100 years ago

Magnifying lenses operated by the driver were the latest development in motor car headlight construction.

They had the effect of lessening the glare which was so trying to other road users at night. The new invention was called the Zeiss auto-searchlight. The powerful magnifying glass, which was usually fixed in front of the burner, was in this case mounted on a rocking arm which was operated from the driving seat.

By this means the magnifier could be moved to one side when a horse-drawn vehicle was approaching, and as nearly all the glare of motor headlights was created by the magnifier, its absence produced a soft, diffused light which did not inconvenience anyone. When the other road users were safely past, the magnifier could be returned to its normal position and the full benefit of the searchlight enjoyed once more. These searchlights could be lit by electricity or acetylene, and formed a valuable advance in motor car lighting.

 

50 years ago

Unemployment in all regions of Britain had fallen during the previous month to a total of 459,787, which was 14,586 fewer than in November.

The month’s figure represented two per cent of the working population and was equivalent to the lowest recorded percentage this year - in July. This month’s fall was the biggest between November and December since the end of the Second World War. It was the third month in succession that the percentage rate had been fewer than in the corresponding month of 1962.

 

25 years ago

A listed building in Front Street, Acomb, was featured in the 1987-8 annual report of The Architectural Heritage Fund.

The Grade II property at 14a to 14b Front Street incorporated Acomb Manor, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book. It was included in the report as one of the Fund’s 22 newly-aided projects. York architects RG Sims was commended for the restoration of the building and its conversion into two homes. Part of it had been derelict for 30 years.

The commendation had been made in October by the North East Civic Trust, which encouraged high standards in the repair, restoration and conversion of old buildings for housing use. It was thought the house dated from the late 15th or early 16th century.

The former manor house was one of the few remaining half-timbered buildings in the Vale of York. The property had been bought by the Yorkshire Buildings Preservation Trust and the Fund gave a £40,000 loan. York City Council gave a £11,600 grant. The total cost of the property was around £136,000 and in February the property had been sold for more than the estate agent had expected.