Wednesday, July 6, 2005

100 years ago

The additional tramcars which had been put on the York Tramway routes were a great improvement on the old ones, and were much more comfortable and convenient for passengers. The new tramcars were larger than the existing ones, and were very attractively painted in white and chocolate with gold lines. The upholstering of the inside seats was fresh and comfortable, and the seats on the top were stained and varnished. The platforms at the ends of the tramcars were roomier, and the stairways were not so steep and were much less dangerous than on the old models. The company was to be commended for the step it had taken towards meeting the wishes of the public, and although the horse drawn tramcars could not be compared with electric tramcars, the citizens would be pleased to see the improvement in the company's vehicles pending the electrification of the system on municipal lines. Smarter animals would be a decided improvement. York was a great horse centre, and the capital of a great horse breeding county, and a better type of horses would look well in front of the new tramcars.

50 years ago

Mrs D E Haslinger of Southolme Drive, Shipton Road, York had been awarded the first prize of £25, for her entry in the "Yorkshire Evening Press" Stork Sandwich Contest. Commenting on the entries for the competition, the judges said: "There has been a most interesting entry for the competition, and some unusual ingredients - such as nasturtium leaves and other herbs - have been included in many of the recipes. Judging by the number of entries we have received that featured them both kippers and bananas appear to be very popular in Yorkshire." One of the two winning recipes submitted by Mrs Haslinger, entitled "York Appetiser," included the following ingredients: Stork margarine, Marmite, carrot, cheese, egg, gherkins, tomato, cucumber, radish, and bread rolls.

25 years ago

Firemen were called to Marston Moor, the Civil War battlefield near York, to deal with a burning "witch". The incident occurred during a re-enactment of part of the Battle of Marston Moor by more than 100 members of the Sealed Knot. During the spirited clash by costumed Cavaliers and Roundheads a girl accused of being a witch was dragged into a semicircle of baled straw to be "burned". It was all very symbolic - clouds of smoke and the girl herself yards away from the flames - until the fire began to get out of hand. That was when somebody phoned for the fire brigade. A crew from Acomb - also in uniform - arrived promptly to quench the flames before anyone was hurt.

Updated: 08:30 Wednesday, July 06, 2005