SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

While walking down Dewsbury Road today I glanced across at the Dewsbury Road Social Club and was fascinated by something that I've never noticed before. The building comprises what appear to have once been two separate halls, and the joint frontage is now painted cream. Across the top can be seen most of the remains of an old sign embossed in the plasterwork. It reads "THE BOSTON CAFE (and) BALLROOM." I'm guessing about the "and" as that word can't be seen. Any South Leeds folk know "owt about this" ??

BLAKEY wrote: While walking down Dewsbury Road today I glanced across at the Dewsbury Road Social Club and was fascinated by something that I've never noticed before. The building comprises what appear to have once been two separate halls, and the joint frontage is now painted cream. Across the top can be seen most of the remains of an old sign embossed in the plasterwork. It reads "THE BOSTON CAFE (and) BALLROOM." I'm guessing about the "and" as that word can't be seen. Any South Leeds folk know "owt about this" ?? Its been covered before,but i cant find the thread.Fevlad(bless him) was asking questions about the place.Its my theory that its connected with Cross Flatts Park in that it was the place to hang out in yer sunday best and take a stroll during the early part of the 20 th century.The cafe,and ballroom probaly grew from the potential trade that used the park.

cnosni wrote: BLAKEY wrote: While walking down Dewsbury Road today I glanced across at the Dewsbury Road Social Club and was fascinated by something that I've never noticed before. The building comprises what appear to have once been two separate halls, and the joint frontage is now painted cream. Across the top can be seen most of the remains of an old sign embossed in the plasterwork. It reads "THE BOSTON CAFE (and) BALLROOM." I'm guessing about the "and" as that word can't be seen. Any South Leeds folk know "owt about this" ?? Its been covered before,but i cant find the thread.Fevlad(bless him) was asking questions about the place.Its my theory that its connected with Cross Flatts Park in that it was the place to hang out in yer sunday best and take a stroll during the early part of the 20 th century.The cafe,and ballroom probaly grew from the potential trade that used the park. Most interesting - thank you - and, yes, I'm sure you're right. Its very easy to visualise the innocent leisure hours of those halcyon days (well if you forget the poverty, illness and hard work) - especially in a suburban location like that.    

There is some info on Leodis. Keywords are Dewsbury Road.Aerial View and Crescent Cinema.Sorry still can't do links but I have put it on my list of "Things to do".    I have mentioned on here before that I used to go in there in the late 60's early 70's when it was Tetley's Social Club as you could get a drink when the Pubs had shut.You had to buy pie and peas though.    I still have two sisters aged 77 and 80 so I will try to glean some info from them. Michael

uncle mick wrote: There is some info on Leodis. Keywords are Dewsbury Road.Aerial View and Crescent Cinema.Sorry still can't do links but I have put it on my list of "Things to do".    I have mentioned on here before that I used to go in there in the late 60's early 70's when it was Tetley's Social Club as you could get a drink when the Pubs had shut.You had to buy pie and peas though.    I still have two sisters aged 77 and 80 so I will try to glean some info from them. Michael Many thanks Michael - it will be interesting to see what the ladies can come up with although possibly, if the ballroom and cafe ceased before the War, they may have been just too young at the time. Waiting with bated breath     

Both my sisters tell me that they both went dancing there from 1948 till 1951.

uncle mick wrote: Both my sisters tell me that they both went dancing there from 1948 till 1951. Thanks a lot Michael, and mesdames, for that rather surprising information. Funny how times and tastes and habits change constantly but, on reflection, its true that suburban dance halls were still on the go even into the 1960s/70s - this side of town of course the Astoria at Oakwood and the Capitol at Meanwood spring to mind now. I don't know what made me look over Dewsbury Road at the building on Friday but I'm very glad I did as its just one more happy link with the good old days.

uncle mick wrote: Both my sisters tell me that they both went dancing there from 1948 till 1951. Blummin' eck, they must have been knackered after that session!!

[quotenick="Chrism"] uncle mick wrote: Both my sisters tell me that they both went dancing there from 1948 till 1951. Blummin' eck, they must have been knackered after that session!! [/quot Yes they must have been - of course it was an early form of "DANCATHON" for charity, and the ladies did MUCH better than expected.

Chrism wrote: uncle mick wrote: Both my sisters tell me that they both went dancing there from 1948 till 1951. Blummin' eck, they must have been knackered after that session!! Ha Ha! That made me laugh so much! Thank you