I'm planning to write a book about my childhood experiences growing up in Sheffield during the post WW2 period: mid 40s to 60s. The backdrop of the city itself will not be the main theme of the book but it will be important for me to re-capture the essence of it so that the storyline will have context. That might seem difficult for me to do from over here in Canada where I've lived most of my adult life, but then, when I go bk to visit Sheffield, as I do from time to time, the Sheffield that I knew has gone anyway. Perhaps you can help me fill in some of the gaps.

My early childhood was spent in the Park district, Talbot Place, which runs off Duke Street (maybe where Duke St becomes City Rd). I remember Duke Street back then as being a really vibrant and charming neighbourhood shopping "strip." People went there to shop and socialize. At the top of the strip (side of the road where the Park Hill Flats were built) was the Norfolk Picture House, at the bottom was Gunstone's bakery. The opposite side of the street was book-ended by two pubs, whose names I don't remember.

But:

* What were the other shops on the strip? I know there was a fishmonger, because my grandmother was a friend of the proprietor, Rosie Wilde. I remember a store that sold cheap off the rack childrens' suits, which kids actually wore in those days.

* I remember there was a butcher's shop whose windows were covered with price signs done in a white marker that was easily rubbed off. As kids we used to wait until the shopkeeper wasn't looking then rub out selected letters, trying to make rude words out of them. Anyone know what the white marker was called?

Duke Street was a wonderful place.

I'd appreciate any feedbk. Thks everyone.

Try searching for other threads, I'm sure there was one on here a couple of weeks back, with lots of photos!

Jayne

Hi,

Have you checked out www.picturesheffield.com ?

Red

[QUOTE=jayne67;2788863]
Try searching for other threads, I'm sure there was one on here a couple of weeks back.

The thread was Bard Street Flats.

Your interest in the Park District,made me think back agood few years Talbot Place Walk from Duke st end towards the chapel at the other end,crossing Stafford ST GO down stafford ST to Talbot St Mr Seagrave,the Newsagent,on your left hand side,opposite the telephone box.Turn right and you are at the Norfolk Picture palace and Duke St. On the opposite corner was the New Inn Go down the left hand side of Duke St,on the other side was a cobbler, then "Reads",the undertaker Next building was the Conservative Club The first st down was Rhodes St.Carry on down the left hand side On the other side was the "Red Lion".Back on the left side wasa small Newspaper shop "Mr Bates" on the end of Long Henry St Over on the other side was a block of three shops,"Nortons" the greengrocer,"Quirks",the fresh fish shop,and a pork shopBack on the left you pass the butchers,further down you pass "Gallons2groceryshop,and the "Meadow Dairy" You are nowat the end of Norwich st,"Berrys the Chemist. Next door is Shentalls the grocer and opposite is the Chapel Mount gerizam Carry on downpest the "Barbers shop" pastthe wallpaper shop and the Brightside and Carbrook Co-op. Next was "Dempsey's shoe shop down th "Gunstones"on the bottom I can't remember name of the two pubs at the Bottom but I wiil find out if I can.The white paste the butchers used for there window writing was called white Dubbin Hope this helps I looked up Duke st from the Bottom It Looks Dead Kind Regardsto you

[QUOTE=jayne67;2788863]
Try searching for other threads, I'm sure there was one on here a couple of weeks back.

The thread was Bard Street Flats.

There was a thread about Park. Duke Street, Park Square, etc etc. It may have included Bard Street, but I don't think it was just about.

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=25724&highlight=park+hill+flats

I have found this one, but dont think it was this I saw. May have been in General Discusssion, but still, there are lots of threads that mention Park, Parkhill, etc.



Jayne

[QUOTE=skippy;2791834]

There was a thread about Park. Duke Street, Park Square, etc etc. It may have included Bard Street, but I don't think it was just about.

Jayne

no, jayne, the thread was specifically Bard Street flats...
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=255457

Think my Mum grew up on South Street in The Park district. She was born 1930 and my Grandmother had a Sweet Shop - only small. I was told the back kitchen had rounded corners to the room inside, as it was partly built into rock.

She had a friend who's Dad had a Butchers shop and in the cellar was a very old doorway, which opened to a passageway. It was blocked off, but the Butcher said it was an entrance to the tunnels which supposedly ran upto the Manor Castle in medieval times.

rogG

I have sent you a PM about Duke St.

i remember about 50 years ago my parents going in one of the pubs,kids were put in the kitchen with an old lady who sat in a rocking chair knitting,i also vaguely remember there was a sports shop that had shotguns in the window,sorry i cant help with the pubs names

This is all great stuff. Thanks, everyone. Milted, I remember old Mr Seagrave very well. He was almost completely deaf. Kids can be cruel and we were no exception. We'd make fun of him, especially when we'd go in the store and ask for something and what he'd give us would bear no resemblance. Like: "A packet of spearmint please." "What's that, you want a box of matches?" As to the Norfolk Picture House, that place took the cake. My grandma said that when she was young, the admittance fee was an empty bottle (or was it a jam jar?). What I remember about it was the so-called balcony section, nicknamed "The Gods." It was only 2 or 3 ft above the rest of the cinema.and separated from it by a black curtain. Kids would throw stuff (e.g. globs of chewing gum, ice cream wrappers, pea shooter "ammo") over the curtain onto the folk sat just below.

