Kellys Fishing Shop, Corner of Dowson and Market Street

Kellys Fishing shop stood on the corner of Dowson Road before it was widened in approximately 1986. Before it was demolished it stood with a small group of shops which included, amongst others, Knotts Sweet shop, which was a big favourite of mine ,and a butchers shop.

This was taken in 1985. Note the closing down sale. Sad day indeed.



This is the side view taken from Dowson Road itself.You can just make out the arched windows of the former Co-op which stood on Market Street.



This is the View looking down present day. Look at the width of Dowson Road.


View looking up Market Street at Dowson Road junction. Kellys was where the 2 Traffic lights now stand in the middle.

Taken from where Ricky Hattons Gym now stands on Queen Street, Janet Howie's photograph taken 1982 shows the junction of Market Street and Dowson Road.

The same junction, taken from the end of Queen Street. Both pictures reproduced here with kind permission of Gerald England. Gerald runs 3 great blogs on Hyde.. Hyde Daily Photo - Old Hyde - Hyde DP Xtry Nip over and check them out.... I don't think you will be disapointed.... ha! just make sure you call back here though ;o)

Norths and Market Street view.

View of the top of Market Street showing Norths Factory (formerly Slack Mills). Also note the Old Laundry(North Cheshire?)with the arched doorway...


This photo is showing the same view approx 35 years later. Looks so much greener and cleaner and with no Mill just a new housing estate and School.




View looking down Market Street. Note the Ice cream van - don't seem to be as many about today.

The Mechanics' Institute

Historically, Mechanics' Institutes were educational establishments formed to provide adult education, particularly in technical subjects, to working men. As such, they were often funded by local industrialists on the grounds that they would ultimately benefit from having more knowledgeable and skilled employees. Such philanthropy was shown by the likes of Robert Stephenson, James Nasmyth and Joseph Whitworth, luckerly for Hyde we had Benjamin Goodfellow. These first Mechanics' Institutes were used as 'libraries by the adult working class, and provided them with an alternative pastime to gambling and drinking in pubs...

Tall Building In The Background

Hyde Mechanics' Institute was founded in 1850. It was built on the former site of Hyde Lane Independent Chapel, which was purchased by Mr. Benjamin Goodfellow (the founder of an engineering works on Mottram Road).

Mr. Goodfellow financially supported the Institute during its early years when its position from a monetary standpoint was anything but promising, and on several occasions he defrayed the deficiencies in its funds. The old building was succeeded by the fine building in the pictures above in 1861. Part of the expense of the new building was met by a public subscription and a series of Penny Readings helped to wipe off the debt of £1,200 with which the building opened. The Mechanics' Institute played an important part in the development of old Hyde, particularly in the education of general knowledge among the working classes. In 1894 it was transferred to Hyde Corporation, and became the precursor of the Technical School and Library.

Mechanics' Institute Medals

PRESIDENTS OF THE HYDE MECHANICS INSTITUTE.

1851-2 BENJAMIN GOODFELLOW, Esq.
1853 EDWARD CLARKE, Esq.
1854 JOHN TAYLOR, Esq.
1855 DR. FREDERICK TINKER.
1856 DR. THOMAS ALCOCK.
1857 THOMAS HOWARD, Esq.
1858 THOMAS THORNELY, Esq.
1859 JOSEPH HIBBERT, Esq.
1860 JOHN SIDEBOTHAM, Esq. .
1861 THOMAS THORNELY, Esq.
1862 THOMAS MOTTRAM, Esq.
1863 JOHN ALCOCK, Esq.
1864 JOHN BROOKS, Esq.
1865-6-7-8-9 & 1870 THOMAS ASHTON, Esq., J.P.
1871 THOMAS THORNELY, Esq., J.P.
1872 JOHN ALCOCK, Esq.
1873 GEORGE B. GOODFELLOW, Esq.
1874 JOHN BROOKS, Esq.
1875 CHARLES HIBBERT, Esq.
1876 PETER GREEN, Esq.
1877 WILLIAM BERRY, Esq.
1878 JOHN C. HIBBERT, Esq.
1879 HERVEY SMITH, Esq.
1880 EEV. W. H. LOWDER, M.A.
1881-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 T. GAIR ASHTON, Esq., J.P.
1889 ALDERMAN PETER GREEN (Mayor).
1890-1891 DR. F. H. TINKER.
1892 T. GAIR ASHTON, Esq., J.P.
1893 THOMAS BROWNSON, Esq., B.A.

