Gayla Phillips
Early pic of Piccadilly square
HI,
I FOUND THIS PICTURE MY DAD HAD TAKEN WHEN HE WAS IN THE U.S. AIR FORCE,
AND STATIONED AT BURTONWOOD AIR BASE IN '49-50. ON THE BACK OF THIS, HE
WROTE- 'TEX' & KATHLEEN - 'TULIP GARDENS' MANCHESTER, ENGLAND; MARRIED
1949.I UNDERSTAND THE WHITE BUILDING IN THE BACK IS THE OLD BBC BUILDING,
AND ALSO THE STATUE IS CALLED 'ADRIFT'. I SAW ON THE PICTURES OF PICCADILLY
SQUARE ON YOUR SITE, BUT NONE OF THEM SHOW THE STATUE OF 'ADRIFT'. WOULD
YOU HAPPEN TO KNOW ABOUT THIS STATUE? I CAN'T FIND ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
I WOULD LIKE TO GET A PICTURE OF THE SAME AREA WHERE DAD HAD THIS ONE
TAKEN. PLEASE REPLY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. GAYLA (MCCAIN)0 PHILLIPS
The statue
whose full name is 'Humanity Adrift' was first put up in the centre of
Piccadilly after the old infirmary buildings were demolished around 1908.
It remained there until 1953 when it was moved to the Portland Street
end of the Gardens and replaced by the Coronation fountain. It stood in
this spot - in later years vandalised and sprayed with graffiti - unil
1999 when it was removed to make way for the Manchester City Council-sponsored
office block currently under construction on what used to be the Gardens.
I'm not sure what has happened to the statue, I will find out. I will
also include a picture of how this spot looks today in my upcoming 'requests'
feature. You can see the BBC building in the photos of Piccadilly I took
during the Commonwealth Games further down this page. Can you tell me
a bit more about the people in the photograph?
THE COUPLE IN IT, IS MY DAD (HUGH MCCAIN -AGE 19) AND HIS FIRST WIFE
(KATHLEEN TAYLOR AGE 18). DAD WAS IN THE U.S. AIR FORCE STATIONED AT BURTONWOOD
FROM MARCH 1949- JANUARY '50 , HE HAD MET KATHLEEN TAYLOR (FROM DUKINFIELD),
AND THEY WERE MARRIED ON NOVEMBER 05,1949; ON THEIR MARRIGE CERTIFICATE
DAD KEPT, IT STATES MARRIED IN COUNTY OF CHESTER. I HAVEN'T FOUND WHICH
BUILDING THEY WERE MARRIED AT BUT, I'D LIKE TO FIND A PICTURE OF IT ALSO.
KATHLEENS' FATHERS' NAME WAS FRANSIS TAYLOR (ALSO FROM DUKINFIELD). DAD
AND KATHLEEN HAD A BABY GIRL AFTER RETURNING HERE TO TEXAS AT HIS NEXT
BASE, BORN ON APRIL 13, 1950. HER NAME WAS BEATRICE SUE MCCAIN, SHE DIED
RIGHT AFTER BIRTH, AND I FOUND OUT HER GRAVE IS IN 'HONEY GROVE', TEXAS,
WHICH IS ABOUT 20 MILES FROM WHERE I LIVE. WE CONTACTED THE CEMETERY ,
TO SEE IF THEY CAN LOOK UP WHERE SHE IS BURIED. DAD AND KATHLEEN DIVORCED
AROUND NOVEMBER 1950. I WAS TOLD KATHLEEN HAD REMARRIED NOT LONG AFTER
THAT. I ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT MANCHESTER LOOKED LIKE, BECAUSE DAD WAS THERE,
AND THE PICTURES YOU HAVE ON YOUR SITE, HAS ALLOWED ME SEE WHAT MY DAD
SAW SO MANY YEARS AGO. DAD ONCE TOLD MY MOM THAT HE AND OTHER SOLDIERS
FROM THE BURTONWOOD BASE, USE TO RIDE AROUND ON A TRAIN (?) IN MANCHESTER.
