The first town show was held in Ward Jackson Park to celebrate the Coronation. There were numerous displays in marquees including tropical fish, a small gauge railway, the amateur radio club, a pottery demonstration, 750 horticultural entries and 130 rabbit entries.
Displays included Durham police dogs, the Boys' Brigade, Scottish and country dancing and the boys' Coronation Cup Race.
The town show was held in the park for many years and was later held at Grayfields before being abandoned altogether as too costly.
Date (of image) : 15/8/1953
Donor : Hartlepool Museum Service
Creator : NDM
Location
Ward Jackson Park was opened in 1883 to the memory of Ralph Ward Jackson, the founder of West Hartlepool who had died in 1881. It was built by public subscription,the 17 acres of land being purchased from Mr Wooler of Sadberge Hall who donated 2 of the acres himself.
The lodge house was also built in 1883, the current bandstand in 1901(although there had been another one prior to this) and the drinking fountain, presented by Alderman Rickinson to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, was also opened in 1901.
The clock tower which faces Grange Road was built in 1925.
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