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Hello Don Welcome to the forum 1930! you have a good chance of being our oldest active member .
Being born close by to Littles Lane in 1937 I spent many happy hours sitting on the air-raid shelters alongside the old Victoria Basin in the 1940’sYou must have many stories you could tell us about the Boatees that pursued their livleyhood at that time around Broad Street and Horseley Fields.
So please now you have me hooked dont end it here.
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We received this enquiry today from Ms Helen Springthorpe.
I am really pleased I came across your information on The Heath, I am researching The Travellers Rest Inn, Deans Heath Road, where my Grandad Bertie Springthorpe was born in 1901. His parents Edward and Rose ran this pub and I am desperately trying to find anyone who knew the area. He actually married in 1926 and moved to Sedgley, I am hoping to find a photograph or an idea of what the street was like, or when it was demolished. Can you help me please??
HelenHello Helen glad you found the story “On the Heath” interesting.
Now you mention, Deans Heath Road . I personally have never come across a street/road with that name.
Deans Road and Old Heath Road are still there today on route from Wednesfield Road to Willenhall Road.
I doubt though wether either contained a public house called the Travellers Rest.
It could be you are referring to The travellers Rest, Wolverhampton Road, Heath Town, just a few doors away from Woden Road..
Demolished in the late 1960’s with the Heath Town transformation.Below the old cellar head.
Wendy Green commented on her stay at “Gibsons”the well established Chemists on the corner of Blossoms Fold indeed I remember it well.
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I saw on Facebook today someone had posted a picture of the Gaumont Picture house on Snow Hill at the time of its demolition in 1973.
The above picture shows the erection of the iconic building in 1932.Just another of the wonderful Wolverhampton buildings that went under the hammer in the name of progress.
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Wolverhampton Road safety Exhibition 1947
As most of you will know by now I lived within a few hundred yards of the Civic Hall in North Street which featured just after the war three wonderful exhibitions which I attended.
The first as I recall was the Wolverhampton Road Safety Exhibition which I went to as a ten year old in June 1947.
The purpose of the exibition was to publicise to both adults and children the importance of Road Safety and of course part of the show and the main attraction was an appearence in the basement, of Herman Goerings Bullet proof car captured by the British Army and previously exhibited for War Charities.
he safest car (for the passenger) ever built.The section dedicated to the car is just one paragraph amongst so many, such was the amount going on at that exhibition It does though add a little to our knowledge of the car:
“This car, which weighs five tons, is driven by an eight cylinder supercharged engine of 7.7.litre capacity, each cylinder being fitted with two plugs and dual ignition. The body is well proofed against small arms fire, and as a protection against grenades or mines has a specially fitted steel floor. The bodywork includes bullet-proof steel fitted into each door panel, the windows and windscreen are of 5-ply glass one and threequater inches thick, and marks from British rifle fire indicate that it is really bullet proof. The back of the car is protected by a retractable steel door.”Below the old cellar head.
Hello Nick
Welcome to Lost Wolverhampton.I had a reason for visiting The Convent of Mercy preparatory School for some reason or other in the mid 1960’s.and I recall Sister Mary Brigid.
But even ten years previous to that through my job whilst working in the wholesale Vegetable Market, I would call at Poplar Road regularly visiting the Carmelite Monastery across the road, to deliver on my porters barrow, the veg bought for the week by the Mother Prioress who I got to know quite well.
I always remember as I knocked on the large oak door the sound of the Bell being rang inside to make the young ladies aware there was a visitor calling.
I will post your request for info regarding the Convent of Mercy on our facebook group and hope we may get other tales of this unfamiliar Catholic school.
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Mark Cooper sent us this post.
Does anyone have any memories of the Railway Engine Works that was on the Stafford Road near the ECC (Electric Construction Company ) in the 60′s.
I was an apprentice in those days and wondered what are your thoughts on a Blue Plaque to commemorate those magnificant works.
I replied to MarkMark there are many stories and loads of info on the internet regarding the Great Western Works at Dunstall Hill.
But if its workers tales you are looking for I would think there are a lot of stories out there from old Wulfrunians
The last Engine to be repaired at Stafford Road in 1964
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There were quite a few of wonderful facades they could have saved Tony, which would have certainly enhanced the old town today.
The Hippodrome to name just one. But alas, no foresight.