Taken in part from 'Annals of Hyde' By Thomas Middleton.

Most of the surnames above can still be found around Hyde today... either as Street names, or in the phone book... What gets me is the date all this was going on... the thoughts behind it... how men with money were trying to better the working classes... I'm sure it must have been met with resentment by some.

I came across the following information about Benjamin Goodfellow, if anyone had an appropriate surname it's this chap.. ;o)

Benjamin Goodfellow was not only one of the industrial leaders of Hyde, but ranked with the most noted British engineers of the nineteenth century. Beginning life in a humble way he became foreman mechanic at Ashton’s mill, Flowery Field, and whilst occupied there his genius showed itself in the invention of Metallic Piston Packing for steam cylinders. Mr. Thomas Ashton then helped him with a loan, which enabled Mr. Goodfellow to commence business for himself. He took a small works in 1838 until his trade established, and then he built extensive works in Mottram Road, Hyde, where as an engineer and boilermaker, he carried on trade with practically every country in the world. Anxious to place educational facilities within the reach of the poorest, Mr. Goodfellow founded the Hyde Mechanics’ Institute in 1850; and in many other ways proved a great benefactor for the our town.
Mr. Goodfellow built a large mansion known as ‘Lumn Bank’ which was later used as St. Thomas’ vicarage, it stood in extensive grounds off Mottram Road, and he resided in it until his death in 1863, at the age of 51. He was a man of enterprise and exceptional ability, Mr. Goodfellow left his mark on the history of his time.

Taken in part from ‘The History Of Hyde’ By Thomas Middleton

Thanks To Eric Downs for the Two views of The Institute.

Much Appreciated !

Hyde Labour Club.

As promised , another photo of a long gone Hyde Political club.
Todays picture is Hyde Labour Club. This was located at the crossroads of Hoviley Brow, Mottram Street and Fernally Street.



This is the area today. Hoviley Brow and Mottram Street have long gone. The only point of reference to where the Labour Club was is Byles roof in the topleft hand corner.

Hyde labour Club, or Hyde Independent Labour Club as it was known, resided at number 58 Lumn Road until it was demolished to make way for more houses a few years ago.

Red Pump Street & "Ten Houses"

The spread of the cotton industry caused an increase in the population and gradually the village of Gee Cross came into being. This was followed some time later by the foundation of
the town of Hyde. What was known as "Red Pump Street," really a row of ten houses, situated in the lower part of Market Street, was built probably between 1780 and 1790; and from this row or village, as it was formerly called, sprang the town.

(Taken from "The Annals of Hyde" BY THOMAS MIDDLETON).


"Ten Houses" 1950's

The " Street " owed its name to the fact that it stood on part of the land appertaining to what was known as "Red Pump Estate " (a substantial homestead belonging to the Howards and their connections, the Hegginbothams) which occupied the site of the Manchester and Liverpool District Bank at the corner of Market Place.



"Ten Houses" 2009


Scene showing Unemployment Demonstration at Ten houses in 1903.

Bears Wood Bridges And Dove Fold

Bears Wood as always been a popular place to walk and take picnics for the folks of Hyde and Gee Cross.. I played here many times as a youngster, nesting and collecting birds eggs... as lads did back then, later in life poaching the odd rabbit from the fields between the woods and Green Lane. If you remember this woods why not leave a comment and tell us your memories. If you've never walked it, join the trans Pennine Trail, there is a footpath down to the trail at the Grange Road North/Mansfield Road junction. Bears Wood runs between the housing on the Grange Road South estate and the fields at the side of Green Lane... then follow the path up towards Mottram Old Road. For years Tawny owls have roosted in a certain Holly tree here... I remember it from my youth and was surprised to find it still used 2 years ago.... it may still be used now.