DAD DIED IN 1994. THANKS AGAIN, FOR THE INFO ON THE STATUE , GOD BLESS,
HUGH MCCAINS' DAUGHTER, GAYLA
Thanks
for this photo, it's a remarkable snapshot of the early post-war era -
uniforms, big hats, demob, Yanks in town, austerity, emigration... The
poses and facial expressions of the couple tell us a story too! This is
a classic photograph and deserves to be in an exhibition or in print.
Your dad and Kathleen probably got married in the bride's home of Dukinfield,
8 miles east of Manchester. The town of Dukinfield is just east of the
river Tame and historically lies within the County of Cheshire. In 1974,
the thousand year old county boundaries were obscured by local government
changes, and Dukinfield became part of the newly-created Borough of Tameside.
Here's a photo of Dukinfield Town Hall, now used for the administration
of Tameside borough. Maybe they got married here, or at least signed the
certificates here.
Aidan, please let me know when you put the picture in the reader messages
update, I'd like to see it, and make a copy of it, for my family scrapbook.
I'm searching my family history & I'm in the process in trying to find
Kathleen Taylor (Dad's first wife in the picture) . You have great pictures
on Manchester, I really enjoyed looking at them. Thanks for all your help.
God Bless, Gayla
Hope you
find Kathleen Taylor, originally from Dukinfield - Does anyone out there
know her? You could also contact 'In Touch' and they can include your
letter in the Saturday edition of the Manchester Evening News. Many people
have made contact with friends and relatives through 'In Touch'. By the
way, did you see my Piccadilly feature on Eyewitness in Manchester?
Yes, I saw it, you take amazing pictures! Manchester is a beautiful city.
Would love to see it all in person some day. The history of it, is awesome,
and reading your article helps me to learn more about it. I pulled out
my family Bible, and found that my Grandmother (Dads' Mom) was born in
Nottingham!! Cool, huh? I have roots there in England, and didn't even
know it!!! Thanks again, Take care. Gayla
Thanks
to you too and keep in touch!
Subject: Piccadilly before and after
I have visited Piccadilly Gardens for the first time today since the 're
vamp' I wasn't surprised to see it so modern and minimalist. I quite enjoyed
sitting and watching the children running through the water jets as water
can be an excellent feature to get people to sit and relax. I still have
fond memories of the original Piccadilly Gardens from the 70's when I had
first dates and meeting them on the steps of Queen Victoria from the 211
bus stop and nights waiting for taxis with the drunken lads in the smelly
water of the original fountain. (My now husband lost a watch in that fountain
in 1979) This leads me to the reason for e-mailing you, I have heard the
fountain was removed from Piccadilly Gardens and taken to a Manchester Park
and used as a feature. Would you happen to know which park as fellow 'fountain
revellers' would like to know for old time sake. Hope to hear from you soon
Jules
I've been
trying to track down that information but haven't been able to find it
yet. The original fountain dates from 1953 and was put up to celebrate
the Coronation. The statue 'Adrift' was moved to the Portland Street end
of the gardens. Does anyone out there know what has happened to the Piccadilly
Coronation fountain?
W. Eric Johnson
Subject: Piccadilly Gardens 2002
Just a line from here in Canada. I have looked at all the views of the
"new" Piccadilly Gardens and must agree it is no longer the place I remember
from my childhood and teenage years during the depression and 2nd world
war. Gardens should have flowers, lots of them not concrete and fountains.
If one thinks of London and all the parks. Then the centre of Manchester
will last a long time and save the Council money from low maintenance
costs.If the fountains should overflow the water will wash the concrete
and without flowers you don't need a gardener to plant them. Maybe that
was the real reason for all that cement. Eric Johnson Westmeath, Ont.
Canada
You could
be right. In the previous message, our American friends dubbed them 'Tulip
Gardens' which I think is quite a nice name and very descriptive of what
they were like. 'Concrete Gardens' might be a more apt description of
what we see today. Manchester City Council are well capable of providing
and maintaining some very attractive flower beds - just take a look at
Ardwick Green for instance - But the design for Piccadilly Gardens is
contemporary and minimalist, so flowers are definitely out of fashion
this year. Thanks for your message.
