Whitby Street with the Lex Cinema just in shot on the left. Taken in 1955.
From a collection of photos commissioned and gathered by West Hartlepool Council.
Donor : Mr. Harry Taylor
Location
The Lex Cinema was originally built as the Royal Roller Rink by George Geipel in 1909 in Whitby St . In 1910, it was leased to Robert Everton and became the Royal Electric Cinema. In 1937 it became the Lex Cinema, closing in 1960 and finally being demolished in 1966.
The cinema was leased to Robert Everton and a family member related that it had gold seats at the front and wooden benches at the back. Cliff Reynolds who later owned a garage next door was manager from the early 1930s.
When closed as a cinema, it was for a few years in the early 1960s, used as a venue for a Christmas Toy Fair for nearby Blackett's Department Store and will be remembered by many youngsters of that time.
More detail »Whitby Street, Hartlepool looking north towards Church Street, showing the street signs over the road and businesses as they are now.
More detail »Whitby Street, Hartlepool, looking North Towards Church Street. No Street signs over road. Cliff Reynolds Garage on the left.
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