idiosyncracies) so I haven't been able to translate yet. No doubt it will not be in English anyway :-\
Christine
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Just curious, but in some of the older photo's of Blyth Police Station, it shows a tower built to the rear of the building, what was this for/why did it dissapear? (My guess atm is the same reason the spires were taken off St Cuthberts next door, safety etc)
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Thanks for asking that question blythian. I have never paid any attention to that detail behind the police station. Are you talking about the high brick tower? I have just looked through my photo collection, and there was a huge brick built chimney at the rear of the police station. I had wondered if at some point it was a boiler room and chimney for the heating of the police station, but given the chimney stacks on the police station roof many of the rooms had their own fireplaces. So I have no idea what that big chimney was for. It reminds me somewhat of the big chimney at Grimsby!
The shadowy tall stack can be seen in this old clipping;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyeye/6038055074/sizes/o/in/photostream/
Hopefully others from the town will contribute.
P
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Just discovered this photo on a disc at work...a kind of "What if this really happened" situation for me, first i've ever heard of plans like this...
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blythian, Go to the top of the class and claim a medal for what you posted above ! :) It is a fascinating map, and has been a significant find. From that plan it looks like the proposed docks were to have been in the area where the south harbour is now.
Perhaps someone can overlay a more modern map over what you have posted;and also 'decipher' much of the writing which is indistinct.
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Just looking at it i can make out the high light, it looks like it would be right through the centre of the park through croft field area and ends at the top of Coomassie Road/Masons Arm's corner... (judging by the gut which is Union Street today)
Probably way off, but just imagine if this had been constructed, our whole townscape would be different, the Town centre further south maybe...
[EDIT] Another plan, looking more at the railways in the town from a 2.3D view:
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I've uploaded a massive picture of the James Abernathy 1853 Proposal which you can view here in high resolution in various sizes.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51893012@N05/10214139324/sizes/o/in/photostream/
I've uploaded other maps / plans that should also be of interest.
Enjoy
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Do not remove the photograph under any circumstances. It will be needed for evidence ! ??? Have you seen the young girl sitting on the front nearside mudguard of the 'bus ? Must notify Elf and Safety - give them something to do trying to trace the bus driver to prosecute him, they might be so occupied in that quest, they will leave the rest of us alone. ;D
Getting back to the photo it is part of the town's history. I could not believe the numbers standing watching,and presumably similar crowds all along the route; whatever it was. Mention of the railway bridge/Regent Street, that would be the bridge just north of the railway station, yards in fact ?
Hi. Pityackafromblyth,
It's possible the driver may have been my father-in-law, he worked for Allen's up until 1934 (I think).
His name was Sam Heir and he lost his right ring finger in an accident. If you are able to zoom into the drivers right hand and see if his r/finger is missing it might assist the H&S in securing a prosecution. lol.
I showed the photo to my wife without saying what I thought about the lady leaning out of the side window near the front(possibly handing a leaflet out) and she said it looked like her Mam. It may not have been her of course.
It's a great photo though. Great memories.
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Bill_r, Great that something connected with your family has shown up here - probably similar to what the tide brought up at highwater - Blyth beach of course. :)
I know Roots is a site for tracing family, etc. but what is posted about Blyth, its old inhabitants,the history of the town, the old industries, its wartime anecdotes(Both WW I & WW II), and various other matters and subjects, it makes us Blyth lot look like the centre of the Universe. But being Blyth folks, we just got on with life. ;)
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I've just joined this forum, and have loved following this thread.
I lived in Blyth from 1936 to 1958. My parents left Blyth in 1966 but returned 1988 and I visited them there until Mum died in 2002. So I share many memories with some of you - especially the swimmers ::)
That last photo , of the library and Hedley Youngs, much time spent there. I once had a holiday job there, selling hankies!
re the market square, who remembers Harper's fish shop? now round the corner I think.
Sadly I don't have any photos to share, except for a painting of my g.g. grandfather's ship The Messenger.
My great grand parents owned Harper's :) My Nana gave me bits of info before she passed away but I never knew much since it closed when my dad was a young boy in the '60s.
She worked as an assistant in the shop and that's how she met my grandad John Alexander Harper.
My Nana gave me this picture of the shop in it's early days, it's a photo of a photo so not great quality. The man is my great grandfather Thomas Harper who I know nothing about, unfortunately, other than he possibly came from New Hartley.
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zephyrsky - welcome to the forum. There are several threads about Blyth history on here which I find fascinating.
I used to go shopping for fish at Harpers in the 50s, so might have met your relatives. I don't think the shop closed, because I also went shopping in the 90s with my mother, and the fish shop was around the corner, opposite the side of the church.
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Thanks for the reply :) I'm also quite fascinated by Blyth's past; I love seeing old photos of the town.
That's wonderful that you probably met them, Tricia, I feel quite disconnected to my family and their past so it's nice to know they're remembered.
I too remember a fishmongers being there up until a few years ago, not sure of the name but it wasn't run by my family, I don't think.
I could be wrong about it closing as Harper's in the '60s, I just know my grandfather died in '67 and I don't know if it stayed open much longer after that. However, there were other brothers to keep it running (one I remember was called Cecil Harper) so I'm not certain.