Barbie
Dear Aidan,
Here are four photos which may be of interest. They are all connected
with St Chads Church, Mauldeth Road, Fallowfield. The two Whit Walks
were taken in the vicinity of the church I imagine.
(1) Whit Walks taken about 1950-51. I am one of the
little girls carrying the flower basket which is on my right. I have
a sash around my waist. I remember three of the girls names on this
photo, two of them attended the same school as me and I also recognise
the faces but forget the names of a couple more from Moseley Road
School. (Anyone remember me? Babs McLaughlin, lived in Filey Road,
off Ladybarn Lane). |
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(2) Whit Walks about 1946. My brother Bill (called Billy
then) is partially hidden by the boy in the centre front and another
boy. Bill has his head turned looking to his left. |
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(3) The third photo is the Rosebud Queen Parade circa
1951. My sister Maureen is at the back of the group, second from the
left. The girl on her right next to the Rosebud Queen was our neighbour
Dorothy. Arent the boys cute in their sailor suits? |
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(4) Brownies Group circa 1950, taken in St Chads church grounds..
My sister Maureen is 6th from the left on the front row (or 2nd from
the right - theres a gap between her and the girl on the end).
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If anyone recognises themselves on these photos, or remembers us, we would
love to hear from you. If anyone attended Moseley Road School, you may
be interested in a free online message board for all ages. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MRBB/
Love your site Aidan. I have lived in Australia since 1968 and your photographs
are very special. Regards, Babs Groves (nee McLaughlin)
Thanks
very much for the photos and for your comments. The photos are a fantastic
record of times that seem long gone, though it's important to remember,
Whit Walksdo still take place in Manchester - hope to photograph them
next time.
Eileen Anthony
Subject: To Manchester Memories
Hello Aidan, Just want to let you know how much I enjoy browsing through
your website on Manchester and vicinity. I have been gone from England
a long time now, but with a daughter in the airlines I have been back
a lot until both my parents died and the vital link was gone. Someday
I hope to return, but from the many recent pictures you have taken of
the city and surrounding area I doubt I would know where I was now!!
My home before coming abroad was in Flixton, near Manchester. Though
I was born about three miles outside the city of Manchester, near Slade
Lane in Attwood St. In those days it was so different than in later years.
I had a friend who lived close by in Sullivan St. I wonder if this street
is still there? I kmow that Attwood St. is having traced it on that area
map. I would like to know what happened to the family friend who lived
on Sullivan St. His name was John Howard. I believe he emigrated to Canada.
Hope he has led a happy life.
I emigrated to Canada with my husband and lived there for a number of
years, and then moved to So. California. Am here in Rock Hill, South Carolina
on a temporary basis with family. Have travelled extensively all over
this country and beyond, but home in my heart will always be the Manchester
area and England.
You are a blessing to those of us who have wandered far afield. I hope
that you continue to take the marvellous pictures that give so much pleasure....and
bring areas closer to us that know and love the Manchester area. I have
wonderful memories of my early days on Attwood street though only little
at the time. I dearly love Flixton, near Urmston, and enjoy a warm, and
close friendship of years standing there. This enables me to keep up with
the latest news.
If anyone would care to write to me and let me know if Sullivan St.is
still there near Slade Lane. Or if by some chance, John Howard reads this
e-mail to your website, do reply with an Hello.
Best wishes to you Aidan. I share your interest in photography, and like
to indulge in it during my time off work, etc. To all out there from Manchester
lots of good wishes. Eileen.
Thank
you very much for your comments. I will be including Attwood St and Sullivan
St in my upcoming requests feature. Slade Lane is very familiar to me,
though it's changed a great deal over the years.
