The only mention I can find if it is in Francis Frith memories of Birkenhead in the 50s . Seems to have been somewhere between Grange Road and The old Market. Whilst looking for that I have been coming across all other things about old Birkenhead. Spent the last hour looking at these.fascinating.
I used to go to the dolls hospital to get eyes for my cuddly toys and to the best on my knowledge it was here on Argyle Street, next to Grange Road (On the left). I`m not to sure which one, but I have a feeling it was "The Den" shop
I certainly remember the doll's hospital opposite Thomas Street on the corner of the Haymarket. It also sold sweets, papers and magazines.
Next door there was a Marriott's store, selling tools and hardware - Marriott's also had a bigger place in Exmouth Street.
At the top of Thomas Street was a Pub, and opposite was an entrance to the Shaftesbury Boys Club. Alongside that was a shop call The Moat, which sold sanitaryware, tiles and bathroom fittings (although none of us had bathrooms - so presumably it must have catered for posh people from outside our area!)
Further along, towards the top of Jackson Street, were the Army recruiting office, Bentley's the pawnshop and Clifton Cycles, where as kids we'd spend ages gazing through the window at the shiny, totally unaffordable bikes with amazing accessories such as Sturmey-Archer three-speed gears.
At certain times of year, the road under the railway bridge at Blackpool Street / Waterloo Place, would flood quite deeply. This area was originally Tranmere Pool, an inlet of the Mersey and the lowest geographical point in Birkenhead.
The Rubicon, the stream that once flowed into the Pool along the present site of Borough Road, had been culverted many years earlier. But in times of heavy rain, the old watercourse would rise and cause flooding.
Cars could still get through - Waterloo Place led on to Chester Street in those days - but the road under the bridge became impassable to pedestrians.
However, the flooded bridge was a bonus for some of the local kids. They'd put on their cossies and go for a swim, washed by the bow waves caused by cars. Welcome to Birkenhead's first waterpark!
Edited by yoller (26th Nov 2013 10:45am) Edit Reason: Add
The red x Chris has marked on his map is near enough, 44 Grange Rd, also known as Grange Rd East or Little Grange Rd, The Dolls Hospital was known locally I am told as Uncle Vinns. As Yoller posted, also a Newsagent and Tobacconist etc. Previous records show it as a lock up shop and in the 1938 directory, a Herbalist.
Last edited by bert1; 7th Jul 20153:27pm.
God help us, Come yourself, Don't send Jesus, This is no place for children.
I think it was in the Haymarket by Clifton Cycles.
Clifton cycles. I've got two of their bikes in my garage slowly being restored. I owned one in the '70's and have only ever seen one more in the flesh! Any info available gratefully received.
