Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'

Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'
[ Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum' ]

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Sunday's header

Posted by Norman Dunn on February 7, 2021, 8:56:33

A nice old photo of Jarrow's old Ellison St in 1950.
Maybe someone can tell us a bit more about the Hall and the shops & cars.

Re: Sunday's header

Posted by FredB on February 7, 2021, 10:50:07, in reply to "Sunday's header"

I think that the first shop down was a chemist, when I worked in the Steel Works we used to go there and buy Wilkinson Sword stainless steel razor blades they were like gold dust to get but the lady used to keep them for us. There now that's a bit of useless history for you all
Can't remember the name.

Re: Sunday's header

Posted by Norman Dunn on February 7, 2021, 11:42:08, in reply to "Re: Sunday's header"

I checked some records Fred and it was a Chemist's called Mason & Co in 1936

Re: Sunday's header

Posted by Tom Lynch on February 7, 2021, 12:36:02, in reply to "Sunday's header"

On 22nd July 1863 Mrs Jane Palmer laid the foundation stone for the Jarrow Mechanic's Institute. On 29th August 1864 it was opened to the public. In the afternoon there was a grand demonstration and procession of the trade’s union’s, friendly societies and other bodies of workmen connected with the town when they marched through the principal streets to the Quay Corner and back to the institute in Ellison Street when it was Declared open by C M Palmer Esq.

Amongst the company present were Sir Walter James (Bart), Sir Hedworth Williamson (Bart), MP, Robert Gingham MP, Rev W.P. Philip rector, Addison Potter Esq., Rev T. White (the first secretary) Mr John Mclntyre, Mr T. C. Marshall and a large number of ladies and gentlemen. On 17th October 1877 the foundation stone of the new South wing of the Mechanics Institute was laid by C. M. Palmer MP. The building’s distinctive clock was a gift from Lady Northbourne, who also gave the Grade II Listed Christ Church to the people of Jarrow.

Once boasting an extensive library and reading rooms, again donated by Palmer, the Mechanic’s Institute went on to become the town’s most popular dance hall, throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s, when it was popularly known as ‘The Max’. The building later became known as Jarrow Civic Hall. Planning permission for a mixed use development was approved in May 2011.

Sources - Jarrowcivic.co.uk, twsitelines.info, Paul Perry

Re: Sunday's header

Posted by Mac Cummings on February 7, 2021, 13:13:50, in reply to "Re: Sunday's header"
Edited by administrator Admin2 February 7, 2021, 14:00:14

I remember from many vists in the late 40's early 50's when my Dad's band played there that there was a loft/extra floor level where there was lots of stuff fascinating to young lad. I cant remember what it was....but it was fascinating!!
I must say that I never heard it called the "Max"....always just the "Mechanics"
This is a photo of my Dad at The Mechanics with the regular singer who I think was called Ethel. Do any regulars recognize her?....she may also have sung with tha band at the Ambulance Hall in Hebburn.
The photo follows.......