Joseph
Rick
Subject: The new Manchester
I was in Manchester recently and was amazed at the changes ,at one time
I was concerned when I heard that they were pulling a lot of the old places
down.I was taken on a tour of some of the streets in Manchester. Piccadilly
Gardens looks great ! And what they have done with some of the streets
with places putting tables and chairs outside seems to have added some
life to a dying city. I even went into a former bank that was now a pub
(for lack of a better word) they had kept it all the original fittings,
marble walls and pillars, even the little niches in the wall where people
used to fill out their documents. I could go on for ever talking about
it but you get the idea I liked it. I lived in the Manchester area until
1960 you have to leave a place to really appreciate it. Cheers , Aidan,
Joe Rick
There
are two bars in former bank buildings I can think of - I'm all for putting
old buildings to new uses and retaining all the fittings. I'm not so keen
on many of the newer buildings, which in my opinion show very little innovation
or creativity, though there are a few exceptions, including the striking
Urbis Centre in Manchester, designed by Ian Simpson, the Lowry in Salford,
architect Michael Wilford and the Imperial War Museum North, the work
of Daniel Libeskind.
Linda
Dempsey
Hi Aidan
Your pictures Manchester during the games are great. I was a volunteer
and they are great to look at and remember the sun, the people, the friendliness
and the rain!
I was based in different zones in the centre and sometimes on the station
and on the walking route to the stadium.
I am so impressed with the changes and the way the squares and the buildings
have changed. I shall be visiting Manchester again during August to show
my partner the changes - he went to college in Manchester in the early
70s. Look forward to more pictures. Did you get any of the volunteers?
Cheers
Linda Dempsey
Yes, this
is one of my strongest memories of the games - the downpour on the Tuesday
- I got soaking wet! I didn't get any of the volunteers, because I wanted
to concentrate on my usual subject, the city, but one of my readers did!
See below.
Rory.Oakes
As a life long resident of East Manchester, I am so proud of the effort
made by 'ordinary people' whose voluntary contribution has made the games
such a success.
I enclose an image taken in St Annes Square today (Sunday
4th August 2002) of two such people enthusiastic ambassadors for Manchester,
and the North of England, |
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I also enclose an image of two women who had come to
the games from Tasmania via Brighton, again they summed up the party
atmosphere on Sunday (the last day) beautifully. I do not know their
names. |
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Keep up the good work
Rory Lees-Oakes
Nice photos,
excellent quality, well composed and capturing the spirit of the event.
Yes, the people of east Manchester did a great job. They are definitely
going to benefit as a result of the Commonwealth Games.
ianandxtine
Hi there I was in Manchester a couple of weeks ago and was lying on a
bench looking up and saw what we thought for about 10 minutes was a building,
was actually like a poster hanging from the tram lines! Also there was
a gentleman standing on the fountain shouting, I was told by a friend,
that the man comes from the local uni and does this everyday.
I was just wondering whether there are any pictures of the poster, building
thing, that explains it and also why the gentleman goes to the fauntain?
thanyou very much
Ellie
Most peculiar
- the only poster I can think of is the one that was on the side of the
Sunley Tower. I'm also not aware of the shouting gentleman in the fountains
- Can anyone shed any light on this?
H.A.Hinson
Sir,
You are my eyes and ears of my beloved City I am an Octogenarian living
alone and mostly remain in my wheelchair all day.
I look forward to your journalism, your remarkable pictures, and all aspects
of reporting the good and bad without prejudice. If anyone tempts you
away from Manchester I and thousands will be at loss for the likes of
your reporting only comes once in a life time. Thank you again
Harry A Hinson.
I
am very touched by your message. I'm very glad that my view of Manchester
enables you to see the city, and overcome the limitations of being confined
to a wheelchair. I'm trying to capture what I and thousands of other people
see when out and about, so that people in other parts of the world, or
in the future, can experience Manchester as it is now.
Peter & Valerie Slater
Genius at work
Hello Aidan, I left Stretford for Australia 30 years ago, and have just
been sent to your website and wanted to tell you how wonderful it is.
You are a genius !!! Bringing all our old familiar sites to the screen,
and giving us a full rundown on progress etc, its fantastic! My dad was
born in Ancoats, so I really loved your special feature on the area, I
had never seen Ancoats before, so it was all new to me. I like the fact
that you concern yourself with the history, not just with the future.