The link regarding the Central Arcade comes from Bev Parkers site probably the best and certainly the most informative Local History site on the internet.
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Over the years when talking to old “Wufflers” The name Ever Ready has been mentioned.
Now as some may know. Ever Ready originally an American Company where in 1925 after the war, looking for a site in Wolverhampton, and found that the Efandem Co in Wolverhampton was in a poor financial state.
Efandem had been producing items such as torches, torch batteries, searchlights during the war. Ever Ready was interested in the works for expansion and so purchased the company.The works went on to employ nearly 3,000 people and produced large numbers of dry batteries and radio receivers.
Now I just love this evocative photograph, taken at the old works, one of many in a book I have showing various departmentsat the Efandem in the Park Lane of the 1920’s.
I have chosen this group of charming battery fillers because its my favourite from the book, and also because my mother-in-law Nellie Williams, who lived close by in Bank Street, is amongst the group.
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I Sat at the traffic lights at the junction of Ettingshall Road and Bilston Road about to emerge from Dixon Street and there facing me was the long established works of “Steelway” The firm that put “Safety First” on the agenda many years ago in Wolverhampton.
It was great to see this age old works continuing to prosper in our town, and it brought to mind this little story.
1934 saw the launch of the Steelway pedestrian guard rail.
After long and careful experiment with the co-operation and assistance of the Chief Constable of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton’s Borough Engineer & Surveyor, the first pedestrian safety barrier was successfully installed at a busy junction in Wolverhampton.
This was due to an accident involving a boy and the barriers were installed to prevent pedestrians walking off a blind corner into the path of motorists.
Following on from this success, Steelway manufactured London’s first safety barriers at Britannia Crossing, Camden Town. These were inaugurated on 19th March 1935 by Mr Hore-Belisha, Minster of Transport.
They also manufactured the sockets and detachable uprights to form crowd control barriers for the 1937 coronation of King George VI – parts of which were used again for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.Below the old cellar head.
Yes funny enough I was at the Black Country Museum a couple of weeks ago and noticed the solitary “Frisky”and what a concise history there is of it on Bev Parkers website as with every thing else.
I am sorry I don’t know your first name but thank you for joining us on the forum good to have some new blood.on board.
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We have had a very interesting comment from Ms jan coates
July 26, 2015 at 10:57 am (edit)I remember Liptons, The HOME AND CALONIAL , I remember Miss Horton’s and the hair ribbons they sold as well as wool and materials.
My father built the clock on Charles Clarks building in Chapel Ash and my aunt ran Bennett Clark’s photographers with partner William Hart, who she later married.
What a glorious past Wolverhampton family history you have Jan.
Bennett Clark now theres a name to conjure up many memories and stories.I have many photo’s take from the studio of this prolific Wolverhampton photographer.
I shall post a picture on the forum and on our facebook group. and hope other interested members will add their thoughts on this great Wulfrunian.
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Sheila and Roy posted on Wolverhampton Past and Present, they both have reasons to recall J.Gough Noake late of Darlington Street.
This is for them and anyone who is not aquainted with the whereabouts of these well known Builders merchants.
I bet your husbands dad never let go of him on the occaison of the parade Sheila and I bet he would have got a right telling of from his wife if she had found out.
Happy Times!.Below the old cellar head.
Phillp Farmer, on the facebook group WSAC&N.writes – The building work on the old Vodafone shop on corner Dudley street/king st has uncovered the Dunn and co sign any idea how long they traded. How old the building is and previous tenants. The work has exposed the stained glass windows relating to Dunns.
I took the liberty to answer him.Well Phillip
Dunn’s were “Hatters” They originated to my knowledge in Queen Street in the late 1800’s.By the turn of the century they were here on the corner of St John’s Lane, in that tall slim majestic building that houses (The Photo Shop today).
For one reason or another, in the1950’s they moved across the road to the corner of King Street ( The phone shop today) Replacing Bywaters Pork shop.
As Shirleys photo shows they were still there in the late 1960’s when Montague Burtons replaced the Irish Linen Store on the opposite corner in King Street.
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You are absolutely correct with the date Tony.
The poor picture below shows it a little while later from another angle when its well into its demise.
I can recall my last visit to this once popular house ,it was about this tome 1964.
Banks’s at that time hoping to hang on to the licence of the New Hotel had built a temporary portable building on the waste ground here on the corner of Bell Street, once occupied by Don Everall.