The Iron Bridge at Dove Fold.

Hyde Library

Hyde adopted the Public Libraries Act in 1893, but at first used a room in the Mechanics Institute which was located on the corner of Union Street.
The present building was opened in 1897 and the children's library in 1931.
In 1946 the book fund was improved and the building was completely redecorated, the children's library and reference library were reopened.
In the 1950s the Library was recovering from a period of wartime neglect when it had been used as a first aid post.
In 1947-1947, 178,290 books issues were recorded.
(Thanks to Tameside)

Hyde Library in 2009



The Childrens Library in the 1950's (above) and in 2010 (below)...look how more welcoming it is to children.

Hyde Library is now home to an art gallery dedicated to the life and works of Harry Rutherford,a local artist who is a 20th Century internationally acclaimed artist.
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Hyde Borough Councils First Meeting

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First Council Meeting

Noon Monday, April 25th, 1881

As would be expected all the elected councillors were present, the 'Chair' was occupied by Mr. Frank Thornley, who acted as 'Returning Officer' at the election. Councillor Edward Hibbert proposed the Councillor Thomas Ashton of Flowery Field be the first Mayor of Hyde. This was seconded by Councillor Charlies Swindells and Councillor Henry Booth supported the resolution, which was carried with acclamation. Councillor Thomas Ashton then took the chair amidst great applause.

First Mayor & Mayoress

Thomas Ashton & Elizabeth Ashton

The Council then elected six aldermen and the following councillors became the first aldermen of the borough. Thomas Ashton, John Thornley, Edward Hibbert, Thomas Thornley, Charles Swindells, and Charlies Fielding. Alderman Edward Hibbert was appointed first Deputy-Mayor and Mr. John Hibbert first Town Clerk.

At the beginning the Council met in the old 'Local Board' office in Market Place, then for a while in Hyde Mechanics Institute. In January, 1885 the Council began began meeting in the newly built Hyde Town Hall, but on account of the time of year the formal opening of the Town Hall was deferred until July 1885.

The Council Chambers Hyde Town Hall

UCP Cafe

U.C.P.

The initials stood stood for United Cattle Products - advertised as "the offal emporium of the north-west." The UCP, sold much more than just the load of tripe my mother bought. There was cow heels and black pudding, brawn, heart, Ox tongue, and sweetbreads, liver, kidneys, rissoles, faggots, sausage and many more bovine delights. I remember this shop and cafe very well... Saturday mornings I would be dragged around Hyde while mum did some 'week end' shopping.... everything else she would buy during the week was from our local Spar shop at the bottom of Knott Lane when she could 'run up a slate'.... the Spar's long gone and is now known as Grocer Jacks.. and very well it seems to be doing as well... but lets get back to Saturday mornings of old.. After some shopping mum would head to the UCP to meet up with my very scary Granny Wig and my Aunty Annie... at the table would be another two lady's who's name I don't recall.. it was a sorry looking bunch... never a smile between them... but we had to turn up on Saturday for any gossip.. I hated it.... apart from the food.. their chips and gravy was to die for... sometimes I got Pie & Chips but my favourite was their Steamed Puddings... We always sat downstairs and I never did see the inside of the much posher upstairs... I did see the ladies who served upstairs though, and very smart they looked to in their black uniforms, white bonnets, and white apron..

Mum always bought her tripe before she left... the stall was enough to give you nightmares and the names it went by were not much better.. Elder, Honeycomb, Thick Seam, Bag, Slut, Brown, the list goes on. As far as I know I've never knowingly ate it.... but mum was a pest at putting different stuff on our plates.. Brawn was something else she tried feeding us on.... and for years those cold beef butties I liked so much turned out to be Ox heart... I don't eat offal at all now... if I can help it. ha!

