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Gaumont
Cinema Oxford St in the late 1940's Photo by Berne Leng
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From: Joan Georgulis, née Hill,,
Location: Austin,Texas USA.
Subject: Gaumont and Manchester of the 1940's
Hi Aidan.... Thank you so much for keeping my memories alive of the Manchester
I knew and loved. I enjoyed the pictures of the Gaumont...suprised to
hear it has been torn down.
My father used to work there in the late 30's and early 40's. He was
the Stock taker/Store keeper for the 'Long Bar.' I have memories of each
Monday night, going with my mother and brother to the Gaumont. First we
would visit my dad in his office. Someone would always bring us a plate
of wonderful sandwiches etc. Then we would be taken upstairs to the Theater.
This was such a treat for my brother and I... After the show we would
go back to my dad's office..then we would all go home together.
The "picture" houses weren't open on Sundays in those days. One Sunday
afternoon, my father had cause to spend an hour or so working, and I went
with him. There were a few employees cleaning and doing a few other duties.
One of the "bosses" took me to that large Wurlitzer organ, and after climbing
up on it, he let me press a few keys. Such a thrill! and the sound that
filled the empty theater! Then we rode it down and back up again. Throughout
later years whenever I was seated in the audience listening to Reginald
Fort play (was it Fort or Dixon)? And the audience singing along, I still
got that special feeling, to think that I had "played" that organ.One
of many memories, of my growing up years in England.
I notice by the e-mails you receive that so many of us Mancunians have
left the homeland for various reasons. I married an American in 1949.
Those e-mails that come to you on your website, prove how very much we
ex patriates are still tied to England by our memories. Also why so many
can't realize the changes that are going on in Manchester. These are the
signs of the times...and time does march on.
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Ancoats
Hospital
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I'm afraid I can't help feeling "fixed" in the Manchester of my time....The
Ritz, Ted Heath. The Cafe Royal, and a wonderful pianist that played there.
Belle Vue, Fireworks, and Dancing, so much fun there. Wilkins Jeweler's
on Market Street where I used to work, 1946 to 1949. Ancoats Hospital
where I worked on the switchboard for a short time. The Kohinoor (SP)?
restaurant on Market Street, and that wonderful smell of coffee beans
when you entered, especially on a cold day.
Well, Aidan,I could go on and on. However I had better leave room for
the next person. Thanks again, and all the best in your endeavors.
Joan Georgulis, Austin,Texas USA. My maiden name was Hill. Would love
to hear from old friends.
Some
fantastic recollections, proving that Manchester in the 1940's wasn't
such a grim place some people imagine, in fact it sounds like it was full
of joy, community spirit and excitement. I can't vouch for this, as I
didn't arrive until 1958! That's a great way you've put it "I can't
help feeling 'fixed' in the Manchester of my time". I think that's
a common effect of going abroad - your memories of when you left remain
fresh and unobscured. Market Street seems to have been particularly interesting.
One half of it was swept away by the Arndale Centre. If you want a taste
of how Market Street might have looked today, you should go to Grafton
St in Dublin, with its interesting and varied shops, department stores,
and oriental Cafe Bewleys, smelling of coffee. Recently the remains of
the former Lyons Popular Cafe, at the top of Market St were pulled down
- see picture below.
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Ardwick
Green - site of demolished Hippodrome straight ahead, Apollo Cinema
on the right
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Name: Chris Whitburn
Location: Perth Western Australia
Subject: EWM Photographs and Mancunian website
Hi Aidan It is great to see your EWM photographs and articles on the
web, they bring back some memories and serve to show the changes that
have happened in Manchester. I lived in Manchester until 1981 before moving
to Calgary, Alberta. I now live in Perth, Western Australia.
I still have great memories of Manchester, although I have never returned
for a visit. As a child I lived close to Ardwick Green, so every Saturday
morning is was off to the ABC Minor's Matinee at the Apollo, and to the
Hippodrome pantomime every Christmas.
I also lived in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Withington, and Heaton Norris and
went to school in Levenshulme. In those days lots of kids enjoyed train-spotting
as a hobby and during the school holidays we would sit around one of the
stations all day looking for 'Namers'. My local spot was Longsight Station
where we would get the Manchester - London Express 'The Mancunian' roaring
through the station under a good head of steam out of, the then, London
Road Station.
