In August 1961 a show bungalow was opened for viewing in Valley Drive. it was built by Ward's of Wolviston. The furnishings were by Blackett's Department Store in Church Street. Decorating had been done by another Church St company, Boanson And tiling by Carter of Burn Road.
The house is in Valley Drive on the corner of Coatham Drive and at the time cost £3500.
Date (of image) : 0/8/1961
Donor : Hartlepool Museum Service
Creator : NDM
Location
The department store was opened on the corner of Church Street and Whitby Street by Carter and Company of Stockton and West Hartlepool. George Stephenson had opened a draper's shop on the site in 1856 and when he died, Carter and Co bought the business. In 1898, Carter joined business with Denis Hill and Company of North Shields and Newcastle who had originally made clothes for seamen. The original shop was demolished and a new one built. D Hill, Carter and Company then expanded the business to include upholstery and drapery departments.
in 1937 Blacketts of Sunderland took over the store and also owned shops in Barnard Castle, Stockton and Sunderland. Much like Robinson's, Blacketts was known for its Christmas Toy Fair which for a few years was held in the disused Lex Cinema. In 1970 the Blacketts store closed and in an era before 'pound shops' became the discount Dovecot Salerooms looking and feeling nothing like the original department store.
In 1997, the building was extensively refurbished as a hotel and bar and given its original name as The Hill Carter Hotel. The hotel boasts a large rooftop restaurant with panoramic views around the area.
More detail »One of the principal roads in the West Park area, it was named after the stream which flows through the front gardens. This burn goes along the back of the Cricket Club, under Elwick Road, through the Family Wood,under Catcote Road and into the Burn Valley.
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