Greencroft Mill

Greencroft Mill was the first steam-powered ,purpose-built ,mule spinning factory to be erected in Hyde. It was built in 1802-03 by John Ashton on the Market Street end of Manchester Road. Gas lighting was introduced there in 1812 ,the earliest known instance of a mill being lit by gas in the Hyde district.

Crossley Motors of Napier Street (Crossley Street), Gorton, Manchester was a manufacturer of cars, buses, lorries and other vehicles. They had a factory in the mill in 1938 as re-armament work caused the search for more space.In 1939 Crossley had 900 buses in service. 646 of these were in the Manchester fleet.

A five-storey section of the spinning mill survived until quite recently, fronting Manchester Road with a three storey building. The last of the old mill building was not demolished until 1987 and the site is now a retail park which hosts , amongst others , a B & Q diy store.

The Cellar People

Robin & Jam

Most of the 19th Century saw two local lads making a name for themselves.. Born in 1815, Robin and Jam were the eldest of 8 children born to a Mr. & Mrs. Smith of Rock Street, Gee Cross.... they were a very strange pair indeed... identical in looks and dress... they would walk along the roads of Hyde and Gee Cross one walking behind the other and the one at the back walking in the foot steps of the leader. Of course this attracted attention and crowds of children would follow behind shouting and singing ... "Robin & Jam, Robin & Jam... which is Robin .. which is Jam". In time all their brothers and sister married and left home... Robin and Jam still lived at home in Rock Street but when their mum and dad died they went to live in the cellar of the end cottage on 'Stone Row' Mottram Road Gee Cross, this is where they lived until they died, and it is also where their nick name " The Cellar People" came from. People came to Gee Cross on 'daytrips' hoping to see them walking in their strange fashion... Jam was the first to die in 1889.. poor Robin died the next year in 1890. The following year at Hyde Carnival a competition was held for the two best representations of Robin and Jam, The small fortune of £1.00 being offered for the prize.

Gee Cross and Hyde has always been blessed with odd characters, many worthy of 'Village Idiot' status... I should know at one time I was one of them...... ;o)

Bottoms Hall Woods

If you've never ventured in Bottoms Hall then do so.... these woods are still popular today as they have always been.. there's beauty all around and some fantastic trees to be seen.. one of the few places around Hyde I have seen Roe Deer.

The Borough Of Hyde

The Borough Of Hyde

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How It All Came About

On the night of January 26th, 1879... a group of Ratepayers' voted against a Charter Of Incorporation, however a 'Towns' meeting attracted over 500 Ratepayers at the Mechanics Institute chaired by a Mr. Peter Green the following August 20th and the vote changed in favour and a pettitionfor granting a Charter of Incoporation was to be prepared and presented.

The Hon. Thomas Henry William Pelham

(1847-1916)

On Thursday, October 28th 1880, The Hon. T. H. W. Pelham, Commissioner, appointed by the Privy Council, in responce to the said pettition signed by 2, 278 ratepayers of Hyde, held an enquiry in the Court House, Beeley Street, Hyde.

Court House Beeley Street which later became Hyde Lads Club

A scheme for the division of the proposed borough of Hyde into three wards was submitted to the commissioner, and facts and figures concerning the population, industries, and rateable value were produched. The population was over 30,000 the people resided in 6,740 inhabited houses, and there was a gross annual rateable value of £118,790. There were 21 Cotton Mills which employed 6,238 adults; 22 Hat Works employing 1,023, there were 20 Engine Works and Iron Foundries employing 267, 3 Collieries with a workforce of 562; Builders and Contractors, employing 300, Railway Works employed 100, and other works, employing altogether over 10,000 adults. There were 25 Churches or places of worship. Only 254 persons were in need of parish relief.

