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 A view of SS Staithes; one of the many ironstone ore carriers that plied their trade between Port Mulgrave and the iron works on the River Tees. The smoke to the lower right of the image would appear to be from a chimney; although Jim Wallace suggests: “Looks like the fire of c.1911.” Image courtesy of Maurice Grayson.  Another image kindly loaned to us by Neil Suckling who asked where was the photograph taken? My thoughts are that it is Skinningrove works, but I can be wrong as proved so often in the past. What do you think? Eric Johnson suggests: ”If this is Skinningrove, it dates from the introduction of steelmaking. At the left of photograph is the new Talbots building; at this stage only one furnace of about 250 tons capacity was operating. A glimpse through a gap in the sheeting appears to be a high ground type charging machine; having driven one in my time (later in the life of the plant). Moving right, next to the water tower, the large pipe is part of the gas producers; the tall tower being the coal hoist to feed the retorts. And behind the large building is the new power house; the men appear to be standing on the site of the soaking pits and 36 inch mill.” Image courtesy of Neil Suckling, thanks to Eric Johnson for the update.  But which brickworks, was it Loftus? Following a comment from Tony Lynn this is now believed to be a pre-cast concrete works, but where? We are also told by Eric Johnson of a Thomas Eaton who in 1891 was a manufacturer of tiles and bricks in Loftus, but obviously on a smaller scale than shown in this image. The search continues. Image of Neil Suckling, thanks to Tony Lynn and Eric Jonson for the updates.  I know it isn’t an old photograph but the trains are old so it qualifies. Russ Pigott comments: “It is an old postcard, dates back to the very early 1970s.” Image courtesy of Joyce Dobson, thanks to Russ Pigott for the update.  1939; two cuttings regarding the re-opening of Loftus (Skinningrove) mine; left image: sorting shale from ironstone on the large conveyor belt at Loftus where the ironstone mine re-opened after being closed since last August. This will mean employment for several hundred men, the ore extracted will be supplied to Skinningrove Iron works where 2 addition calcining kilns are to be re-lighted. The right image is the first load up at Loftus. A cutting from a collection gifted to the Archive, most of the cuttings coming from the Northern Echo and cover the period 1930 to 1940.  The caption tells all.  Mr Arthur Gill’s retirement with Mr Vic Caney and Mr Fothergill. Were you there? Back right there is Billy Winspear and Brian Atkinson, in the middle back is Arthur Summers, can you help with any other names? George Brown tells us: ”I worked in the boiler shop, Desmond Want is bottom right corner . Second from left is Edgar Noble . Top left corner looks like George Gill. More names for this photograph as passed to me by Mr Brian Atkinson. Back row: Man with spectacles Mr R. Milner, ??, tie and pullover Mr J. Shaw, ??, ??, forward a little Mr J. Boardman, next Mr M. Wilks, Mr J. Preston, Mr Brian Atkinson, Mr G. Gill. Next row: Mr E. Noble, forward Mr B. Shaw, Mr A. Crispin, Mr W. Fothergill, half hidden is Mr J. Gill, right is Mr Desmond Want. Front as you read is Mr A. Gill and Mr Vic Caney. Hope this fills a bit more of the gaps the rest may come to us later?”  Crag Hall signal box, do you the names of the two men? Image courtesy of Ted Morgan (via Eric Johnson).  The foundations for a ’new tippler ore crusher’ being laid c.1950, we are also advised by Phil Ransome that the gentleman at back left is possibly Nelson Downs. Can anybody else assist with names. Image and dating information courtesy of Eric Johnson; also thanks to Phil Ransome for the update.  This is the 18” mill before remodelling in 1956; Eric Johnson assists with: “The man is Les Smith (the roller) in the centre of the image.” Image courtesy of Eric Johnson, thanks to Eric Johnson for the update. |
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