On the reverse: Annie Langford nee Nancy Wall -a remarkable image kindly supplied by John Bird.
On the reverse: Seedhouses’s farm – a remarkable image kindly supplied by John Bird.
Now I’m clearing some of the backlog and feeling much better, I thought it would be a good time to share some more of the remarkable images shared with David Evans by old friend of the blog, John Bird recording Brownhills houses marked for slum clearance in the 50s or 60s.
On the reverse: 4-44 Ogley Road – a remarkable image kindly supplied by John Bird.
On the reverse: 4-44 Ogley Road – a remarkable image kindly supplied by John Bird.
Today it’s the turn of Ogley Road, and some real gems – including a couple of local ladies that will certainly bring back memories.
The backstory is that while I have been indisposed in recent months, David Evans has been beavering away on project with old friend of the blog and town elder John Bird: John has often sent me stuff to post here on a range of matters, both personally and in his capacity with the Royal British Legion, but what he’s given David to sort out is rather special: It’s a large collection of images of Brownhills housing due for postwar clearance.
David Wrote:
Hello Bob
Quite recently I received an amazing phone call. Mr John Bird, who is very well known locally for his fine work in the British Legion, invited me to see some photos he was sorting out.
An amazing collection of photos was presented to me. Mr. Bird had worked as Clearance Officer with Walsall Council some years ago and saw these photos that were put to be shredded. He was allowed to take them, so saving the history that they represent and document.
The images date back to the time of Brownhills Urban District Council and are original official photos, each measuring 21cm x 12cm and show properties that were due to be demolished. They also have the locations written in the same handwriting, and some have additional notes. They are a treasure in themselves, especially for the additional information on the reverse of the photos.
I would like to thank Mr John Bird for offering them and the history for us all to appreciate
kind regards
David
On the reverse: 4-44 Ogley Road – a remarkable image kindly supplied by John Bird.
On the reverse: 4-44 Ogley Road – a remarkable image kindly supplied by John Bird.
These images show the housing that was opposite the Warrener’s Arms, later the site of system panel-built Wimpey Maisonettes, themselves replaced 10 years ago with modern housing.
On the reverse: Arblaster’s extreme right – a remarkable image kindly supplied by John Bird.
On the reverse: 4-44 Ogley Road – a remarkable image kindly supplied by John Bird.
On the reverse: 4-44 Ogley Road – a remarkable image kindly supplied by John Bird.
It’s so good to share mostly unpublished photos of a bit of Brownhills many will remember, but has long since gone. My thanks to John Bird for his immense generosity and to David, for scanning and documenting every image. Thanks so much to both gentlemen.
On the reverse: Margaret Holyman (later identified as her sister, Dorothy) – a remarkable image kindly supplied by John Bird.
Margaret in the image above is getting water from the outside tap, the only supply of fresh water for that terrace as far as I’m aware. Note the dog.
On the reverse: 4 (29 crossed out) – 44 Ogley Road – a remarkable image kindly supplied by John Bird.
If you have any observations or memories, please do get in touch. Comment on this post preferably, or email me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com – or tug my coat wherever you may find me on social media.
It’s good to be back.
RSS - Posts
Hi, what wonderful photos. So pleased that you are returning to good health. Would you clarify what part of Ogley Road the houses were. I was a resident of Ogley Road for many years, close to the co_op corner.
Thank you, Ron
Thank you Ron.
I believe this is the High Streets end, specifically where the maisonettes were built.
Cheers
Bob
The first photo …Annie Wall nee Langford , Known as Nancie ….was my Auntie …My Dad’s sister ….Thank you 🙂
I always thought that that was Dorothy Holyman.
Not sure, it’s what’s on the photo but no guarantee it’s correct, of course!
Cheers
Bob
I remember these houses, they were definitely at the High Street end of Ogley Road, I used to pass them each morning on my way to School from 7 Chester Road. Such wonderful memories Bob, thank you for everything you do.
i remember Loates/Lotes jewellers at the bottom of Ogley rd opp the Warreners
My Gran/Grandad lived in this row Elijah and Julia Langford ……I think it was the second house from the top .. thanks for reminding me of Lotes Jewellers ….forgotten about that
try again ….My Gran /Grandad Elijah and Julia Langford live in the 2nd house from the top ( I think ) ….I remember Lotes Jewellers too . As a kid I remember getting a jug of beer for my Grandad from the Warreners …After he came home from the pit .
And there was a Garage opposite Ogley RD on the High St where I used to take the “accumulator “…wet battery …for charging , to power their radio.
Thank goodness these photo’s where saved very nearly ended up in Land fill but saved by John Bird
I was born in ogley Rd I lived in the white House at the bottom of the Rd there was a shop next door I remember seedhouse farm