birmingham photos

[leelou]

Hi. I'm researching names Pedley and Hardy from Aston Birmingham. Also has anyone got photos of Summer Row, Parade or Sandpits in central Birmingham which might have the shop front of Frank Hardy Opticians and Artificial Limbs. Dates about 1910 til the 1960's.

[jim1]

Hello Leelou
Welcome to Rootschat.I have a photo of Parade and believe it or not it shows the shopfront of Frank Hardy.I think it was taken c.1960.
Go to my website on the left of the page and enter p/word:freya > photos.You can download it to your pc.
Regards jim

[leelou]

Wow- thanks for this link. A wonderful photo clearly showing the shop front. regards Louise

[jim1]

Sent you a message from Tribalpages.Considering there were hundreds of shops along that part of the road it's amazing that the one you wanted was on there.I must have walked past it a hundred times when I was young on my way into the city.
Jim

[jim1]

More B'ham photo's: http://www.pbase.com/beppuu/old_bham&page=1
I've had a look at Spennell's & Bennett's directories but they don't include B'ham.I know they have most of Kelly's at B'ham Central Library but I suppose that's no good to you.
There are also books on B'ham which contain many photo's.
Jim

[leelou]

Thanks Jim

I plan to return to Birmingham archives on my next visit. Only live in wolverhampton, but don't know Brum at all.

Dad - Nigel Hanson, used to work in Lewises and is from Great Barr/ Aston so knows city well. Wanted old photo's to see if the building still stands after the new road system  was completed in the city in the 1960's as it runs past Summer Row.

Visited Barton arms area of Aston to look at roads where family tree members lived and Clifford street where dad grew up. Obviously no back to backs so VERY different from 1950's!
thanks again for your help.
Louise 

[jim1]

All of Parade now gone unfortunately.The photo is all you have.B'ham Library have an exstensive photo archive so you might find something there.
Jim

[leelou]

Jim
The address I have for the Hardy Opticians and artificial limb shop is 37 and 39 Summer Row. They were at this address form about 1912 until at least when this photo was taken - we just don't know.
When I visited Summer Row with dad he said the new Summer Row development of wine bars etc is the same set of shops as where the old shop was. Is he mistaken as the new a-z is confusing to what is Parade and what is Summer Row from the 1960's?.
Louise

[jim1]

It was Summer Hill Rd;Sand Pits;Parade then into Summer Row.
Try Google Earth if you want to see what's there now.

Jim