Just a couple more shops to add to the list. There was a newsagent on the RHS going down next to the pub at the bottom. Next to it was a fish and chip shop. We never sampled the chippy bcause my aunt owned the fish and chip shop around the corner on Broad St. We got them for free.

Poor old Mr Seagrave, you too ? We were bad 'uns ,were'nt we Must correct you concerning the "Norfolk" The posh bit at the backyou refer to as the Gods was in fact, called the "Jury Box" Admission----- 6pence. 4pence to go in the stalls 2pence in the "pit" 1penny if you could get some-one to take you in Happy Days eh ! Hope you found my previous -mail useful

I forgot to mention,Duke St ran up as far as the junction of Robinson RD and Stafford Rd,then it became City Rd Did you know anyone by the name of Sam Brierly on Talbot Place,or Leslie Norton from Talbert Gardens?

Milted, maybe the balcony in the Manor Picture House was called the Gods? Now you mention it, both names ring a bell. So does the name Brierly, but my mind could be playing tricks on me. I was only 7 when we moved from Talbot Place ca. 1950, though kept in touch with the area for a good while afterwards as my grandma (Bonsall) continued to live there.

Hi rogG,
Born and lived on Duke St in the 50's and 60s.
Lived on the parade of shops that were below the Park Baths.
used to be a doctors surgery at the bottom of Hampton St as it was called then, opposite corner to the Salvation Army. Above doctors there was Hawnts Shoe shop, Clarks barbers, Knowles dress and fabric shop, painting and decorating shop, pie and pea shop, tobacconistshop, then newsagent on th top corner.
Pubs were Oddfellows above Norfolk picture house and Talbot INN on the top corner.

Got mega amount of memoried of the area, people etc before they built the flats.
PM me if you want more.

PhilipB, we patronized all those shops. We used the doctor there, who I think may have been called Dr Hart (?) Even after we moved out of that neighbourhood, my brother and I were made to go to have our hair cut by Mr Clarke, as my mom said he was the only barber who gave "a decent hair cut." The pie and pea shop we frequented after a Saturday a.m. at the Park baths, just around the corner. Tasted delicious.

PhilipB, we patronized all those shops. We used the doctor there, who I think may have been called Dr Hart (?) Even after we moved out of that neighbourhood, my brother and I were made to go to have our hair cut by Mr Clarke, as my mom said he was the only barber who gave "a decent hair cut." The pie and pea shop we frequented after a Saturday a.m. at the Park baths, just around the corner. Tasted delicious.

Dr Hart was an old Scottish doctor who lived on Norfolk Road.
Used to get my haircut at Clarkes, pie and pea shop was run by mother and son couple called Gray.
Remember the paint shop between Clarkes and the pie shop?
I used to live there.
The old lady that had the tobacconist was severly crippled and used to have a caliper, used crutches all the time, can't remember her name.
Was quite a local falling out in the 50s when the newsagent started selling cigarettes and took some of her trade away.
Regularly went to Park Baths, usually bout 3 times a week.
Remember Alms houses at the end of Talbot Place? Originally they were supposed to be for people from the Park district who'd been in business in the area.
At one time had my brother and grandfather living in the Park district, both lived on Glencoe Road.
Grandfather owned some of the terraced houses on Grafton Street.
Plenty more if you're interested but don't quite remember it being safe enough not to lock your door at night time.

Dr Hart was an old Scottish doctor who lived on Norfolk Road.


Dr Heart's wife was a very nice lady she had a very posh voice as I remember.

Dr Heart's wife was a very nice lady she had a very posh voice as I remember.

Yes you're right, she was called Joan, they lived in a big corner house just along from Alms Houses.

PhilipB, I lived with my mom, dad and brother in my grandma's house, which was only 2 houses away from the Alms Houses (No. 3 T. Place). But in 1950, we left to move up to what was then the brand new Stradbroke estate out in the country. Sounds like we just missed each other. Some people have commented on Dr. Hart. I'll always remember getting my vaccinations from him. It was before disposable syringes came about. Back then, they used glass syringes with needles that weren't always the sharpest. On my way out of his office, he said, "Now, there'll be no crying laddy, or I'll ask you to roll up your other sleeve." I also remeber his waiting room, like all of them back then, being filled with cigarette smoke. Happy days.

rogG,
Well remember that waiting room, painted dark brown and cream, or maybe that was the cigarrette smoke! My dad painted it as well.
No appointments and there were times that the queue was out of the door.
Dr Hart would sometimes have a fag on whilst he was seeing patients.
There used to be a bus stop right outside his room and the top deck could see right into his surgery. he had to ask the council to move it !!
Do you remember the Bielowscky family, used to have an upholstery business on Talbot Place? Was at school with one of their lads, called Andre, was a good swimmer.