- Suzanne
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zephyrsky, I went to Blyth Grammar School in the 1950s. A pupil there, 2 years below my form, was connected with the family. I cannot remember his Christian name, but he was known as "Fishy" Harper.
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I've uploaded a massive picture of the James Abernathy 1853 Proposal which you can view here in high resolution in various sizes.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51893012@N05/10214139324/sizes/o/in/photostream/
I've uploaded other maps / plans that should also be of interest.
Enjoy
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I would love to see that superimposed onto a current map of blyth, not just to see the scale, but to see what wouldn't have.
Just done it myself, using Plessey Waggonway/Road as a marker, looks like we would have lost half Ridley Park and Woodbine terrace wouldn't exist.
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zephyrsky, I went to Blyth Grammar School in the 1950s. A pupil there, 2 years below my form, was connected with the family. I cannot remember his Christian name, but he was known as "Fishy" Harper.
Thanks for the reply :) My dad has mentioned that nickname before but he didn't go the grammar school. It could possibly be my uncle David.
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Most likely a Load of Blyth coal, being delivered somewhere down South in 1957/58, we spent many an interesting trip from there, in those days - I was 2nd mate on her at that time.
Best John1935
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Via a new contact at Blyth I have managed to get hold of a 'new' Cowpen photo which features Kitty Cat Farm. Michael Dixon made reference before to Kit Cat Corner and a catering business / caravan, but that was the only ever time I heard the name Kit Cat at Cowpen. Now we have a photo of Kitty Cat Farm! I have no idea why it was called that, perhaps some of the locals can put forward some theories. The farm was directly opposite the King's Arms pub. In the background are the grounds to Cowpen Hall which would have been lurking amongst the big trees.
Many thanks to Mr Howe and Mr Dobson for sharing this wonderful image with me.
Enjoy. :)
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A labeled version.....
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Another great foto of the past !
Extreme left of foto = Cowpen Co-Op ---- big slab of marg/butter on counter !
Kit Kat building became Bebside and Cowpen Boys Club.
To the right was where cut lead one to junction of Weardale and Patterdale.
Michael ( Now in Scotland)
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Hi
My mother worked at Harper's fish shop till 1951She knew Tommy and his wife Hannah she said 3 brothers owned it. They owned fishing boats named Jean and Shirley too.Lovely market in those days and Woolworths. I remember the police box at the top end of the market and the circle outside the Central cinema where old men met up for a natter.
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Hi Oaker,
Just realised that no-one has welcomed you to the site :'(
So - welcome to rootschat. It's great for all sorts of family and local history but there is a particularly avid group of Blyth folk - both current and ex-pat. If you haven't already done so, try reading the very long thread titled Blyth History.
Christine
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Hi
I left Blyth in 66 aged 14 but managed to get back now and again. The bit I was particularly interested in was the Market area near where I lived and Newlands school.Really missed the docks and harbour climbing over the walls from Broadway into Croft Park to watch Spartans. Some of the local characters. I haven't really got into this site yet, I'll have to read all the rules and regulations
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The photo would seem to be taken by my Grandfather Arthur Keeling who took quite a few photos of Blyth. He died when my mother Elizabeth Keeling was 18 in March 1938. He was a moulder in an Iron Foundry but then became a photographer so I understand.
I have only just become aware that his photos still existed. My mother told me all his photos and negatives had been destroyed by her mother, Mary Keeling formerly Dobinson. He was a bit of hero to me because of his photography. I have now bought 3 of his postcards. If I could have a copy of this one I would be very grateful.
My mother joined the Women's Army was posted to Spain where she met my father. She never returned to Blythe other than to see her mother
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The photo would seem to be taken by my Grandfather Arthur Keeling who took quite a few photos of Blyth. He died when my mother Elizabeth Keeling was 18 in March 1938. He was a moulder in an Iron Foundry but then became a photographer so I understand.
I have only just become aware that his photos still existed. My mother told me all his photos and negatives had been destroyed by her mother, Mary Keeling formerly Dobinson. He was a bit of hero to me because of his photography. I have now bought 3 of his postcards. If I could have a copy of this one I would be very grateful.
My mother joined the Women's Army was posted to Spain where she met my father. She never returned to Blythe other than to see her mother
I have sent you a private message. Please respond.
Cheers
P
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John1935, I have sent you a private message. From what you have posted here I have assumed that you were a seagoing adventurer. :) My PM refers to www.shipsnostalgia.com . You may be aware of the site, but if not there is a section relating to colliers, and there is much reference to such ships which sailed from Blyth, Tyne, and elsewhere in the North East.
pityackafromblyth
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Hi
My mother worked at Harper's fish shop till 1951She knew Tommy and his wife Hannah she said 3 brothers owned it. They owned fishing boats named Jean and Shirley too.Lovely market in those days and Woolworths. I remember the police box at the top end of the market and the circle outside the Central cinema where old men met up for a natter.
Thank you so much for the information. I met my aunt Hannah only a few times but she was so fun :) thank you for sharing.