Can anyone identify this place?

[DH]

Another photo I have found in my Dad's belongings.  This one is of my Great Uncle George Holman (far right in picture).  Gt.Uncle George was deaf and dumb from a very early age and although with disabilities he was always in work throughout his life. I reckon this photo must have been taken when he was about 25 around mid 1920s. I know there are very few clues but can anyone advise where this photo was likely to have been taken? He and his family always lived around West Ham Church area until his 70s so presumably it must have been somewhere around there.  I would appreciate any help anyone may be able to give.  Dee.

[Bert]

The limited scope of the pic very much reminds me of what we youngsters in the 1920s knew as "The Fibre". It was a company, which, with a chemical firm (dealing in sulphuric acid, I believe) backed onto the north side of Three Mills School, Abbey Lane, Stratford. The shed, too, seems familiar.

What we saw of "The Fibre" (as we knew it) was stacks of sheaves of brown fibre (just like those in your pic) which were used for the making of brooms and brushes. Some of us would climb over the fence and romp among them.

I believe the workers entrance to the firm was in Lucas Road, off Abbey Lane. The outlet to the chemical company was in Marshgate Lane. Perhaps that also applied to "The Fibre".

Hope this is a clue.

Bert.

[smudger]

DH.
I think that Bert is right. the open-ness of the shed behind points to the need for lots of ventilation.
Up to the mid 1950's sulphuric acid was transported in glass (carboys ) enclosed in a metal mesh cage but between the cage and glass they wound bundles of straw or fibre to dampen the shock.
As he lived near west ham church he could have worked locally at what became  Berk Spenser acids in abbey rd.
The other local building similar to that i remember was the covered fruit and veg market off of abbey rd by the adam and eve  this did have an open end .
smudger




 

[DH]

Thank you so much Smudger and Bert.  I thought it was too much to ask anyone to identify it with so few clues. At one time the family lived in Eve Road, just off Abbey Road so I am sure you are right. I have got a copy of a very old book Atlas of Greater London which shows all the streets as they used to be and I can see Lucas Road and Marshgate Lane, but I cannot see Three Mills School, Abbey Lane on there. I can see two schools along the High Street leading to the Broadway, is it one of these?  I also understand that later he used to work at a toy factory, I understand that may have been the Dinky toy factory (I think Kathy may have told me that) have you any idea where that may have been?  Thank you again for your help, Dee.

[Will.B]

When I use to go Stratford Market with my Uncle to get Fruit and Veg with the horse and cart in the 1930s I seem to remember the Entrance and Gate use to be on the top of a hill in Abbey Road looking down to the Adam and Eve, I do remember there was always a policeman on the Entrance when we came out.Will.

[smudger]

WILL B
The market was on railway property and the back entrance was at the top of the hill in abbey rd near the adam and eve as you say.The policeman was a railway police officer called  Fred Turner.I worked there through the 1950's and went to his retirement party in1960. Newham archives have a dvd of the market traders when it was closing.( a traders tale )
SMUDGER

[JOHNL]

hi,i certainly dont remember the place ,but,my dad used to work at  compny known as harris,s that made brushes just before ww2.he used to call it the"fibre"

[DH]

Hi John,  Thank you for your reply.  I think 'the fibre' you mention is probably the same company as mentioned by Bert in his reply above.  Do you know if this company is still there - a long shot I know - as I wonder whether they have any staff records etc., left.  Do you know the correct name of the company?  Thanks for any help,   Dee.

[bunny hill]

my mother who is 86 remembers her brother working at "the fibre" before the war ! and she recalls it being situated in lucas road opposite the g.p.o in abbey lane so that puts it on the right hand side of abbey lane behind three mills school
cheers
bunny hill

[Bert]

I remember "the fibre" back in the 1920s/30s as if I were there yesterday. You have the correct location for it.

To save repetition here in response to your question, I can tell you that there was a similar question on these forums during the past few months. Replies were quite informative, so far as I remember.

I'll try to find that thread for you and put you on its track.

Bert.

[DH]

Thank you Bert and Bunny Hill, I find all this information really interesting and have added all your comments to my 'files' on the family.  Thanks again.  Dee.