Philip B, I also lived on RHodes ST ,but a bit before your time. I am talking about 1935. I lived at No 13. it was a general shop. 1948 onwards I lived on Hampton St Very happy days to look back on

1948 onwards I lived on Hampton St Very happy days to look back on
Had a pal lived on Hampton Street, think it was number 16, name of Brian Taylor.

PhilipB, the Bielowski's lived at number 7, we were at number 3. But they moved in just around the time that we headed off to the Stradbroke estate, so I really didn't get to know them. My grandma knew the Bielowski's well because Mr Bielowski used to use the large shed in my grandma's back yard for his work. Did you know the Allens at number 5? David Allen was a friend of mine.

rogG,
Can't say I knew the Allens, in fact apart from the Bielowski's didn't know anyone else from there.
Knocked about with the son from the landlord of the Oddfellows a bit, Steve Wilkinson, went to work at Kennings.
You remember the name of the bread shop between Copleys the butcher and the green grocer, knew their boy as well.
There was a little printing shop and was run by my mates dad, Brian Taylor, he lived in Hampton street.
Plus there was a ladies hairdressers, Thorpes it was called it was the first shop at the top of that parade.
You know anybody from Glencoe Road?

PhilipB, don't remember the stores or people you mention. Moving on in time to the late 50s, I do remember Violet May set up her first shop on Duke St., just below the Norfolk Picture House. I used to love her store bcause I was a traditional jazz enthusiast. After a while, Violet moved to the bottom of South St. I believe there's already been a thread on that. But how many people remember her very first Duke St location?

My sister bought me an old framed photo of the bottom of Duke St. looking at it from the top of Broad St. & you can see about 4 or 5 shops after Gunstones.

<snip>I'm planning to write a book about my childhood experiences growing up in Sheffield during the post WW2 period: mid 40s to 60s. .<snip>
Ooo, I'm interested in this thread. I'll post now to subscribe, so I can keep up.:)

Put me down for a copy when you've done.

I wonder what the younger forumers think when they read threads like this one. The talk of all the shops that we could go to, how people had time for one another and that as kids there was always something to do. I never remember anyone saying that they were bored and remember no TV just get back home in time to listen to Dick Barton Special Agent. Oh so long ago and some great memories.

PhilipB, don't remember the stores or people you mention. Moving on in time to the late 50s, I do remember Violet May set up her first shop on Duke St., just below the Norfolk Picture House. I used to love her store bcause I was a traditional jazz enthusiast. After a while, Violet moved to the bottom of South St. I believe there's already been a thread on that. But how many people remember her very first Duke St location?i can remember violet mays shop,we used to call in on saturdays on the way to the rag an tag to visit my mates grandma who had a curtain stall there, 2/6 each for lifting the cutains into the van..:hihi:

I wonder what the younger forumers think when they read threads like this one. The talk of all the shops that we could go to, how people had time for one another and that as kids there was always something to do. I never remember anyone saying that they were bored and remember no TV just get back home in time to listen to Dick Barton Special Agent. Oh so long ago and some great memories.


Can well remember those days. Remember getting our first TV, huge box with tiny screen.
Listening to 2 way family favourites on the Light Programme on Sunday midday from BFPO bases. Cliff Mitchelmore and Jean Metcalfe, yes?
Bored? Bored? Weren't allowed to be bored, get a thick ear if you as much as moaned about anything.
Shops equated to people, not sterile, nameless strangers. Go to town to go to the butchers? unheard of, trip to town was a treat for something special.
Yes, happy days never to return.

As an exile who has lived in Canada for most of my adult life, I'm always a bit reluctant to offer comments on how my home town of Sheffield has changed bcause criticism from a non resident doesn't always go down well. What I can say though, following on from PhilipB's comments is how terribly sad I feel every time I come bk to visit Sheffield, usually every 5 yrs or so. The Sheffield I knew is gone. Understandable, I guess. But, in the name of progress, what has replaced it? That great shopping area which this thread has been about has been replaced with flats (though that was way back) and tarmac and that vibrant area around the Sheaf market by a monstrous roundabout, which I try my best to avoid because I'm a hazard to all. Over here roundabouts, especially multi lane ones with traffic lights, are a rarity. For me, the soul has gone out of the city. So yes, I lament like PhilipB, the loss of the old Sheffield which emphasised mingling of people rather than rapid traffic flow. To not be so entirely negative, I visited the buildings around the Peace Gardens a couple of yrs bk and was impressed with what was there. Though I still think there is nothing to beat the Peace Gardens as they once were, peace and tranquility, beautifully landscaped, great spot for a sit down to munch on one's lunch during the summer, I do remember a transitional Peace Gardens concept with a building designed like an egg carton and a downsizing of the landscaping. That was not pleasing and what has been done now is an improvement.

