An iconic view of Brownhills is currently for sale as a postcard on eBay.
Occasionally, I like to share interesting local postcard images found on sale sites like eBay, and today I feature one that’s an old friend – the view down High Street Brownhills from the old Railway Bridge/Lichfield Road junction towards Shire Oak.
On the left is Brewes bakery on as it was then known, Brewes Corner – the corner of Lichfield Road and High Street, with a group of young lads out front. Along the generally quiet High Street, on this remarkably fine scan, once can see it’s a trading day as shop canopies are out, and people are around. There’s a horse and cart just beyond the Station Hotel on the right.
Foreground right, a group of men stand looking at the photographer, the Station Hotel behind. One the extreme right, one can just see the Station Brewery.
Wonder what the stepladders were for?
I notice this scan is so clear, a set of steps can be seen in the road by one of the shop canopies: No idea why, but try that today!
I’ve seen several versions of this card of the years, from photos clearly taken around the same time by the same photographer; some have a wider angle and the characters move and change. In fact, I discussed it some years ago in this post here.
I’m most interested with the reverse of this one. The seller, Antique Chapters, who has the card at time of publication at £15.00 (see link here) always features scans of the writing side in their sales and this is no exception: This one is stated as 1905 in the sale details, and was adressed to ‘Miss Florrie Marklew, County Asylum, Stafford.’
I can’t decipher most of it but it talks about Kingston and Jamaica but as you know, I’m no good at reading handwriting, so any help appreciated. The card is postmarked Brownhills, so I’m assuming some family connection with the Caribbean. I know Marklew is a fairly common family name locally.
Can you help decipher this, or if you have any view on the image, please do comment here, tug my sleeve on social media or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
No idea what the writing says, can anyone help? Click for a larger version.
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re the postcard with the three men looking at the camera
I have seen a real postcard, franked pre WW1 ( from memory) etc that names the three men.
BIll Mayo is one of our precious local historians. He is also a kind-hearted gentlemen. He has the postcard. I was allowed to note the names of the three men..apparently they were waiting for the day’s train that brought newspapers…they were newspaper boys!
I ran a check on the names..census 1911 I think..One person lived in Church Road, another lived ..I think..near the Cathedral colliery way..part of the common.
Some while ago now Reg Fullelove showed me his uncle George Fullelove’s diary from around these times and the references to international events and tragedies .from newspaper reports..does give the impression that Brownhills had regular information.
kind regards
David
Can’t find any info in the Shipping News for 1905 but The Port Kingston arrived at Avonmouth on the 1st Feb 1907 from Jamaica. In January the boat was in Kingston during the earthquake and rendered valuable help.
The Port Kingston belonged to the Imperial Direct West India Mail service. It was reported from Bristol, on the 10th August 1905 that the Port Kingston had just arrived in Jamaica. The voyage took 10 days and 5 hours . This was the fastest run so far accomplished.
Hello Bob and everyone
Transcription:
The following is reported in today’s Post. “Port Kingston left Kingston for Jamaica Aug 27th” I think this is a misprint & should be left for Bristol as Kingston is in Jamaica. I really (?) cannot understand this as I have not seen the report of the arrival of the boat, but they must certainly have got there safe or the boat would not be leaving there, but any further information I may see I will write you immediately. Ernest (?).
I presume reference to the Birmingham Daily Post, but this is not available via Findmypast. However: 29 August 1905 – Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser – PORT KINGSTON, from Kingston (Jamaica), arrived Avonmouth, Monday. [i.e 28 Aug.]
What the notice should have said, I suggest, is: Port Kingston left Kingston, Jamaica, for Bristol (or Avonmouth).
Best wishes
Andy
Reported that the Port Kingston docked August 28, 1905 at Avonmouth.