So, keep up the good work, you obviously love doing it. Bye for now, Val
Photographing
and writing about Manchester is my hobby. It's a form of relaxation and
therapy - but I also get paid for it as well, so I'm very lucky. I've
had a very good response from the Ancoats feature, and hope to do more
work from there and the east side of Manchester.
Jean Buckley
Hi Aidan, not mailed you for a long time but, the pictures of Manchester
and the "games" are just fabulous, thanks for doing them, gives
us a touch of home, we also enjoyed watching the games, and happy that
England did so well. Hope the weather has cheered up for you, very warm
here. Thanks again, JB.
The
weather has generally been very good indeed - rainy yes, but lots of sunny
days too.

re Alexandra Place
Dear Aidan,while browsing Eyewitness m/cr I found your photo of Alexandra
Place situated on Sudell st. corner of Rochdale Rd the view is the only
part left of Alexandra Place dwellings, I was born at No 17 in 195 ,I
have fond memories of my early childhood in the dwellings, If you want
any information about the building or surrounding area please do not hesitate
to
contact me, regards Terence Skachill.
Thank
you - I may well get back to you on that. It's a shame that the dwellings
weren't fully retained. If they were renovated now they would make a very
attractive feature on Rochdale Road now.
Alan Bates
I took pictures during the games from the new war museum, it depicts
the Key 103 Balloon Flying over.
Both
the war museum and the balloon together make an amazing sight. The
balloon will perhaps remind a few readers of the airships of the
20's and 30's, though in this balloon is closer in size to the barrage
balloons of WW2.
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Shane Strong
As a Melbourne Aust person I hope we can do as good a job as you guys
did. The only sad point is my parents came from Radcliffe and were very
proud when Manchester won the 2002 games. It upsets me that they did not
live to see the great work done. Mum especially would have been so proud.
Well,
at least by including your message here, we and future generations can
share in your parents' sentiments. As for Melbourne doing as good a job
as Manchester - hmmm, I'd doubt it, no city will be able to repeat Manchester's
excellence in putting on the games. In fact, here's an idea - why not
let Manchester run the games a second time! I'm told they do that with
the Fleadh Ceoil or Irish traditional music festival - Each town gets
to hold the event two years running, so second time round, they can put
on an even better event! So why not the Manchester Commonwealth Games
Mark II?
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Eunice Barnwell
Subject: Games photo gallery
Hi Aidan,
We thoroughly enjoyed the photos of Games City. Thank you.
Many years ago, in 1956 I worked in Store Street and walked under the
London Rd bridge every day. I also worked in Albert Square - opposite
the Town Hall clock so I have really enjoyed the photos and look forward
to the next episode. How the old place has changed!! I wish they would
plant some trees and flowers in Piccadilly. The Games were a great achievement
for Manchester and all should be extremely proud of the outcome. I'm sure
it has been a great boost to the morale and pride in our City. We were
very proud, being Mancunians here in Adelaide since 1965, where the Games
were very keenly followed. Thanks again for your great website.
Eunice and Bob Barnwell
Adelaide, South Australia
Thank
you very much indeed for your comments. Both Store Street and Albert Square
have changed a great deal since you worked in those places. There are
some trees in Piccadilly, but the grassy area has deliberately been left
treeless to make it more suited to outdoor events. The original Piccadilly
was famous for its colourful flower beds, as we can see in another photograph
on this page. The redesigned Piccadilly has very few flowers. It would
appear flowers are out of fashion with the planners at the moment! Glad
you enjoyed the games and keep in touch!
RAY O'NEILL
Subject: Manchester
With pride I write to you, I was not able to see any of the games but
read the MOL every day and formed in my mind what the people of Manchester
were thinking of the games as they unfolded. It would be nice to hear
what the athletes and officials from the other countries all thought about
how the games went.
Once again Aidan I am so impressed with what you do and do so well, just
keep it up. I will still be a Mancunian and take pride in that fact and
these games have made me more so.
I do hope the city keep up with the renovation of the town and the surrounding
areas, plant more trees. Cheers,
Ray O'Neill
There's
a widespread feeling that more trees should be planted but I have to say
I think there are too many! Trees have been planted along the Piccadilly
Gateway route of Piccadilly, London Road and down along Ardwick Green.