I lived in South St in the 1930's There wasa sweet shop just below the houes I lived in The name of the shopkeeper was Mrs WebsterCould she have been your Grandma; It was an ordinary house,the front part was the house was the shop,and the old lady lived in the back part What we used to call a shop window house

Does anyone remember the Gunshop at the bottom of South St It was just below the Park Picture Palace,and next to Bensons Lino shop Barbers shop was just around the corner. I used to go for a Threepeny "all off" Happy days

No, my grandparents lived on Talbot Place, Milted. But I'd sometimes go to the Park Picture Palace. I remember seeing "Last of the Mohicans" (first edition) there. I say we sometimes used to go to the Park bcause back then there was a story going around that it harbored rats and you had to watch your feet in the dark. Don't know how true that was but we mostly went to the Norfolk and sat in the pit.

I lived in South St in the 1930's There wasa sweet shop just below the houes I lived in The name of the shopkeeper was Mrs WebsterCould she have been your Grandma; It was an ordinary house,the front part was the house was the shop,and the old lady lived in the back part What we used to call a shop window house

Milted, this was my first posting on this subject.

Think my Mum grew up on South Street in The Park district. She was born 1930 and my Grandmother had a Sweet Shop - only small. I was told the back kitchen had rounded corners to the room inside, as it was partly built into rock.

She had a friend who's Dad had a Butchers shop and in the cellar was a very old doorway, which opened to a passageway. It was blocked off, but the Butcher said it was an entrance to the tunnels which supposedly ran upto the Manor Castle in medieval times.

My Grandma was called Nora Holt (maiden name Spooner) grandad Albert (who was a miner, their eldest son was called Albert as well) she had a very small sweet shop. I have heard the term shop window house before, so this could have been the shop. Did you know them?

South St was a long St,but that was the only shop of that kind The backs of the housefell away sharply to the Road below .I think it could well have been the shop we are thinking of. I would be about 10 yrs old at the time 1932 RodG Talbot place Did you know the mackenzie sisters ?Lived at the Duke st end. About the second house Yes,I used to go to the" Norfolk",but down in the Pit inthe early days Two-pence to go in. you paid your money and a big metal disc came down which you handed to the doorman First thing to come on was the News, then the big Picture,and finish with a comic. Then everyone stood for the King They did that in those days Later on,when I was working I could afford 6pence to go in the best part,which we called the "jury box" Funny in'it,but we used to sing and whistle in those days too

Think my Mum grew up on South Street in The Park district. She was born 1930 and my Grandmother had a Sweet Shop - only small. I was told the back kitchen had rounded corners to the room inside, as it was partly built into rock.

She had a friend who's Dad had a Butchers shop and in the cellar was a very old doorway, which opened to a passageway. It was blocked off, but the Butcher said it was an entrance to the tunnels which supposedly ran upto the Manor Castle in medieval times. my grandad wilson JACK OR johnlived afew doors up from the sweet shop his house was on the corner it started on south st went round the corner into a yard his daughter my mum was call edna

can anyone remember Nebby carr ?

Does anyone remember the Gunshop at the bottom of South St It was just below the Park Picture Palace,and next to Bensons Lino shop Barbers shop was just around the corner. I used to go for a Threepeny "all off" Happy daysi remember the gunshop,i was only a toddler but as i recall it was on the left of the street,thats over fifty years ago, so could be wrong but i think it was a small cobbled ,steep road

OK, I'm bumping up this old thread that I started a year ago, because I'm seeking information. As mentioned at the outset of this thread I am engaged in a writing project about my life growing up in Sheffield in the 50/60s. From time to time I'll ask for specific bits of information on this Forum. Any help appreciated.

Early '50s, toward the bottom end of Duke St, same side of the road as Gunstone's Bakery, almost opposite the Embassy Court Flats, there used to be a cheap men and boys' clothing store, sold suits mainly. That was in the day when kids got dressed up in suits at Whitsuntide. Imagine it's different now. I once had a suit bought for me there. It was all off the rack stuff. I think it was a 2 story shop.

Anyone know the name of that store?

Anyone any idea how much a kid's suit might have cost in the early 50s? I'm guessing abt 30s.

thanks.

Anyone any idea how much a kid's suit might have cost in the early 50s? I'm guessing abt 30s.

thanks.

I don't know about a child's suit, but I do remember hearing my parents and grandparents talking about the "fifty-bob tailors" where you could get a suit for... erm... well... 50/-

Thks PT. I'm sure a Kelly's Directory would throw up the name of that old store. Living over here I don't have access to the printed copies. I have a 1925 KD on CD that lists a clothiers at 60 Duke St: J Sandler & Son.

But 30 years later, the war and all, I doubt it's the same firm?

Yeah I remember Duke St past,we lived on the arbourthorne back in the late 40s/early 50s but mum used to do her shopping down Duke St. with me hanging on to her coat belt, can't remember much about it, but I think the butcher afore mentioned was a Mr Shaw, he had a small van and would deliver every week. It all seems so very long ago.

