- A general view of the stalls of Stockton Market at the north end of Stockton High Street. 1968.
- An electric street lamp, included in a view of Stockton market at the north end of Stockton High Street. 1968.
Market stalls on Stockton High Street. c1968
In the late 60s ( my part-time job instead of a paper round ), Kirbys Hardware stall in Stockton High Street was located opposite WH Smiths ( a small outlet from the main shop ), round the corner from Dressers the stationary in Dovecot Street. I was often accused of having shares in WH Smiths, as I loved the astronomy section. Every Wednesday and Saturday we offloaded the items for sale to customers. A red Bedford van filled so meticulously as not to waste any space in that vehicle. The fabric roof covering of the stall was attentively secured before setting out the wares. Precise positioning of each component on that wooden lattice framed surface. Soft leather pieces cut from large hides, such a pleasing aroma and used for cleaning windows. Customers were able to handle a variety of these types’ articles for themselves at the front of stall, deciding whether or not to purchase.
Winter time came with the complexities of carrying large black oil lamps for the stall. A large hook on the top enabled the suspension to illuminate the area. The filament was contained in a large inverted glass vase shaped vessel on the lamp on the underside. A torus shaped oil container enabled the possibility of transportation. They were fired up in a small building in the back streets off the high street. Needless to say I gingerly returned, observing cautiously my footsteps on the way back negotiating the ice.
In time, the proprietor designed his own trailer with a low walk well inside to accommodate good service to customers. A grey land rover pulled the trailer to market. A base of two shops located in Thornaby, a small property on Lanehouse Road and the main one at Stainsby Street corner back in those days.
Surely this photo was taken prior to 1968, the domed building behind the stall was demolished in 1964.
That was when Stockton had a great market , sadly not anymore
I was 21 when this photo was taken. I use to shop at the market on a Saturday. Buying a variety of items. I can remember Bob Stephens tripe stall and Jacobs leather/hardware store in particular. I would buy a piece of material, take it home and make it up that day and go out for the evening in it that night.I emigrated to Australia this year.