No opposition was offered to the application, and the Charter of Incorporation was granted on February 18th, 1881. The new governing authority was to be known as the HYDE TOWN COUNCIL. It was to consist of 18 councillors, 6 for each ward... and 6 aldermen.

The first election for the Hyde Town Council took place on April 14th, 1881, and the following were elected :

(L) indicates 'Liberal' (C) indicates 'Conservative'

After the newly elected members had appointed six of their number to be aldermen, the vacancies were filled at a by-election in May, 1881, when the following were elected :

(L) indicates 'Liberal' (C) indicates 'Conservative'

The 24 gentlemen named above constituted the first Town Council of the borough of Hyde.

Jubilee Celebrations 1931

The Jubilee celebrations which marked 50 years of the incorporation of the borough of Hyde included a childrens day which was held on the 16th June 1931. All children aged between 3 -15 years got a medal and some chocolate as gifts. Up to 4000 children marched to the Town hall to sing Hymns and the National Anthem. Unfortunately , due to very bad weather, the full programme of activities had to be cut short.Sounds like the weather hasn't changed much in the past 80 years!

They held an Ox Roast the following day which was attended by all the local dignitries .


Cutting the first slice.

The roasting of an ox over a fire in the street always played a part in the town's celebrations during major occasions - particularly for this event in 1931 which is said to have drawn people from far and wide. There were street parties, shows, open air plays and many attractions. The party atmosphere was said to have lasted for 10 days!

Shame Hyde doesn't celebrate in style nowadays

Hyde Jubilee Hospital Effort June17th 1931

This is the prize winning bullock which was presented to the towns folk of Hyde to roast as part of their Jubilee Celebrations. The farmer was J.W. Bagshaw of Woodley.

Children making merry at a tea party thrown for the Jubilee Celebrations

Lower Market Street / Brookes Ironmongers

Photo showing Lower Market street - the stretch that includes Barclays Bank and the Pagliacci Italian Restaurant. Brookes Ironmongers is pictured bottom right ,next to the tram. This is the site of the Brooke Surgery now, hence the name.



Mart of Exchange Building = Market of Exchange

If you look carefully on the above picture, near the large middle chimney ,you can make out the outline of the "naked man" statue that is still there today.


The "naked man" statue on the Pagliacci Italian restaurant roof. I'm sure he would have lots of tales to tell about Hyde in days gone by !



Seems it is not just Nancy and myself who like this statue.. we have very kindly been sent 3 pictures from Dave and Beryl Williams who also like this statue... thank you both. We will try to find out more and report back on this.

Strawberry Hill 1857

Strawberry Hill

Victoria Street

The wall plaque says Strawberry Hill 1857

Hyde PSA

Hyde

Pleasant Sunday Afternoon

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This building was on Market Street, just lower down than the junction with Union Street. I remember playing snooker here, but I can't say it was a place I went into often... there is however a memory I have of going here for an injection... but I'll leave that a while and show you these pictures first.

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The PSA, (Pleasant Sunday Afternoon) a reformers answers to men languishing in the pubs and families left at home.

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Until the day it closed it was only 1d (old penny) to get in and enjoy all the activiities with a cup of tea and biscuits thrown in.

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I recognised the PSA

From years and years ago.

On Sundays we would spend the day

Around the radio,

And listen to a well-known tune,

Perhaps a story too.

That Pleasant Sunday Afternoon

Was PSA we knew

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I can recall going here when I was very small to have some kind of injection.... a big line of mums and kids awaiting their turn did nothing to calm me down about having a jab... by the time it was my turn I was crying and as the nurse came towards me I kicked her shin and ran out screaming. That set off a load of others kids crying who must also have been just as scared. I ran off down Market Street with my mum and Aunty Doris chasing behind. I was dragged back by the arm, but mum was told to take me out as I had disrupted the other children... My mum and Aunty Doris 'never' let me live that down.

I'm pleased that someone saved this frieze which you can see in the top picture.