OK, I'm bumping up this old thread that I started a year ago, because I'm seeking information. As mentioned at the outset of this thread I am engaged in a writing project about my life growing up in Sheffield in the 50/60s. From time to time I'll ask for specific bits of information on this Forum. Any help appreciated.

Early '50s, toward the bottom end of Duke St, same side of the road as Gunstone's Bakery, almost opposite the Embassy Court Flats, there used to be a cheap men and boys' clothing store, sold suits mainly. That was in the day when kids got dressed up in suits at Whitsuntide. Imagine it's different now. I once had a suit bought for me there. It was all off the rack stuff. I think it was a 2 story shop.

Anyone know the name of that store?

Anyone any idea how much a kid's suit might have cost in the early 50s? I'm guessing abt 30s.

thanks.

Hi,

I think the name of the outfitters was Sandler, but I could be wrong.

I once had a Whitsuntide suit from there when I was kid. Probably 1944 or 45.

My Dad's family was from the Park (Aston Street). My parents also had friends at various locations in the Park district, mainly on the Bernard St.side of the 'Hill'.

One family in particular lived on Weigh Lane, near to the junction with Parkhill Lane. My God!!,the wind was terrible up there in winter, particularly the famous winter of 1946-47.

My wife's Mother and Father were also from the 'Old' Park.


One Other Thing: - If you remember the 'Old' Park district, you must know about "Judy Burgin's Entry". Nobody has mentioned that yet.

Regards

Hi,

I think the name of the outfitters was Sandler, but I could be wrong.

I once had a Whitsuntide suit from there when I was kid. Probably 1944 or 45.

My Dad's family was from the Park (Aston Street). My parents also had friends at various locations in the Park district, mainly on the Bernard St.side of the 'Hill'.

One family in particular lived on Weigh Lane, near to the junction with Parkhill Lane. My God!!,the wind was terrible up there in winter, particularly the famous winter of 1946-47.

My wife's Mother and Father were also from the 'Old' Park.


One Other Thing: - If you remember the 'Old' Park district, you must know about "Judy Burgin's Entry". Nobody has mentioned that yet.

Regards


Interesting, Falls. Must have been a family business on the go for many years because Sandler, a clothier, is listed in the 1925 Kelly's Directory. Probably kept going up until the Park Hill Flats were built.

Hi,

One Other Thing: - If you remember the 'Old' Park district, you must know about "Judy Burgin's Entry". Nobody has mentioned that yet.

Regards

Hi Falls,
I was interested in Judy Burgin's Entry".
Born on Duke St in the 50's lived there til 70's but never heard of this Judy Burgin.
You got any ifo as this just happens to be my family name !!
Regards

OK, I'm bumping up this old thread that I started a year ago, because I'm seeking information. As mentioned at the outset of this thread I am engaged in a writing project about my life growing up in Sheffield in the 50/60s. From time to time I'll ask for specific bits of information on this Forum. Any help appreciated.

Early '50s, toward the bottom end of Duke St, same side of the road as Gunstone's Bakery, almost opposite the Embassy Court Flats, there used to be a cheap men and boys' clothing store, sold suits mainly. That was in the day when kids got dressed up in suits at Whitsuntide. Imagine it's different now. I once had a suit bought for me there. It was all off the rack stuff. I think it was a 2 story shop.

Anyone know the name of that store?

Anyone any idea how much a kid's suit might have cost in the early 50s? I'm guessing abt 30s.

thanks. my grandad lived on the corner his house backed into a yard and a sweet shop was two houses down, across the road was park picture house

My mother lived on south street her grandfather owned a tin smiths shop his name was charles smith .My mother grew up there with her parents they lived in the back of the shop she still often talks about it.

My mother lived on south street her grandfather owned a tin smiths shop his name was charles smith .My mother grew up there with her parents they lived in the back of the shop she still often talks about it. my grandad was called jack or john wilson my mother was called Edna

My mother has a cousin called edna but different surname.

Hi Falls,
I was interested in Judy Burgin's Entry".
Born on Duke St in the 50's lived there til 70's but never heard of this Judy Burgin.

You got any ifo as this just happens to be my family name !!
Regards

Hi,

Judy Burgin's Entry was on the right hand side of Duke Street, somwhere between the railway bridge and Norwich Street. All that side of Duke Street was cleared in the mid 1950's to build the Parkhill flats.

I can't remember exactly where it was but I'll will ask around the family, what's left of it, in Sheffield.

Regards

Hi,

Judy Burgin's Entry was on the right hand side of Duke Street, somwhere between the railway bridge and Norwich Street. All that side of Duke Street was cleared in the mid 1950's to build the Parkhill flats.

I can't remember exactly where it was but I'll will ask around the family, what's left of it, in Sheffield.

Regards
Thanks Falls, sounds like you're a bit like me. Not much family left in Sheffield now and non at all in Park District.