Perhaps they're trying to turn Manchester into a kind of 'Aix-en-Provence
of the North'! Looking on many old photographs many street scenes are
refreshingly clear of trees, too many of which block views, attract pigeons
and turn urban spaces into an urban jungle! Thanks as ever for your comments!
Christian McKie
I read with dismay in the MEN recently the proposals for a new 'SUPER'
MRI to replace the existing Edwardian hospital buildings on Oxford Rd.
Although not wanting to knock the city authorities in wanting updated
21st centuury health facilities,d oes the slate have to be swept clean
for mediocre shed like structures. Why can the existing structures, particularly
the one's fronting Oxford Rd. not be retained and remodelled, if not to
house new theatres and medical facilities then at least to house hospital
offices and nurses accomodation.
This country does not seem to be able to see a viable future for historic
structures when abroad you find first class, medical, educational and
government facilities in historic buildings.
I
cannot imagine that the marvellous hospital facades along Oxford Rd will
be demolished as I understand they are listed buildings. Putting a new
building behind an old facade, as they've done with the old Stockport
Infirmary building, can work very well, but I
think it's preferable to keep the building in its entirety where possible.
People often think that now it's the 21st century we need to have buildings
to match, but if you go to Prague, you'll see wonderful completely original
buildings from the Middle Ages with state of the art offices and computer
equipment inside. That's what I call truly 21st century thinking - retaining
the best of the past and making it part of our future.
Ciaran
Astin
I've been an interested, if silent reader of your pages for some time.
It brought a smile to my face to see your latest EWM pages glowing with
apprarent praise for the rejuvenated Piccadilly Gardens. Good to see you
might have changed your opinion on the new gardens. Whilst I fully appreciate
the nostalgia and history associated with many aspects of the City Centre,
I do feel that some parties (esp the Civic Society) are all too quick
to call for the preservation of everything. We have to move on...and the
risk taken with the Gardens by the Council seems to be paying off. Though
there is, however, still plenty of time for me to be proved wrong on this
one!
Ciaran
London
I haven't
changed my opinion, I still dislike tne new Piccadilly Gardens. But I
noticed people were using and enjoying them, and if that's the case, then
my opinion is irrelevant! I had already changed my mind about the fountains
and mentioned that in the Piccadilly 2002 article. I'm not afraid to change
my mind, I am completely independent, I don't represent any organisation
or company, and my loyalty is ultimately to our fascinating but flawed
city and conurbation. I try to stimulate debate by expressing my opinions.
Someone wrote on another website that Eyewitness in Manchester was 'good
but very opinionated' - I think that without my opinions, and those of
the contributors to this page, there would be less reason to look at this
website! As for the Civic Society, I think if you look at their newspaper
Forum, accessible from their website www.manchestercivic.org.uk you'll
find they hava a very constructive attitude to development, and they don't
just want to preserve everything. Thanks for your message and please don't
be so silent in future!
banda.maddocks
Dear Aidan
What a great show it was, loved every minute of it. We particularly enjoyed
the marathons and the 50 km walk, showed us a lot of Manchester that did
not exist when we lived there, The Quays, the Lowry and the Imperial War
Museum, the tri-athlon swim in the canal, amazing that it has cleaned up
so well.
The sports venues are terrific, bet Manchester City cannot wait to get
their hands on the stadium, or should that be feet. The velodrome and
the pool are a brilliant too, they should get a lot of use in the future
and maybe nurture more medal winners.
There are a couple of very proud ex Mancunians living in Wanganui, proud
of how our home town looks and proud that Manchester put on such a great
show but we knew you could do it, never doubted for a second.
Best wishes from Brenda and Alan Maddocks
Yes, congratulations
to the organisers of the Manchester Commonwealth Games who worked extremely
hard and pulled out all the stops to make sure the event was the success
it was. If they had got it wrong, it would have been a disaster for Manchester
and the north west, but in the event, they got it right, and we will be
reaping the benefits for years to come.
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