Erdington

[oldMohawk]

I live in Gravelly Hill, holden close and was wondering were there houses on this site in 1940? as I am writing a book

A 1945 image from Google Earth on which I've marked Hillaries Rd, Gravelly Hill and the Oval. The area where today's Holden Close is looks open with few houses or possibly no houses. An old 1920s/1930s map would give more definite information.

 

[mikejee]

The map dated 1955-63 does not show it

 

[Vivienne14]

The Committee of the Erdington Early Morning School. Don't know where this was taken but quite possibly is at a school. I presume early morning schools were for those adults who worked but were illiterate and wanted to learn to read and write. Viv.

View attachment 99320

 

[Vivienne14]

Three lovely photos of Erdington (found on eBay, sorry no dates but look about 1920s/30s). The second two of High Street give a real sense of a village. The first of Station Road is still very recognisable. Viv.

 

[Dave M]

​Seen this in Erdington today 24th Nov

 

[Phil]

Noting the black ribbon at the front, was it part of a funeral procession?

 

[Dave M]

Noting the black ribbon at the front, was it part of a funeral procession?

Just that one, did think about the ribbon

 

[Simon4130]

Noting the black ribbon at the front, was it part of a funeral procession?

A lot of bus enthusiasts ask that a bus is present at their funerals or in many cases the families think it appropriate to have a vintage bus there so my guess is that is whats happening here. The bus is a lovely Guy Arab III that is carrying two different registrations.

 

[Frothblower]

Yes maybe KTC is the bereaved initials

 

[postie]

Had this sent to me ...

 

[Frothblower]

Erdington Roller Rink outside. It was where the fire station is now

 

[postie]

Thanks for clearing its location, I wondered where it was...

 

[Lady Penelope]

Strange question - does anyone remember the curtains at the Pavillion Picture House, later a bowling alley, Erdington / Wylde Green border? I was talking about it this afternoon to a long standing friend of mine. I can remember the foyer and the lounge but my friend was telling me about the curtains. They had knights on, one on the left and one on the right and as the curtains were closed they met in the middle. This is quite possible as the cinema had 'battlements'. I went there several times - I could see it on the horizon from our pre-fab window. I just can't recall the curtains.

Not sure - should this be in 'Cinemas' rather than Erdington? If so, could you move it for me please?

 

[Bob Davis]

Yes there were knights on them who met in the middle when closed. That was a long time ago. Did you also sneak in through the door by the scree after the friend who had paid came down and opened them?
onceabrummie

 

[Vivienne14]

A thatched cottage at the junction of Church Rd and Fern Rd. No longer there having been replaced by a more modern building. But the houses which start to the left of the cottage on Station Rd are still there. Viv.

 

[Vivienne14]

The old Roebuck Inn on Erdington High Street. There's a cluster of boys around the lamp post. Would these boys have been from the orphanage? Viv.

 

[Phil]

The old Roebuck Inn on Erdington High Street. There's a cluster of boys around the lamp post. Would these boys have been from the orphanage? Viv.

Viv

I was looking at this photo on another thread recently and I think it was posted by Frothblower and he commented that he thought the lads outside the pub would have been from the school next door to the pub. He would know more about it being a local, myself I'm only going by what I read as I know very little about Erdington.

 

[Vivienne14]

Thanks Phil. That's probably the answer. Seemed odd to me that a group like that dressed in the those 'uniform' clothes would be hanging around outside the pub. If the school next door had a dress code or uniform I expect that'll be it. But if not, it could be the nearby orphanage. Viv.

 

[Vivienne14]

Some old cottages on Erdington High Street. Sorry, no idea where these were. Photo from the Shoothill site. Viv.

 

[Vivienne14]

I noticed we have three threads with the "Erdington" title. They looked like they should all be together as they generally cover mostly central Erdington in and around the High Street, so I've merged them. Makes an interesting thread about the area. There are a few missing images, so if anyone can replace these please let me know. Thanks. Viv.

 

[calibra250]

has anyone seen the post cards photos on ebay of ERDINGTON must admit I am tempted to buy martyn

 

[Vivienne14]

Hi Martyn. Some of the PCs on eBay are copies and not originals. It depends on whether you want originals. If they've got writing on the back then they're likely to be original. But those with blank backs can be less easy to detect. Many are quite cheap, so if you just want a PC of the view, regardless of whether it's original, then you won't have invested too much money. Viv.

 

[calibra250]

hi Vivienne I think I would like originals I will have a good look thank you for the information ,, martyn

 

[oldMohawk]

I've commented elsewhere on the forum that Erdington appeared to be one of the most photogenic suburbs in the old street pics.
Two pics below....

They certainly had an impressive library and a big flag flying above it.
A childhood memory of visiting it in 'My First Visit to a Library' thread click/here

And they still have the library looking good.

 

[Vivienne14]

Agree Phil, lots of interesting buildings still at the centre of Erdington despite more modern developments. I don't remember a fenced area in front of the library but this photo shows one. Looks like it extended across the top of Mason Road. Sorry no date. Viv.

 

[Vivienne14]

Think the last photo maybe maies the fenced area appear to be nearer the Library. This photo shows the area clearly in the position of the Green as we remember it. Or was it moved? Viv.

 

[mikejee]

Viv
I don't think it is directly in front of the library, but accross the road on the triangle of ground at the centre of the junction. From Google it looks like its now a bit of broken down fencing

 

[Vivienne14]

Right, thanks Mike. Viv.

 

[Vivienne14]

Any ideas where the Erdington Girls Club for War Workers was ? Viv.

 

[jennyann]

A few years ago I posted a couple of photos of the National School which stood close to
Erdington Parish Church on the High Street and also a photo of the second edition of
the Roebuck Pub which was next to the National School. These photos were sent to me by
Erdington Library many years ago after I asked them in particular for a photo of the National School
as no one seemed to have a photo of the place. I remember both of these buildings very well. I will post the black and white photo of the School in the next post.