Hartlepool History Then & Now

In the Canteen

What we know about this image :

In 1919 Richardson Westgarth wanted to develop a canteen for their office staff, and in May of that year, Arthur E Thornton (on the right), was appointed to develop and manage the canteen. Arthur managed the canteen for two years before leaving to go and manage Birk's Commercial Hotel in Church Street. This photograph probably shows the canteen set up for a Peace Day celebration (19th July 1919). The flags in the silver cup are those of the Allies in the First World War and the tablecloths and silverware on show were probably not in everyday use!

Date (of image) : 1919

Donor : Mr. Cliff Thornton

Location