This postcard received in 1972 shows Stockton High Street on Market Day.
Image courtesy of Alan Grange.
Postcard of Stockton High Street c1970s
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Topsoft Computers (1984 – 1992)
The Golden Smog, in Hambleton Yard, arranged a dedication to Topsoft computer shop that was in the yard between 1984 and around 1988-9, when it moved to a larger premises in Ramsgate. The owners were Alec, Kevin, Ian and Shelia Richardson and it had a brilliant staff lead by Steve Williams. It was Stockton’s go to place for computers, software and games, but it was also a place for like-minded people to meet and socialise.
Photograph and details courtesy of Alec Moody.
Rear of No.1 Hartburn Lane, 1981
I have seen quite a few references on Picture Stockton to this particular address (1 Hartburn Lane) and several people have asked for photographs but there are none at all that were so I though I’d upload this, although it shows almost none of the building it was at least taken within the grounds, in the back garden just near the rear door.
This was in 1981 when the building was derelict following a fire, it had previously been a care home. Three of those seen in the photograph were ‘residents’ from there at the time (Linda, Debbie and a lad whose name eludes me… the other chap is my old mate Keith who I think some might recognise as he was quite well known).
Photograph and details courtesy of MF Wilson.
Street near the Old Stockton Gasworks
This picture is from one of the streets near the old gasworks, which have all disappeared. It may be one which leads up to Prossers Bridge. All the little industries have gone too, but you will see the sign for Stockton Pattern Makers. I think the chimney in the background is on a waste incineration site.
Photograph and details courtesy of Fred Starr.
Stockton-on-Tees Paperweight
I recently found this paperweight in a junk shop. Notice it refers to the area as north Stockton.
Photograph and details courtesy of Terry Westwood.
The Dolphin, Bath Lane c2005
A view of the Dolphin on Bath Lane, Stockton.
The ‘Stella Mary’ at Corporation Quay, Stockton 1957
Stella Mary (originally named Fenix) was a cargo vessel built in Sweden 1949, she registered at Stockton and was renamed Stella Mary in 1954. Stockton was her home port until 1959.
Photograph and details courtesy of FW Eddington.
Corner of Wilfred Street, Stockton
On the corner of Wilfred Street, in the Parkfield area of Stockton. Wilfred Street and others in this area were demolished c2006.
Billingham Town Centre c1960s
Both photographs were taken in the 1960s of Billingham Town Centre.
Photographs and details courtesy of William Bennett.
Lawson Street
The first photograph was taken in mid 1930’s and shows my mother Frances Wilson (nee Dunnill) sitting on the front doorstep of 97 Lawson Street, the carved detail seen on the door frame is interesting.
The second photograph is my grandmother Lily Dunnill (nee Bruce) at the rear of the house and the third is my grandfather Stan Dunnill and dog in the alley, I believe these were taken in the 1950’s.
Photographs and details courtesy of MF Wilson.
Grangefield Grammar School Class Photo c1960/61
3a, class photograph taken with Mr Kitching in 1960/61.
Photograph courtesy of Mike Baker.
Mayoral Scrapbook 1960s (Part Two)
I recently came across a scrapbook my nana and grandad Ernest (Ernie) and Margaret (Madge) Temple had/were given from the 1960s when he was the Mayor of Stockton. The scrapbook contains lots of photos from dinners, charity events, meet and greets as well as invites. Here is part two…
Photographs and details courtesy of Michael Temple.
Recognition of Bravery in 1963
Reading about Mayor Temple made me dig deep in my memory bank. I’d left Tilery Boys School Christmas 1962… it was August 1963 when a young lad Freddy Davis ran out of the field where I lived in Swainby Road, crying saying a child had fallen into the water at the disused clay pit and couldn’t be seen. I grabbed my swimming trunks, ran to the clay pit and started looking for the child, my mates Freddy Newby, George Thomas, George Thomas, Franky Large and Jimmy Manion arrived soon afterwards. We searched until two Police Officers arrived with a very long rope. We lads took turns swimming under the brown water feeling the muddy bottom in the hope of finding the child, the two Police Officers stood on either side of the banks as one lad set off from one side to meet the lad from other side in the middle. It was awful. We searched for ages before the Frogmen arrived. When I climbed out of the water, I looked up and saw how all the people from the nearby streets, Swainby, Danby, Tilery and Portrack had gathered above us, it really was the saddest of times as the child was eventually found, but it was too late. Some years later the clay pit was filled in, looking back it was a miracle no other child drowned in the pit.
Image and details courtesy of Derek Casey.
Live 625-line Television Demo
Ernest and Margaret Temple, Mayor and Mayoress of Stockton, watch the first north east demonstration of live 625-line television outside Barry’s radio and television shop, Stockton in the 1960s.
Photograph and details courtesy of Michael Temple.
The ‘new’ Billingham Station, 28 April 1966
The site of the ‘new’ Billingham station, taken in April 1966. Visible are some of the earthworks and materials for the new station. For the railway enthusiasts, the train is heading towards Hartlepool and is hauled by 63445.
Photograph and details courtesy of Garth Mclean.
