Fun on the Sands 1914

Take a tour of Blackpool's attractions in 1914 with the Tower Circus clowns Autumn and September. Filmed on or about 31st July 1914.
Beginning with a short piece fooling around on the beach with a donkey, the group is met at Central Pier by Managing Director Cyril Chantler (straw hat)). Across the road in the background is the Wellington Hotel. The open-air skating rink had opened in 1909, the year of a roller-skating craze. Then we see dancing at the Pier head.
The party is then seen boarding the brand new SS Robina at North Pier.
On to the Pleasure Beach. The opening pan shows the Bowl Slide (1911); a white circular building later redeveloped as the Ghost Train. In the distance the Velvet Coaster (1909). The Naval Spectatorium (1910) and the River Caves (1905). A second pan shot shows the House of Nonsense (1911), Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machine (1904), The Witching Waves (1913), Scenic Railway (1907), Rainbow Wheel (1912) and Helter Skelter Lighthouse (1905). The lighthouse was built over a lampost in 1912/1913 and only lasted to 1919.
The party takes a ride on the Water chute. Then on to the Witching Waves, followed by the Velvet Coaster (although the frontal shots sat in a ride car are actually taken on the Scenic Railway).
At the Winter Gardens we see them stroll through the Floral Hall, where September scatters a programme boy's stock. (Most of the plants were removed in the 1920s).
At the Palace entrance the group is met by Mr George Harrap (white moustache) who was Blackpool Tower Manager from 1894-1926. On stage at the western end of the Roof Gardens (now Jungle Jims) we see "The 12 Little Sunshines" with Little Emmie, the then star of the Tower Children's Ballet, who had a dancing career in Blackpool from 1908-1936.
Next is a very brief shot in the grounds of the Winter Gardens. One of the Big Wheel's cars can be seen.
Finally we ascend the Tower, with views north and south.
Sadly, less than a year later in June 1915, the clown September died aged 38.
August wore a low crowned Bowler hat, and looked something like a cross between an Eton Boy and a Page Boy. He carried a small carpet brush.
September wore a dilapidated and antiquated top-hat and a rather large collar, and had rather large feet.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Blackpool
• history
• 1914
• clowns
• Central Pier
• North Pier S.S. Robina
• Pleasure Beach
• Winter Gardens
• Palace
• Tower