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YMCA Bristol Street

Dennis Williams

Gone but not forgotten
Has anyone got any other pics of this lovely looking building? I can find absolutely nowt anywhere.....no pics or info, other than this, which I saw posted today on a Brum History site....the caption reads...YMCA Hostel on Bristol Street, Birmingham. The Hostel was opened in 1919 to cater for the large number of demobilised men in need of assistance with accommodation. Cheers...
 

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In the 1921 Kellys it is described as YMCA for discharged soldiers and sailors .137 Bristol St.. In the 1890s 137 Bristol St (actually 133-137) was Thomas White & Co, drapers. The building to me does look a bit like an 1890s shop, rather than a post WW1 building. As can be seen from the attached cuttings, the drapers chose the beginning of WW1 to cease trading, there being a sale of contents in September 1914. and there is a further sale of contents in 1918. There is no listing of the building in the 1915 Kellys. Possibly it was being used for government purposes during WW1.

Birm post. 2.11.1918.jpgBirm post. 21.9.1914.jpg1950s map showing YMCA hostel.jpg
 
The YMCA was founded in 1844 by Sir George Williams in London. He was a draper !

The Birmingham branch was established in 1849 and one of the founder members was a Henry John Garlick Ball.

133,135, and 137 Bristol Street are mentioned several times from at least 1889 to 1899 as Mitchell Bros. Dressmakers.
 
I just read that their first London Hostel was in Crouch End, built 1902 but damaged in WW2 and the building was replaced in 1959. I know it, not far from where I live.
It's still operating, the largest homeless hostel in North London, provides home to more than 300 residents.
 
The YMCA was founded in 1844 by Sir George Williams in London. He was a draper !

The Birmingham branch was established in 1849 and one of the founder members was a Henry John Garlick Ball.

133,135, and 137 Bristol Street are mentioned several times from at least 1889 to 1899 as Mitchell Bros. Dressmakers.
Mitchell Bros in Kellys appear to be un-numbered at Brunswick House. between 117 and 131 Bristol St. It is a bit confusing
 
In the 1921 Kellys it is described as YMCA for discharged soldiers and sailors .137 Bristol St.. In the 1890s 137 Bristol St (actually 133-137) was Thomas White & Co, drapers. The building to me does look a bit like an 1890s shop, rather than a post WW1 building. As can be seen from the attached cuttings, the drapers chose the beginning of WW1 to cease trading, there being a sale of contents in September 1914. and there is a further sale of contents in 1918. There is no listing of the building in the 1915 Kellys. Possibly it was being used for government purposes during WW1.

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Absolutely brilliant...as per...many thanks mike.....
 
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