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 This postcard image (from a Salmon card) dates from just before the Second World War. The newly opened Regal Cinema stands next to the Golden Lion Hotel, with it’s lion statue gazing down on the market place. The lion’s replacement is a poor copy of the original. The bus experts will tell us about the United service make and model standing at the bus stop.  A lovely view of Loftus Market Place, taken by Rita Unthank in the mid 1980’s, as part of a local history project for pupils of Loftus County Modern School. We are advised by Steven Steyert: ”I would say the photo is not as early as the 1960′s and is more mid 1980′s , The white mk3 escort van parked was only built from 1980 – 1986”. How peaceful it looks. Image courtesy of Rita Unthank and thanks to Steven Steyert for the update.  This double image is a postcard and reverse of Ryan’s shop once a feature of the Market Place, Loftus. Brought to the Archive by Robert Graham’s granddaughter, the card included details of Robert, but unfortunately no others are mentioned. Can you help? Ryan’s shop situated in the Market Place, managed it is believed by Mr Robert Graham who features in the image. Robert Graham lived in ”Tin City” at Boulby and arranged a petition (Robert’s letter presented the petition to The Minister of Health in London) to prevent the demolition of the village by Loftus Urban District Council in 1935. This image could well date from this time. ??, Robert Graham, ??, ??, ??, ??. We have however only some names and would appreciate assistance in filling the names, as well as any further information. Michael Andrew tells: ”My father Edwin Andrew told me that he worked in what he called Paddy Ryan’s as a boy. He was born in 1924, so it must have been around the late 30′s. Unfortunately he passed away almost two years ago, so I can’t obtain any more information.” Image kindly supplied by the Graham family and many thanks to Michael Andrew for the update.  An early image of the Angel Inn, Loftus, believed to be some time late 1890s. Eric Johnson has assisted with: “The 1891 Census lists: ”31 High Street: Edward Collins 56 years Innkeeper, Annie Collins wife 50 years, George Oliver 39 years Ostler/Groom, Florrie Cuthbert 19 years General Servant/Domestic, Bessie Ammonds 8 years Visitor, Barnie O’Hara 57 years Visitor/Lodger.” Image courtesy of Mrs Sakelaropoulos.  Another early image of the Angel Inn, Loftus, some time late 1890s from the style of dress. Brian Parker believes he may have relatives featured here. Eric Johnson assisted with: “The 1891 Census lists: ”31 High Street: Edward Collins 56 years Innkeeper, Annie Collins wife 50 years, George Oliver 39 years Ostler/Groom, Florrie Cuthbert 19 years General Servant/Domestic, Bessie Ammonds 8 years Visitor, Barnie O’Hara 57 years Visitor/Lodger.” Image courtesy of Brian Parker and thanks to Eric Johnson for the update.  A photograph loaned to the Archive by Eileen Hicks; we didn’t know the girl on the horse and asked for assistance. Now known to have been taken at the rear of the Golden Lion. Tony Shaw believes: ” The man in the centre foreground is my grandad (Stimmy) James shaw?” Can anybody assist with a possible date? Stan Binks tells us: ”The girl on the horse looks like Alice Bennett stepdaughter of Thomas Harry Binks [front centre]. Thomas Harry Binks was head horseman for the Co op. The horse was called Boxer and belonged to Loftus Co op.” Image courtesy of Eileen Hicks, thanks to Tony Shaw and Stan Binks for the updates.  Once again of Loftus Market Place but look at the Angel Inn how lovely it used to be. What date would you put on this postcard? Jezz Clifford suggests: ”Pre-1966, number 25 is prior to bay windows were erected?” Eric Lindsay has now advised: “Frith has postcard saying Circa 1960 which also appears on Frith Series Postcard labelled Geo Skilbeck LTS2 which bears early QE2 stamp.” Image courtesy of Mrs Lilian Waton and thanks to Jezz Clifford and Eric Lindsay for the updates.
Taken from the east, in the foreground is the roof of the Chapel then along Arlington Street, we see on the right the road to Spring Head and on the left Dam End, the road widens at the Market Place. The road on the right of the photo is the road that leads up to Micklow lane. A lovely clear postcard view believed to have been sold by Ford’s in the early 1960’s, although unsure of date of production. However Norman Patton points out: ”I suspect that the church in the foreground is the Newton Memorial Chapel which was damaged beyond repair in the bombing of 1941 and demolished. It also appears that the beautiful and large Methodist Chapel near to the Arlington Hotel had not been built when this photograph was taken and yet I remember attending in my earliest days (early 40s)!! There is an obelisk at the east end of the market square which I don’t remember seeing in my life and I am not convinced that the War Memorial is in the picture. I don’t know how many of these observations are accurate but given the number of what appear to be motor vehicles on the road, I am guessing about 1920………don’t forget the aeroplane!?” Richard Watson comments: ”Would concur with Norman’s observations — the houses now opposite the recreation ground on Micklow Lane also are absent — the 20′s would seem a good guess.”  I wonder if these photographs were taken at the customer’s request or as an early advertisement? A good image of a two wheel cart – too heavy to be a trap do you think?  The end of Loftus High Street looking towards the Market Place, about 1920. The shops were: a small general dealers, Mr Robinson’s bike and electrical shop, then came Finlay’s sweet shop. Can we date it by the pram? The gap in the wall on the right hand side was for a horse trough that was fed by a natural spring. Eric Johnson says ”The first shop has the name S. Jackson on the sign. Kelly’s Directory of the North Riding for 1905, lists: ’Jackson, Sarah (Mrs), shopkeeper, 43 High Street Loftus”. Jean Wiggins tells us od this image: “Granny Jackson is standing outside Jackson’s grocer’s on the corner of Dam Street. The middle shop is ‘Sappy’ Watson’s barbers and the next is Finlay’s provisions.” Many thanks to Jean Wiggins for the update. |
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