In hindsight we must have been quite a nuisance to the railway staff
because we were always trying to sneak into the locomtoive sheds at Longsight.
Of course all the best engines were in the rear shed and we would take
a very dangerous walk along the tracks by the side of the old carriage
shed. We were quite lucky not to have been run down!
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Capitol
Cinema just before demolition
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Seeing your story about 'Top of the Pops' coming from Dickenson Rd reminded
me that in the late 60's some TV shows were also recorded at the ABC studios
on the corner of Parrs Wood Rd and School Lane in Didsbury. It used to
be a cinema but I can't remember the name.
I worked as a waiter in the Parrs Wood Hotel on the opposite corner and
remember that they recorded a Hughie Green show on a midweek night, ready
for transmission at weekend. At about 9pm the bar became packed as the
audience, band, and stars all flocked across for a beer. It was quite
usual to be called to a table to take an order for people like Tommy Cooper,
Tom Jones, Jim Dale, Hughie Green and many others of that era. I have
only just found your site so I have lots to look forward to as troll through
your pictures. I must confess that after 20 years I don't recognise many
of the areas around the city centre.
Thanks for the effort you put in and keep up the good work. regards Chris
Whitburn
Some great
reminiscences about the Capitol Theatre on Parrs Wood Road, which was
demolished to make way for an apartment development named Capitol Court.
The Apollo is still there, but the Ardwick Hippodrome has long since been
a vacant site with billboard ads. Railway sidings were places of great
fascination in the days of steam and the engines held a special fascination.
Well thanks for contacting and very best wishes!
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Stevenson
Square
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Name: Shimon Frais
Subject: My memories of Manchester
I stumbled by chance on your well put-together site on the history and
changing face of Manchester.
I left Manchester in the mid-80's and probably would not find my way
about so easily anymore. It would be nice to see old photos of some of
the places I remember.
The Lancaster Arcade off Shudehill was a gem of Victorian architecture.
Stepping inside there felt like a step back to the 1880's. I remember
climbing the stairs up to the different levels. Maybe there were three
balconied floors within the arcade. I recall seeing the post box attached
to the wall with the monogram of Queen Victoria. The only shop I remember
was Alwyn's (?) coin and stamp dealers. Here I swapped a pair of cufflinks
for a battered 1860 shilling. The arcade seemed to bend round with the
curve of the Exchange Building. The entrances in the side of the Exchange
were unobrusive - you had to look very hard to find them.
I can also remember Marsden Square, long ago obliterated by the Arndale
Centre. Coming out of the back entrance to British Home Stores you found
yourself in this square with tall, three or four storey buidlngs that
I think now must have been from the early 1800's. Maybe they were cloth
warehouses or the offices of some cotton barons. They had little sets
of stairs leading up to their entrances. A short, narrow strip of road
linked Marsden Square with Cannon Street.
Round the corner, not far from the entrance to Paulden's was a Victorian
building serviced by an ancient lift and an equally ancient lift attendant,
a job that I suspect no longer exists. One of the floors of this building
was occupied by a bazaar. I can just about recall standing on the corner
of Oldham St and Stephenson Square watching a red trolley bus departing
for distant Stalybridge.
I also went to St.John's College at the same time you were there. I
recall an excellent modern history lecturer, Derek Riley. He did much
to encourage my interest in this subject.
Finally, in North Manchester, I remember an attractive terrace of hand-loom
weavers cottages (or so I imagine they were), set back behind long gardens
shaded by huge trees. These houses were next to Cheetham Public Baths,
a Victorian red-brick monstrosity. Maybe it was a descendant of the designer
of Cheetham Baths that came up with the idea of the Arndale Center?
Next to Cheetham Public Baths used to be a green painted wooden kiosk,
right by a huge advertisiing hoarding. A good place to buy jelly babies
40 years ago. I think I can remember the side streets off Cheetham Hill
lit by gas until the mid-1960's. I always wanted to stay up so I could
see the lamp lighter coming round. Were there still lamp lighters in the
early 1960's? I really don't know. In the 1950's and early 1960's people
really did still keep their doors unlocked in the terraced streets I remember.
I am sure there was crime around then but there definitely was a sense
of security, The rent was 21 shillings a week in 1960. The houses I remember
were the two up, two down with the privvy at the back of the paved yard,
opening onto the cobbled alley. The closeness of the houses and the more
basic level people lived at fostered a sense of community.