I was born on Bungay Street in 1946 and left there when I was nearly 8. My grandparents lived on Lord Street. My parents used to take me to the library on Duke Street where the librarian was called (I think) Miss Brookbanks who I believe stayed there for many years. My mother used to take me to the Park and Norfolk Cinemas. The 'balcony' in the Norfolk was called the 'jury box' as it was only about one step high. I attended Park School on Norwich Street. Although am now in my 60s I have very strong and fond memories of that area and the community who were so good. The doctor (who delivered me) was Dr Wilson and was well known as a GP around the Park and Manor districts. There is little of the old Park to see from that period but there are remains of streets etc. Bungay Street is there albeit covered over with grass and trees. I have never seen a photo of it as it used to be - unfortunately.

Does anyone by any chance recall a Mrs Ada Topham who lived at 223 Duke Street for many years - probably until the 1980's? The reason for the request is that her husband was my grandmother's brother. I only learnt of his existence in the last year or two.
I would be interested in tracing any descendants of Mr and Mrs Topham as they would be my second cousins.
My grandmother spent her early life on Colliers Row which I believe ran into Duke Street.

Does anyone by any chance recall a Mrs Ada Topham who lived at 223 Duke Street for many years - probably until the 1980's? The reason for the request is that her husband was my grandmother's brother. I only learnt of his existence in the last year or two.
I would be interested in tracing any descendants of Mr and Mrs Topham as they would be my second cousins.
My grandmother spent her early life on Colliers Row which I believe ran into Duke Street.

Hi Yerman, I used to live at 215 Duke St in the middle of that parade of shops.
The Tophams lived in the next yard up from us, as I recall between a tobacconists and the corner paper shop. Can't say I remember them well but my mum and dad often spoke of Mrs Topham. Could it have been that she was on her own in the late 50's, early 60's?

Hi Falls,
I was interested in Judy Burgin's Entry".
Born on Duke St in the 50's lived there til 70's but never heard of this Judy Burgin.
You got any ifo as this just happens to be my family name !!
Regards

Hi PhilipB,

Regarding "Judy Burgin's Entry", I checked with my Mother-in-law (92), and she provided the following info:

The 'entry' went from Duke Street through to Duke Street Lane. The Duke Street end was between Killam's pork butchers and the Co-op. Kids used to use it to get through from Duke Street to the old "Board School" on Norwich Street.

She has no idea where the name came from, who Judy Burgin was, what "Judy" might have got up to in the "entry" or if she existed at all.

Its just a part of the `Folklore of the Old Park, I suppose.

Regards

PhilipB

I really appreciate your input. From my research it would appear that John Topham - husband of Ada Topham - was a railwayman who died some time in the 1950's. I believe Mrs Topham may have still been alive in the early 1980's. I would be grateful if you could recall whether Mrs Topham had any childen.
Many thanks in advance.

I was born on Bungay Street in 1946 and left there when I was nearly 8. . Although am now in my 60s I have very strong and fond memories of that area and the community who were so good. The doctor (who delivered me) was Dr Wilson and was well known as a GP around the Park and Manor districts. There is little of the old Park to see from that period but there are remains of streets etc. Bungay Street is there albeit covered over with grass and trees. I have never seen a photo of it as it used to be - unfortunately.

HI,

Your's is the first mention of Dr. Wilson. You will remember the practice was "Wilson & Crerran" (not sure if I got the spelling right). They were also our family doctors

When I was young, it was just Dr.Crerran for Dr. Wilson was in the RAMC (may even have been a prisoner of war) and didn't return to the practice till after the war.

Do you remember the surgery at the corner of Norfolk Road and Shewsbury Road and how cold the waiting room was when somebody went in and out. Hardly suprising with the door facing clear across the Sheaf Valley. I remember one day somebody opened the door and the blast of cold air coming in blew out the gas fire.

All a long time ago.

Regards

Here are a few names from 1939…
Chemist – T, Berry 122 Duke St
Doctors – O, H, Billington 242 Duke St
But I think the one you’re thinking about is…
W,T,Buchan & Hart 207 Duke St. I seem to remember a Doctor Marr.
Buchan also had a practice on the Arbourthore.
Grocers – Burgon & son 46 Duke St
Hairdressers – Ivy’s 28 Duke St
“ “ - J, Thorpe 218a Duke St
Butchers – Mr. T Shaw 74 Duke St. he also had one – 6 Castle Hill.
“ “ - Brearley & Son 144 Duke St
“ “ - Ed Willis Ltd 24 Duke St.
Funeral Directors – Reed, C&A Ltd Oriel House, Duke St.
No, I haven’t got a good memory, I wasn’t even born then, I have a 1939 telephone directory.

Great stuff coyleys. some if not all of those businesses carried through to the late 40s. Berry, Hart (Dr) and Reed, the funeral director.

You don't have a phone bk from late 40s do you?

You don't have a phone bk from late 40s do you?

Afraid not mate, at the moment only got Oct 1939. Anything else you need looking up, give me a shout.

