Green Lanes circa 1915

Comment by StephenBln on April 6, 2008 at 14:55

Is it OK to question the date of the photograph?
I'm not a fashion expert, but I think the woman on the left's outfit is approx 5-10 later than 1910.
We already have a photo in the archiv dated ca.1909. I noted on that photo that Green Lanes was still lit by gas. On this photo, the street lighting has been added to the traction poles and converted to electricity. Therefore, I think the actual date is probably just post-war (ca. 1918/19).

Comment by Hugh on April 6, 2008 at 15:27

I think it's just pre-war. The postcard is dated 1915 and I think the lady's hat looks early post-Edwardian to me. Also, if it were post 1914, I imagine we'd see some bunting and paraphenalia related to the war.

Comment by Hugh on April 6, 2008 at 15:57

OK, see the second chap on the right, he's a sojha. So perhaps 14/15 is a better date. Wadja think?

Comment by StephenBln on April 6, 2008 at 16:31

ooh I hadn't noticed him... although most soldiers weren't de-mobbed until 1919. On the other hand, the other ladies further back on the left are probably dressed more "old-fashioned" (either that or they are riding "hobby horses") than the first, who might just have been very emanicipated, up to date and had already raised her hem line?.. OK I think ca. 1915 is probably the best bet..

Comment by StephenBln on April 6, 2008 at 21:33

For those who might be a bit confused by the comments here:
The title was originally Green Lanes 1910.
My point on the fashions, 1915/16 and being up to date is confirmed here although I still wouldn't mind betting it is a bit later......

Comment by Hugh on April 6, 2008 at 21:50

Sorry, I can't make it any later. It's a used postcard franked 3rd Oct 1915. So you're stuck with that date. It's 1915 or earlier.

Comment by StephenBln on April 6, 2008 at 22:26

I keep noticing more and more things on this photo:
The Oceana Laundry seen on Grand Parade was "Tottenham's own laundry". It had a very large Laundry on St Ann's Road between Cornwall Rd and North Grove and operated a borough wide "Bag wash" service right into the late 1960s, when the washing machine began to become more widespread.
The white bags of washing were collected, washed and returned and could often be seen on doorsteps throughout the area. The laundry was quite a large employer, with a fleet of about 20 laundry vans in the 1960s.

Comment by alistairj on April 10, 2008 at 19:34

The Oceana is now a purveyor of 'Russian and East European Food and Drink'!
The cart has been replaced by two cyclists - no soldiers to be seen though.

Comment by StephenBln on April 10, 2008 at 22:33

....and the letter box has been replaced by the litter bin.

This is a dangerous task you've taken on.. standing back to the traffic, in the middle of the road.
But I'm pleased you do it.. thanks..

Comment by Hugh on April 10, 2008 at 23:01

And Cafe Lemon was Liptons Tea House - like it. Thanks Alistair.

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