Finally, I bought a re-issued 5 volume history of Manchester, originally
written by a clergyman in 1905. It contains a wealth of Manchester history
with interesting illustrations. I am sure you know of these books but
I didn't notice any mention of them on your site. Regards, Steven
Wow, some
more amazing insights into a lost city - a city which should have been
allowed to survive. Few people are aware today of the existence of the
Lancaster Arcade - It stood on part of the site of the new Urbis Centre.
For a sense of what the area demolished to make way for the Arndale Centre
used to be like, you have to go to Stevenson Square, once the terminus
of trolley-buses. The old warehouses and commercial buildings preserve
a vivid sense of past times. Cheetham, now there's another area steeped
in history, which I hope to feature soon.
From: Ted Webber
Location: Australia
Hi Greetings from Australia. I picked your address from the web and wonder
if you can help me. I am trying to find info about Frederick Chesters
McKinless age 33, who "died suddenly" at the rear of 4 Francis St Chorlton
upon Medlock on the 15th April 1900. An inquest was held 16th April. Is
it possible that you have acess to a newspaper report or the inquest?
I have reason to believe that this man was my great grandfather. Any help
greatly appreciated. regards Ted Webber
Chasing
that information up would be a job of research, which unfortunately I
don't have the time to do. Is there anyone out there who can help?
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The
Didsbury and Ye Olde Cock Inn
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From: fiona hall
Location: Australia
Dear Aidan, Yesterday I saw Eyewitness in Manchester for the first time.
I was overjoyed to see the Didsbury photographs as my family has lived
there for 60 years. My father is blind but I read the text to him and
he was picturing it all in his head. He is now 83 and has been blind for
a very short time so is still finding it hard to live with, this has given
him great pleasure although he longed to see the photographs.
My father was born at 182 Ogden Lane Openshaw in his Grandmother Irwin's
house. The family of Irish stock came from St.Helens. Dad's family emigrated
to Canada when he was 5 but when he was 15, during the depression, they
sent him back on his own to his Grandmother. The family at this time were
living at 12 Granville Lane in Fallowfield. My Great Grandmother a widow
and my three Great Aunts, Rachel, Emily and Hannah.
Aunt Hannah was on her own with three children so it was quite a large
household. Great Uncles Sam and John were not living at home and Great
Aunt Ruth was married and living in Ireland.
My Grandparents returned to England two years later. My Great-grandmother
and Great Aunts with children, had moved to Didsbury in the 30's so they
stayed together for a short time until my Grandparents got a home of their
own in Didsbury. My Uncle Arthur and family still live in the same house
he moved into with his parents and brother ( my Father) all those years
ago.
My Mother, Father and I lived next door but one to them in the house
previously owned by my Great Aunts until we emigrated to Australia in
1963. Uncle Reg lived with us. My Great Aunts moved to a flat in the village.
In the 50's my Mother's brother lived in Didsbury also. Dad and Uncles
John, Reg and Tom all drank in the Crown. Around this time Great Aunt
Ruth after the death of her husband, returned from Ireland with cousin
David.
My large and unusually close family have quite a history with the Manchester
children's department. My Great Aunt Emily Irwin was the matron of Cambrian
Street schools, Cambrian House at Whalley Range and Broome House in Didsbury.
My Great Aunt Hannah Baker worked at Styal Homes and was Assistant Matron
at Cambrian House and Broome House. Great Aunt Rachel Irwin was a housemother
at Styal. My Grandmother worked at Doctor Rhodes Memorial Homes in West
Didsbury. My Parents Bill and Jean Doherty worked at Styal Homes as houseparents,
My Mother worked at Summerhill boys Hostel in West Didsbury, we lived
there for a time.
From Cambrian Street school right through to Broome house my Aunt Em
had a young lady , another Jean and her sister Muriel working with her.
Jean eventually married my Uncle Arthur and is now my Aunt.
The amazing Irwin's. They were all smart, funny and young in heart and
very gracious. They coped with jobs and family with unending good humour
and patience. I was lucky enough to have them in my young life and have
memories of wonderful family Christmas's with my cousins. Aunt Em on the
piano . The Aunts made everyone do a party piece and smiled and clapped
no matter how dreadful it was. I so vividly remember my Dad saying briskly
" Very nice Fiona, now sit down" as his nerves could stand no more of
my out of tune warbling!!! while the Aunts sat and smiled sweetly, making
me feel like a star.