Hi rogG,
Born and lived on Duke St in the 50's and 60s.
Lived on the parade of shops that were below the Park Baths.
used to be a doctors surgery at the bottom of Hampton St as it was called then, opposite corner to the Salvation Army. Above doctors there was Hawnts Shoe shop, Clarks barbers, Knowles dress and fabric shop, painting and decorating shop, pie and pea shop, tobacconistshop, then newsagent on th top corner.
Pubs were Oddfellows above Norfolk picture house and Talbot INN on the top corner.

Got mega amount of memoried of the area, people etc before they built the flats.
PM me if you want more.
Is your brother called peter and did he go to Park County School .I have a photo of the swimmers and he is on it Also I recall watching the STANLEY MATTHEWS cup final on the telly at the shop on Duke St Iused to live on Rhodes St Can you remember GrahamWILKES;Eddie Motley

Is your brother called peter and did he go to Park County School .I have a photo of the swimmers and he is on it Also I recall watching the STANLEY MATTHEWS cup final on the telly at the shop on Duke St Iused to live on Rhodes St Can you remember GrahamWILKES;Eddie Motley

Hi Sandy, yep that's my brother, Peter went to Park County and was a good swimmer, competions and think he was in Sheffield water polo team as well. Remember Graham Wilkes, didn't he live at the sweet shop on the corner of Grafton St ?.
Couple of Pete's pals were Stan Piggot, Bobby Warnes.

Hi Sandy, yep that's my brother, Peter went to Park County and was a good swimmer, competions and think he was in Sheffield water polo team as well. Remember Graham Wilkes, didn't he live at the sweet shop on the corner of Grafton St ?.
Couple of Pete's pals were Stan Piggot, Bobby Warnes.
Another of Petes pals was my cousin Harry Peck .Harry lived at Duke St flats ,opposite BERRY,S chemist

Philip B, I also lived on RHodes ST ,but a bit before your time. I am talking about 1935. I lived at No 13. it was a general shop. 1948 onwards I lived on Hampton St Very happy days to look back on

HI Milted I lived on Rhodes St ,1944_,till demolition .We lived in what was called the open yard,opposite what i think could be the shop that you had. Ican remember a lot of the names on that st if you are interested

I'm planning to write a book about my childhood experiences growing up in Sheffield during the post WW2 period: mid 40s to 60s. The backdrop of the city itself will not be the main theme of the book but it will be important for me to re-capture the essence of it so that the storyline will have context. That might seem difficult for me to do from over here in Canada where I've lived most of my adult life, but then, when I go bk to visit Sheffield, as I do from time to time, the Sheffield that I knew has gone anyway. Perhaps you can help me fill in some of the gaps.

My early childhood was spent in the Park district, Talbot Place, which runs off Duke Street (maybe where Duke St becomes City Rd). I remember Duke Street back then as being a really vibrant and charming neighbourhood shopping "strip." People went there to shop and socialize. At the top of the strip (side of the road where the Park Hill Flats were built) was the Norfolk Picture House, at the bottom was Gunstone's bakery. The opposite side of the street was book-ended by two pubs, whose names I don't remember.

But:

* What were the other shops on the strip? I know there was a fishmonger, because my grandmother was a friend of the proprietor, Rosie Wilde. I remember a store that sold cheap off the rack childrens' suits, which kids actually wore in those days.

* I remember there was a butcher's shop whose windows were covered with price signs done in a white marker that was easily rubbed off. As kids we used to wait until the shopkeeper wasn't looking then rub out selected letters, trying to make rude words out of them. Anyone know what the white marker was called?

Duke Street was a wonderful place.

I'd appreciate any feedbk. Thks everyone.

I lived on Rhodes St and have fond memories of the area even though the living acc. were slums.(see picture sheffield for examples) .Acouple of recollections are of a green three wheel van driven by a man called IKE GRAYSON who came round and sold vinegar from the barrel .ANOTHER man whosold oatcackes and pikelets from his butchers bike(the type with the basket on the front).A young man called Jesse who would bring a pony and two donkeys and charged 1d aride . I do,nt know if any of these people came round Talbot Place as this was considered a more posh area.

I do,nt know if any of these people came round Talbot Place as this was considered a more posh area.

interesting sandyb. ever thought of my grandparent's rented home as in a posh area. I don't think many of the people on that street actually owned the houses back in the 40s and 50s. There were a couple of families on the street who were the very opposite of posh. Alas their kids suffered from too much drinking by mum and dad and their homes were in a right state.

It may all have changed now though.

Talbot Place is handily situated for the downtown and the houses, all semis, are well built out of stone.

Hi rogG,
Born and lived on Duke St in the 50's and 60s.
Lived on the parade of shops that were below the Park Baths.
used to be a doctors surgery at the bottom of Hampton St as it was called then, opposite corner to the Salvation Army. Above doctors there was Hawnts Shoe shop, Clarks barbers, Knowles dress and fabric shop, painting and decorating shop, pie and pea shop, tobacconistshop, then newsagent on th top corner.
Pubs were Oddfellows above Norfolk picture house and Talbot INN on the top corner.

