East Cleveland Image Archive

This view of Redcar seafront obviously at the time of celebration, based upon the fancy hats is from early in the 20th century. Bill Danby tells us: ”This photograph was very likely taken in 1902, when two events of National celebration occurred close together in the warmer months of that year. The Coronation of Edward VII had been fixed for the 26th June, but owing to his suffering from perityphlitis it was postponed to August. The King ordered the long-planned celebrations to go ahead in June. Prior to that in May the Boer War in South Africa came to an end and caused much rejoicing by a more patriotic and nationalistic people than we are today. The youth on the bike, to the left, with the uniform and large pith helmet suggests that this gathering was for the latter event. Most striking to me are the sveldt and tastefully dressed ladies of those times, compared to many present-day females, with their over-exposed cellulite and  enormous rears, bursting out of over-tight tights etc.”

Image courtesy of Geoff Patton and grateful thanks to Bill Danby for explaining the reasons for this gathering.

Plenty of beach attractions for the kiddies on Redcar beach in this postcard. The small red train as well as the pony and trap are unusual rides, we asked ”When did they operate, can any one help with dating?” and Josie Harvey has told us: ” These pictures were taken in early 1960′s the pony rides operated at the end of Turner Street & went to the 1st slipway towards Coatham. The pony pictured was called Molly, the pony rides were operated by Harry Sturdy (I think his wife was Lil) there were 5 or 6 ponies of various sizes; smallest named Tiny, the biggest was Smokey. The ponies were kept in a field at the back of York Road; you were offered a ride back to field at the end of the day if you helped by leading them up and down all day (always lots of willing helpers!). The cart was very bumpy to ride in I seem to remember, I think the rides were 3d a go. The train operated from just past the bandstand, as did the rocket. I think they alternated direction the train ran for a number of years before and after the rocket, both were garaged at the back of Turner Street.”

Margaret Perkins advises: ”I was one of the helpers, Harry paid you a small amount and this always ended up back in his pocket as it was spent on pony rides! Topper and Dinky were another two of the ponies, I can remember kneeling on the sand with Topper’s head resting on my shoulder, he would nod off to sleep. I went to help at Red Lion Riding School after this holiday job.”

Alan Etherington assists with: “The Santa Fé Express was run by friends of my mother; Floss and Bill. Floss took the money and Bill drove. They ended up as brown as berries at the end of the season. Their surnames I can’t help you with but the time was at the end of the 1950s and the start of the 1960s. It seems to have been a petrol-engined “loco” and pulled the trailers for about 100 yards one way and then returned. I suppose the tide had something to do with the running.”

Image courtesy of Maurice Grayson and many thanks to Josie Harvey, Margaret Perkins and Alan Etherington for the updates.

Another glass plate negative view of what we believed to be Saltburn pier. But Geoff Patton having loaned this and other images which we will be displaying shortly; advised: “Have to correct you; this is Redcar pier as the same family are in other shots facing the other way. The coast shots are clearly Redcar.” Meanwhile Callum Duff has further pointed out: ”This is a photograph of Redcar Pier. The railings appear to be the same design as Saltburn but these buildings in the background, never adorned Saltburn Pier.”.

Image courtesy of Geoff Patton and many thanks Geoff Patton and Callum Duff for the corrections.

Valley Gardens at Marske-by-the-Sea, looking towards the bandstand, from a postcard by J. F. Lawrence. Can any of our viewers remember the concerts? Paula Dorrell (nee Robinson) advises: “Wow! So pleased to find this picture of Valley Gardens in Marske. In the right hand corner there is an old barn. Hard to believe now, but in the 1950s this, for a time, was a school. One large room with a stove in the centre which divided the two classes. One had a music lesson we all had a music lesson.
No playground. We were sent to run around the Valley Garden to get warm before returning to the Barn to drink our milk which had been stood around the stove to defrost. Guess there must have been some warm days but don’t actually remember any. Anyone else have memories?”

Image courtesy of Maurice Grayson, thanks to Paula Dorrell for the update.

Four views of Redcar in the 1950’s; the Childrens Corner was also known as Sunshine Corner. Alan Etherington comments: “I remember the “Penny Mat” being built. Stan Winskill was the owner and you carried your mat to the top and he was there to take your penny and give you a push. Must have been the early 1950s.” Whilst today teh other major change is that the High Street is now closed to traffic.

Image courtesy of Maurice Grayson, thanks to Alan Etherington for the update.