My Father who had the most glorious voice would be persuaded to sing
their favourites, "I'll take you home again Kathleen" and "Isle of Innesfree
". amongst them. Wonderful memories but Dad has so many more.
Dad and Uncle Reg would do everything together when they were boys and
young men before and after the war. They still remember playing soccer
and cricket in the Didsbury Parks and darts in the Crown. They were good
at everything. Now memories are very important to him, so thank you. Fiona
Hall
I can't
tell you how much it means to me that your father is enjoying my photographs
even though unfortunately he has lost his eyesight. The gift of sight
is obviously very important to me and I don't take it for granted. I have
vivid memories from my earliest childhood of experiencing the rich and
vibrant colours of flowers, especially deep saturated purples and vivid
reds.
In our
local park - Alexandra Park Edgeley, Stockport - there was a flower garden
for the blind. Plaques printed with braille gave descriptions of the flowers.
As a child I wondered what it would be like never to be able to see those
deep and powerful colours. I remember there was a blind man who used to
get on the number 30 bus near the park. He wore a light buff raincoat
and carried a white stick.
I love
to take flower photos even today, though I don't know the names of all
the flowers. I need a 'phone a friend' flower expert! An ideal of mine
is to fully describe the contents of every photo, so that blind people
are able to picture it in their mind's eye. Looks like you are helping
to do that job for me! Thanks for your message and please pass on my best
regards to your father.
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Manchester
Opera House
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Name: Thelma Hamer
Subject: pictures of Manchester.
Dear Mr O'Rourke, I just had to write and thank you from the bottom of
my heart for your wonderful photos of Manchester and surrounding areas.
You have given me HOURS of pleasure revisiting old memories.
I am an expat living in Canada now and have no prospects of being able
to return to my old country so you can imagine how excited I am about
your work. I revisited, through you, Wythenshawe Park where I used to
play as a child and the Opera House where my mother used to take me, and
Piccadilly where I used to get on the bus and spend my allowance at Lewis's
(a thing that childrens can no longer do unaccompanied).
I even saw an area where my grandmother used to live that has now been
obliterated.
God Bless you and thank you once more. Mrs Thelma Hamer
Thank
you very much indeed for your kind comments. It means a a lot to me to
know that people are looking at the photographs and using them as a way
of exploring Manchester and their memories of it. Ever since I was a child
I've been keenly aware of the world around me, though it's only recently
I have developed the technique of capturing that world in photographs
and sharing it with others. We all have streets, parks, gardens and local
districts which mean a lot to us. Most photographers seem to view our
commonplace environment as a poor choice of photographic subject, but
I find it very very interesting, and will continue to photograph it and
present it online.
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Northcliffe
House Deansgate and the former Lyons Popular Cafe Piccadilly. Two
quintessential pieces of Manchester destroyed in early 2002. |
From: "Eunice Barnwell"
Location: South Australia
Subject: Mancunian
Hi Adrian,
Just had to write and let you know how much pleasure (and angst) your
feature on Manchester city centre has given me. The angst due to
the monstrous new buildings, Deansgate is a mess and the desecration
of the Piccadilly area, how can they erect a concrete wall there? As
an ex-Mancunian living in S. Australia for 37 years it is wonderful to
see and hear what is happening back home. I grew up in Prestwich and we
have been back in 1986 and 1996. The changes were so great that it was
saddening for me in a way, we always like to think our past will always
be there. You have done a wonderful job on the history of Ancoats.
I am very familiar with the city as my working life 1956
to 1961 was spent in various jobs around the city. I have looked
at Liverpool also and will recommend this page to 2 ex- Liverpool friends.
Having visited Liverpool several times, including the Albert Dock
and having experienced the Ship Canal Cruise you can understand my
appreciation of your work. My husband and I are now in our 60's and he
is infirm and not likely to travel home again. Thank you for your
articles and your obvious love of the region.
Eunice and Bob Barnwell
I've taken
photographs all over the UK and all over the world, - the north west
region offers an amazing wealth of stunning images to capture.
I'm sorry
to hear your husband isn't likely to be able to travel home. I hope my
photographs will at least offer a form of 'armchair tourism' - no substitute
for the real thing, but cheaper and more convenient! Oh by the way it's
Aidan, not Adrian!
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