HISTORY OF ILFORD

TOWN HALL

Before 1898 Ilford's civil affairs were dealt with over a shop at 3 Cranbrook Road. When the town grew larger it became obvious that a bigger building would be required. As a temporary measure the Council moved to old Ilford Hall while a new Town Hall was built. A foundation stone was laid by Councillor Gilson on 17th March 1900, a bitterly cold day with snow covering the ground. Two sealed bottles were placed in a hole under the stone. These 'time capsules' held a copy of the architect's statement, a copy of the Ilford Guardian, the Times newspaper and British coins minted in 1900. 

A grand ball took place when the Town Hall opened in December 1901. Three hundred guests attended, mainly councillors, local businessmen, prominent people and their families. Due to the careless action of someone leaving a lit cigarette on a green baise table the Town Hall nearly burned down on the first night. An alarm sounded, the Fire Brigade arrived and celebrations came to an abrupt end.

In 1909 it was decided that an extension would be built but everything was put on hold due to World War One. Central Library and other offices were eventually added in 1927. 

Messages were not allowed on postcard backs before 1902, therefore publishers often left a blank space on the front so a short message could be included. 

Posted: 10th November 1902

#

Message: "Dear Mary I am looking forward to coming back on Wednesday. I do hope you enjoyed your holiday. I am in a little wooden hut and I went to church last Wednesday. This is all with love from Ethel"

Posted: 23rd April 1906

#

Message: ""Dear N (first W sign crossed out) We have had a storm here all the evening, it has not left off raining once. yours B. (line) write soon"

Posted: 25th July 1904



Thank you to Beryl Pratt for providing the translation from shorthand.

#

Message: "Thanks for sending my hat which got up alright. I hope you will all be alright. I shall not be coming home till 15th, Laurie"

Posted: 23rd July 1905

#

Message:  "Dear Gertie, Please let me know if you are coming to evening school on 5th. You said something about you going to see some fireworks. Kind love May."

Posted:  4th November 1903

Postcard shows an early stage production at the recently built Town Hall.

#

Written by Raymond Small

© hainaultforest.net. All rights reserved.