I recall the evening of my last visit vividly.
My father and I had been to the Odeon across the road in Skinner Street to see William Holden in “The Wild Bunch” Dad loved a Western almost as much as having a pint.
After ten O’clock I noticed he kept looking at the time and at twenty past ten , he turned to me and said; Billy, If you don’t mind I’ve seen enough Mexicans shot. Can we go for a pint at the New Hotel.
Which we did.Below the old cellar head.
There have bee 50 favourable comments regarding the evocative painting by Robert Calvin depicting the old Market Patch that onced faced St Peters Church. placed by Anne Jayne on Wolverhampton Past and Present
I have a framed print of it too Says Andy Lockett- Who enquires has anyone any details about the artist & when it was painted ?
As Anne says the Artist was Robert Calvin
I have posted this information for other interested in one of my favourite subjects Wolverhampton Markets and market Traders
The painting was taken from this photograph from my collection of the Market Patch in the 1950′, albeit with a little poetic licence.
More information on the old Markets can be obtained from me on Lost Wolverhampton.
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SPECIALLY POSTED FOR EMMIE with love
There is an article in the Black Country Bugle this week 2nd July 2015, were a reader recalls the heady 1950’s and life around Herbert Street Goods Yard.
He posted the above picture and tells a story regarding the delivery of tomatoes from the Channel Islands. at that time.
I worked in the Wholesale Market as a young groundsman during the 1950’s and I recall some of the draymen on his Goods Yard photo, and remember them calling with their Scammel 3 wheeled Mechanical Horses on their deliveries to the market.
It was usually early afternoon when they would arrive from the goods yard and pull up alongside the various tomato pitches.
I recall the first Guernsey tomatoes coming to the markets around April, full over flavour and you knew spring was here.
Non of the thick skinned tasteless produce you get today specially packed for the supermarkets this produce had taste.
The tomatoes arrived on a daily basis, various quantities, packed in small 12ib wooden chips (small hand made boxes with handles) with coloured tissue paper in each box to denote the variation in quality Pink & White was the top quality down to Blue misshapen , all with a mouthwatering taste.
A few weeks later the Jersey tomatoes would arrive in a similar way.
And didn’t we appreciate it.
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I would be special if a relative or friend could add further info to this evocative snap.
Army the Navy and the Airforce
This photo of four pals recently called up in 1942 has been included here because of its connection to Wolverhampton, and the 70 year anniversary of the end of the last war.
It shows local lads, pictured on St Peter’s Steps with the Wholesale Market in the background : Roy Jones, Army. Barry Chevasse, Navy. Mike Retallek and Max Warner, R.A. F.
Finally the chap on the right still in civvies was Johnny Lowe who’s Mother and Father were the Licensee’s of the Kings Head Dudley Street,at this time in 1942.Below the old cellar head.
There has been a lot of interest shown over the last few years regarding Heath Town Baths in this weeks E & S someone even referred to it as The Jewel in the Crown of Heath Town.
Well us kids from around Faulkland street born before the war couldn’t afford the luxury of a swim in Heath Town baths, our summer Lido was here in the basin between No 2and 3 Locks of Littles Lane.
I learnt to swim here in 1947 The back drop then wasn’t Carvers seen here, but the Great Western Goods Yard.
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John Favill our member from Winsconsin U S A. sends this most interesting and informative story.
As an added comment to my Meadows bit. I became and apprentice in March of 1948 and departed to a delayed National Service in May of 1956. Kenny Millman, who lives on Newbolds Avenue was the person that finally locked up Meadows premises after Jaguar had decided it’s end.
He appears on that Staff vs Works team photograph. John Drewett appears also and I believe he is in W-ton on a visit from Australia at the moment.Might I suggest something. I thought of it reading my copy of the Distribution of Prizes and Certificates for the Technical College for 1951 and the Companies and Individuals are listed.
I remember your list of Pubs that have been lost.
Can I suggest a list of Companies that Wolverhampton have lost and ask for contributions. My brain ceased after listing 24 of them, even leaving out Goodyears.
