York Mansion House and Red House
The Red House on the corner of Duncombe Place and St Leonard’s Place was built in 1714 by Sir William Robinson. He had been a Lord Mayor and MP. The land had been leased to him by the Corporation and …
Category: That was then
Yorkshire Philosophical Society and the Museum Gardens
The Yorkshire Philosophical Society, the YPS, was set up in 1822. Around six years later part of the grounds of St Mary’s Abbey was given to the Society by royal grant. It had been necessary to rescue St Mary’s Abbey …
Yorkshire Philosophical Society and the Museum Gardens Read more »
York Minster Gates
Those of you who have been to cathedral cities such as Salisbury or Wells will know that they have doors or gates into their cathedral close or precinct. York Minster used to have one too, entered by four gates. One …
A piazza in Fishergate, York
In Fishergate near The Lighthorseman pub is a piazza that was originally built in front of the Theatre Royal. In 1879-80 the theatre was re-fronted and the arcade was taken down and placed here. It later became part of Pipkin’s …
What links a York menswear shop and parkin?
I like looking at old York trade directories and official guides to the city. Great for old adverts. Chamber of Trade guides for 1933 and 1949 carry adverts for “Ye Olde Parkin Shoppe” at 27-28 High Petergate. This was run …
Packing for a 60s/70’s holiday
Some of the items you may have packed for a holiday in the 60’s or 70’s: Sleeping bags Lilo Bikinis Sandals Sunglasses Bri-Nylon cardy Card games Transistor radio Suitcases, vanity case and cases for toiletries Butlin’s badge
When people were well-dressed
I’d like to hark back to a time when people wore gloves and hats routinely and a woman’s shoe colour would match her handbag. I do like wearing 3/4 length sleeves, so smart! The sewing patterns below show glamourous clothes …
Using Hollywood to sell sewing patterns
The Hollywood Pattern Service used the glamour of Hollywood to sell sewing patterns. Pattern envelopes from the 1930’s featured leading ladies and the name of the film company. Stars featured included Betty Grable, Ellen Drew and Maureen O’Hara. The patterns …
Menswear and boys’ sewing patterns
Probably from the 1940’s, Style pattern 4726 features tailored pyjamas with a coat-style jacket. Suitable fabrics were flannel, rayon, silk, cotton and Viyella (merino wool and cotton in a twill weave). 1940’s pattern for a shirt and collar. 1964 pattern …
Old sewing patterns for leisurewear
A 1950’s pattern for shorts and blouse was suitable for making up in cotton, rayons or linens. The blouse had shoulder pads. The sewing guide in the packet advertises Parapads patented rubber shoulder pads. They were made by Dunlopillo. It …