1905 Postcard Of Bradford Road, Brighouse : Dear Dorothy, It is only about three week off Easter now. Do you know you forgot to put a stamp on the postcard you sent me and I had to pay a penny for it. From Walter. (It is interesting to note that whilst this stretch of Bradford … Continue reading Forgotten Scenes And Forgotten Stamps
Category: Vintage Postcards
That Face
There is something so simple about this little image that comes from an early twentieth century picture postcard from the German publishing firm, Meissner & Buch. The card hasn’t been used in the century and a quarter since it was printed, so I could dash off a message to someone and pop it in the … Continue reading That Face
Markets
I worked in Bradford for a time just after leaving school, and at lunchtime I would explore the wonderful old Kirkgate Market. It always seemed slightly more imposing than Halifax's Borough Market, as perhaps befits a city rather than a humble town. Bradford's market was torn down in the early 1970s and replaced with a … Continue reading Markets
John Hodge And The Overdue Stove
This picture postcard of the Labour politician and Member of Parliament John Hodge dates from October 1911. He was 51 years old when he was elected as the MP for Manchester Gorton in the 1904 General Election which saw 29 members of the new Labour Party being returned to Parliament. It was a time when … Continue reading John Hodge And The Overdue Stove
Such A Lovely Place
A small, 120 year old piece of cardboard. On one side, history is captured in the form of a picture of North Bridge, Halifax flanked by long-lost mills and theatres. On the other side, life is captured in the form of a prehistoric text message to Miss Speechley who lives in the Isle of Man. … Continue reading Such A Lovely Place
Have Bed Ready
The postcard dates back to the first decade of the 20th century and shows the Winter Gardens and Pier in Great Yarmouth. As is so often the case, the message on the back of the card is far more interesting than the somewhat crude image on the front. "Dear Mother, Just a line hoping you … Continue reading Have Bed Ready
Long Wall, Elland : It’s The Trees
This photograph of Elland from Long Wall dates back well over 100 years, but it is still a view that most people familiar with the town will recognise. The tramlines are long gone and the mills are long abandoned. The biggest change, however, is the one that is always noticeable when you compare old photographs … Continue reading Long Wall, Elland : It’s The Trees
Picturesque Halifax
This picture postcard dates from 1918 and is entitled "Picturesque Halifax" although I am not convinced the five photographs live up to that billing. Maybe it is the sepia patina, maybe it is changing perceptions of what is "picturesque", I find it difficult, however, to get excited by Cote Hill or Ogden Reservoir. To celebrate … Continue reading Picturesque Halifax
Assessing The Lie
My Great-Uncle, Fowler Beanland, was a crown green bowler. In his youth, he played bowls in his native Keighley, in his thirties he played bowls in Cumbria where he was working, and in his later years he returned to the crown greens of Yorkshire. He was also a great postcard collector and his collection of … Continue reading Assessing The Lie
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