Recent content by superdad3

If you want to look up your local branch, perhaps it's worth mentioning this web site again: https://www.bmbbranches.org.uk/bmb-branches_065.htm Great site to look up your local branch. Here some phots of the Moseley branch: Official opening 1927 after reconstruction. Interior 1927

Boundaries and local administration are notoriously difficult to follow. By the start of the 19C the Parish had long replaced the manor as the main administrative unit. During the Victorian period local administration in Yardley and elsewhere became increasingly complex with various agencies set...

Hi Lyn & Mike, Just looked up original photo which was on "Birmingham Images: Library of Birmingham" with the caption : Date:1920 - 1940 (c.) Description:This photograph was taken from the bottom of St Michaels Hill. The road to the right is Newton Place and that on...

C.W. Cheney & Sons. were founded in 1898. They were described in early directory as "Jewellery case makers by a patented process the all pulp jewel, razor, cigarette, needle and medal cases, ready for covering and lining." Factory Road showing C.W. Cheney & Sons. in 1920. A later description...

I’ve only recently discovered the value of “ ephemera” on ebay as a starting point for checking out a Birmingham company. [Apols if you already know this!]. Often contain useful information not easily found on-line. As an example here are two invoices for sale on Ebay for Frederick Marsh Ltd...

Recently given a copy of a book published by "City of Birmingham Water Department" called "Elan Supply Description of Work"s. Published in 1908. It contains a very good description of the works, It includes 7 photos, map of the dams etc and a strip map of the works from Elan to Birmingham and a...

Empire Vaults P.H. - timeline 1852: James Day listed as a wine & spirit merchant at 76 Smallbrook Street. 1855: James Day now described as a victualler at Crystal Palace 1862: James Day’s Crystal Palace Concert Hall now listed at 75 Smallbrook St. 1868: Concert Hall at 75. Crystal Palace at 76...

I've often wondered about the history of this building on Pershore Road, Stirchley. It opened in1912 as the Empire Theatre. and was taken over by ABC cinemas in 1932 but closed in 1943. It later became a garage and is now used by Enterprise Car Hire.

Hi, Just to be certain, was Universal the building on the corner of Thorp Street on attachment 194892? Many thanks.

This area of Bham around the junction of Smallbrook Street and Hurst Street facinates me. Probably because of the brilliant photos of the area on the forum. Intend to research the area and the shops etc as time allows. Second phot above posted by Astoness is classic showing part of Hurst Street...

This print is on sale on Abe Books. Tried to edit to make clearer without success but thought it would be of interest because of its age. It shows Smallbrook Street from Hurst Street in 1867. The wall sign reads J.Child, Corn dealer..... But the corner shop looks like a china shop? Anyone any ideas?

I don't think this has been posted before? This is from Streetview in 2024 oat585 Moseley Road near Brighton Road. Robinsos are a very old removal company [over a 100 years ago]. This building was built in the1920s. Converted some years ago into apartments - not sure when? Robinsons are still...

The Wikipaedia article is incredibly detailed and interesting and confirms that at one time [1200s] the Abbey controlled both the manors of Harborne & Smethwick as well as the advowson of St Peters Church, Harborne.

Harborne Police Station Well you learn something everyday! Harborne Police Station [the Rose Rd one] is now also. history. Must have passed me by. I don't think it's been mentioned on the Forum? The former divional HQ was closed in Oct 2023, put on sale in 2024 and acquired by Spitfire Homes...

TQ in post 1710 above mentions " The cube building in P1705 just across the road from the corner of The Royalty may well have been something else at times beforehand, but for me was always The Police Station. Seemingly with some history in that role as accompanying photos suggest, until...