I got an post from Graham Marsden recently, regarding some architects’ drawings that he had rescued from a skip.
His post is reproduced here in part.
As an apprentice joiner at Cornbrook Brewery in Hulme in the 60’s at the time it was owned by John Charrington I retrieved blue prints number 2646 of The George Inn Pub Ashton Od Road , Openshaw, from a skip outside the Joiner’s shop in the Brewery. These were discarded by the firms architects dept situated across the road in the offices in Ellesmere street.The drawing shows the Public House to be situated on Ashton Old Road and Beulah Street. It is dated 11th May 1904 and it records the proposed sanitary improvements at that time. Two items possibly of interest were that the two original earth closets were to be removed and in the yard backing onto Whitworth street was a large shaded area
labelled Band Shed. Not sure if this was for band practice as Beulah Hall was next door in Beulah Street. Maybe some one else has further information if deemed useful. Drawing headed Openshaw Brewery Co ltd. Last info was that it was now a Tanning Salon. Condition good.
The full post is on the Photo gallery page.
The drawing is reproduced below.
I don’t recall the land below Beulah St being a croft, I thought it was built up, but I don’t remember with what. I remember a croft further down Whitworth St, which had a shed producing firelighters, and also had the back entrance to the bookie’s house (Herbert Ellis?) where I used to take the occasional bet from my mother. Off course betting was illegal in those days. My brother also kept his car in a lock up garage on that croft.
The conversion from earth closets to WCs was taking place generally in Openshaw at about this time, 1904. Openshaw was incorporated into Manchester in 1890 or thereabouts, and these improvements might have been as a result of incorporation.
This drawing, together with two others that Graham rescued, of the Half Moon Inn in central Manchester, and an off licence in Withington, are now in the archives section of the Central Library.
Hi Colin, I also worked for B S Massey in the fitting shop from 1960 to 1966 I Lived in the same st has keith hindley barn street as a kid. All the best
Is this the Graham Marsden that lived in Bartlett Street around 1964-66, if it is, we used to be mates and walked to school (Elysian Street) together. I am Steve Shea and lived at 12 Bartlett Street with my sister and mam and dad. Moved to 16 Bartlett street with my gran and grandad when I was 8 after my dad ran off with Stella Godwin.
Hi Colin,
Keith Hindley here, I worked at B & S Massey from 1960 to 1970. I started in the Maintenance Department as a Millwright then later Ken Hodkinson the Plant Engineer asked me to be the Plant Draughtsman. I now live in Australia and have since 1975.I used to live in Barn Street Higher Openshaw. Went to St Clements School and enjoyed all my childhood because we didn’t know how poor we were so it never bothered us.
I now pend my retirement traveling the outback of Australia doing bird photography. I have listed my website below. Regards to you all Keith hindley
Hi.
I was in Billcliffe St in the ’50’s and ’60’s. There was a croft with garages down past Beulah
St. and another beyond Widnes St.(Wellie-bob St.). My dad took his bets their too. All the best, dave.
HI THIER
I LIVED IN WHELER ST HR OPENSHAW
I WORKED AT BAND S MASSEY LTD ASHTON OLD RD
MY FATHER WORKED AT GORTON TANK
I AM 70 YEARS OLD