The Jet Engine sequel was that Rover Cars also made Meteor Engines but they also owned the contract with Frank Whittle to produce parts for his Jet Engines. Whittle got incensed when he found Rover were designing their own version of a Jet Engine and he kept being promised by Rover for the parts, they were supposed to be making but wern’t.One day Whittle met Ernest Hives and vented his feelings about tHe lack of support from Rover. Hives reaction was” We could make those for you.”. The result was Hives went to Rover and said they could make the Meteor Engines without the need for payment of Royalty to Rolls and take service and design responsibility for the Meteor Engines with one condition that Rover allow Rolls-Royce to take over the Whittle agreement.
The rest is a fascinating history and a picture of the man Ernest Hives was who at 15 years of age worked in a bicycle shop in Reading.
One day a man knocked at the door around closing time and asked for help as he was having problems with his automobile. The shop owner denied help but this 15 year old said he could help and went with the owner and indeed did the necessary to solve the problem with the car. The owner took the lad to see the lads mother and asked if she would allow him to employ the 15 year old as his mechanic at his premises in London.
The mother agreed the name of the owner of the automobile being Rolls who at the time sold Cars made by Royce. Later The Rolls-Royce company was formed and Ernest Hives became an employee eventually running the company.
Thank You for reading my story
John
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This weeks edition of the Black Country Bugle should be of special interest to one of our special members, one John Favill from U.S.A.
There is a small article regarding Derek Dougan who was invited to Villiers Engineering in Wolverhampton as guest of honour for the launch of a new Motorcycle. The ‘Wulf” and would you believe it the prolific designers of the new machine were non other then John Faville (they couldn’t get his name right) and his partner Bernard Hopper.
It appears though John someone had got there before you.
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Alan enquires about the line of the proposed railway across Old Fallings.
Hi billy whats that north western railway,,,,,a road or a track,,,,,,,
Billy :
I think Alan, it was a line that never came off.It was started as the London & North Western Cannock Chase Branch Railway.
The 1860s saw the up and coming age of the Railway locomotive and there were numerous collieries in production all over Cannock Chase who were keen to adopt this new form of rapid transport for their products.
Plans were submitted to Parliament by the Cannock Chase and Wolverhampton Railway Company suggesting a railway from the north side of Chasewater to a junction with the Great Western Railway just to the north of Wolverhampton Low Level.
The only section of this railway that was built was the section now in use by Chasewater Railway which conjoined along the Reservoir’s south shore with the Midland Railway and the London & North Western Railway.Below the old cellar head.
Allan recalls Newbolds Farm on our facebook group
Before we finish on Newbolds Farm I would just like to add a little further information regarding this ancient farm for members who may not recal its location.It once covered an area of almost 100 acres between Bushbury Road, Victoria Road ,Thorneycroft lane and Prestwood Road . Up the Cannock Road as far as Mill Lane. As Allan said the last owner was James Cope and it was sold circa 1916 here is a copy of the sales plan from that year.
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Somebody asked me the other day Whats happening with TESCO and the ROYAL HOSPITAL. Well as you may not know TESCO workers have now gone from the site. We have been told the are now looking for buyers and an announcement should be made soon. “Please don’t hold your Breath”
Although I think they have left the building in pretty good order considering.
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Hello Jenny I never lived on that estate, But both my fathers family the Howes and my mothers family the Worralls lived for many generations in the area. (See some of my stories)
My great great grandfather William Howe as you was a spectacle and tobacco box maker as shown here in a directory from 1835.Below the old cellar head.
Welcome on board Tony,Its a shame you didn’t see that area in the 1940’s 50’s Tony it was full life.
Please check out my stories on the Howl, “Specks on a Dusty Road”.
I gather from what you say you are not resident in Wolverhampton today and didn’t spend much time here.
Besides our forum here on the website, we also have a Lost Wolverhampton facebook group, please check it out sometime.Jenny tells us you and she are married – Well Best Wishes to both of you.
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Pat Edwards posted :
Billy; my brother went to st: Josephs . His name was terry Edwards! Did you. Know him? He used to do boxing at school,
Well I knew Terry well.
I was sorry to hear from Pat That Terry had past away.For anyone who went to St Josephs School who may have known Terry Here is a picture to stir the memories.
Terry is sixth on the right back row, can you name any of the other chaps.
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For Brian-
This photo taken of a family reunion around 1953
Shows Saranne Thomas second left front row with family and relations.Tony Hodson is pictured second from the right back row his father Bernard is peeping over his shoulder.
I have more information on this evocative photo if you wish to enquire.Below the old cellar head.