Got mega amount of memoried of the area, people etc before they built the flats.
PM me if you want more.

Hi PhilipB ,Just been looking at your old shop on Duke st,Its on www.picturesheffield.co.uk then type duke st .Look on page 16 at photo No:s14993

Hi rogG,
Born and lived on Duke St in the 50's and 60s.
Lived on the parade of shops that were below the Park Baths.
used to be a doctors surgery at the bottom of Hampton St as it was called then, opposite corner to the Salvation Army. Above doctors there was Hawnts Shoe shop, Clarks barbers, Knowles dress and fabric shop, painting and decorating shop, pie and pea shop, tobacconistshop, then newsagent on th top corner.
Pubs were Oddfellows above Norfolk picture house and Talbot INN on the top corner.

Got mega amount of memoried of the area, people etc before they built the flats.
PM me if you want more.

The doctors that was at the bottom of Hampton St (which became Manor Oaks Road) is now the premises of the Castle Advice Service .

Hi PhilipB ,Just been looking at your old shop on Duke st,Its on www.picturesheffield.co.uk then type duke st .Look on page 16 at photo No:s14993

Thanks for that Sandy, nostalgia eh.
Never remember Park Library looking as smart as that inside though. As I recall there was always a matronly old librarian in there who used to wear a nylon smock all the time.

Does anyone remember jack thorpe , he was a ladies hairdresser and his shop was on duke st opposite where the salvation army is now . In between the talbot pub and the oddfellows.

What year was the oddfellows and talbot inn demolished

Does anyone remember the farquhars and millwards from the park district

Does anyone remember jack thorpe , he was a ladies hairdresser and his shop was on duke st opposite where the salvation army is now . In between the talbot pub and the oddfellows.

Certainly remember John Thorpe, my mum used to get her haor done there all the time. He lived with his mother up City Road.

definetly was jack thorpe phillip, he lived with his sister not is mum my husbands family knew them

PhilipB, we patronized all those shops. We used the doctor there, who I think may have been called Dr Hart (?) Even after we moved out of that neighbourhood, my brother and I were made to go to have our hair cut by Mr Clarke, as my mom said he was the only barber who gave "a decent hair cut." The pie and pea shop we frequented after a Saturday a.m. at the Park baths, just around the corner. Tasted delicious.
Hi rogG I used park baths many times aweek i had a free pass .Fridaynight i went to City Surveyers session then called at the same shop for what we termed PEAS AND A FOURPENNY GALLOPER (Re:horsemeat in pies)

Does anyone remember the farquhars and millwards from the park district

hello lagerlil i've just read your letter on "duke street before the parkhill flats"
you asked if anyone knew the farquhars or millwards i am the husband of jean millward we have been married for 48 years,we have a son and daughter,and three grandsons and four granddaughters, pat has four children and nine grandchildren, barbara has two sons and three granddaughters david has four children has six grandchildren( he has lived in usa for twenty five years he visits every two years or so) saw margaret farquhar two weeks ago in crystal peaks sheffield willybite

hiya its margaret farquhar s daughter , 48 years with a millward your a brave man! will tell my mum i have been in contact with you ,

Talking about Rhodes St ,Bought back some . memories for me Iwent to live on Rhodes St in 1922,the year I was born We had the shop, No 13 After the General strike we had to "flit"and went to live down South st. then up to Norfolk Rd. I went into the Royal Navy from there Got married and went to live on Hampton St 1948 So I had a good run about thePark District and consider myself a "park Lad" I remember so many of the shops,such as blakes paper shop on the end of "Long Henry St"Over the Road,on Duke St,below the conservative and the "Red Lion,were three shops Nortons the greengrocers, Quirkes the wet fish shop,and the pork butchers I could go on But you would need to be getting on for 87 yrs old (my age)to remember them Those happy happy days.

Talking about Rhodes St ,Bought back some . memories for me Iwent to live on Rhodes St in 1922,the year I was born We had the shop, No 13 After the General strike we had to "flit"and went to live down South st. then up to Norfolk Rd. I went into the Royal Navy from there Got married and went to live on Hampton St 1948 So I had a good run about thePark District and consider myself a "park Lad" I remember so many of the shops,such as blakes paper shop on the end of "Long Henry St"Over the Road,on Duke St,below the conservative and the "Red Lion,were three shops Nortons the greengrocers, Quirkes the wet fish shop,and the pork butchers I could go on But you would need to be getting on for 87 yrs old (my age)to remember them Those happy happy days.

Don't suppose you knew my dad by any chance,Milted ?
Jack Burgin, born on Grafton St,but lived for about 60yrs on Duke St. Had the painting and decorating business below what is now the Barracuda? He was kinda your vintage !

A friend of mine, now deceased, was brought up in this area and used to fondly reminisce about a characterful lady pianist who used to play the piano, every day, in one of the aforementioned pubs. I think I am right in saying that her wages were crabs legs (from the local fish shop) which she used to scoff in between her numbers.