Author: Alan Burnett

Railway Shed, Halifax

This is a scan from the same strip of negatives I have been featuring this week. Based on clues from its neighbouring shots, it must have been taken in Halifax around 1972. It is clearly an old railway siding, and it could have been in one of two possible locations: either the railway sheds which … Continue reading Railway Shed, Halifax

The Stream At Shibden

This old picture postcard is a recent arrival in my collection, and it's a welcome one because I have known this stream all my life. My familiarity with it is of little help when it comes to naming it, and it is noticeable that even this old postcard dodges the issue by simply describing it … Continue reading The Stream At Shibden

From An Old Friend, George Graham

How this particular photograph found its way into my collection, I have no idea. I do, however, know who it is a photograph of, and that is George Graham. We also know that George was an "old friend", as written on the back of the postcard sized print is "from an old friend, George Graham". … Continue reading From An Old Friend, George Graham

Stamping Ground

Yet another strip of old negatives enters the scanning machine and immediately comes up with a long-dormant memory. It dates from fifty years ago when it was quite common to find these strange looking cast-iron machines on station platforms. This one, if my memory serves me right, was on the platform of Halifax Station, and … Continue reading Stamping Ground

Far Worse Places, Nellie

"This is where I spent my Easter Holidays", wrote Nellie from Brow Cottage, Greetland in May 1904 to her friend Ethel Knight, the daughter of the publican of the Black Horse in Lindley, Huddersfield. There are far worse places to spend your holidays, Nellie!

Memory Maps Of Halifax

They should call old photographs “memory-maps” because that is what a half-decent old photograph is. You should be able to sit down with a cup of tea and a magnifying glass and, in your mind, walk down streets that are long gone and look at buildings that are equally long-demolished. Take, for example, these photograph … Continue reading Memory Maps Of Halifax

Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May

A recently acquired vintage postcard of the sundial in People's Park, Halifax provides the basis for a timely New Year's post. The Smith sundial will be familiar to generations of Halifax dwellers, having been presented to the park in 1873 by Alderman Matthew Smith, a partner in the wire manufacturing company, who later became Mayor … Continue reading Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May