Windmill, Etc
A Memory of Paignton.
At the time of this photo I was just 8 years old, and I have a lasting impression of three things from around this time. The first is kind of hazy - animated Red Indian cutouts in the park opposite the prom. Next, the windmill itself, which was not overly attractive, being in a red-brown canvas - tho the sails at least did rotate, and although the gardens themselves were well laid-out they were obstacles to walk around rather than enjoy). But most memorable thing of all was the mechanical elephant... whoever built that was a genius. Housed in a green hut to the left of the above picture, I only saw it a couple of times, but it has a lasting impression. I don't know if any pics exist... but I doubt they'd do justice to my memory. This wondrous device (I've no idea what the motive power was, but I vaguely recall a puttering sound, so it might have been internal combustion) would walk by sliding its feet along - these had what looked like roller-skates protruding out of the 'skin' of its legs - and would carry tourists on its back. Quite the marvel.
Add your comment
You must be signed-in to your Frith account to post a comment.
Add to Album
You must be signed in to save to an album
Sign inSparked a Memory for you?
If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?
Comments & Feedback
My Mum and Dad booked us in to the Sea View guest house, owned bu Mr and Mrs Stobbart, along the promenade to the right of the windmill, overlooking the end of the prom green, which was opposite the Hydro Hotel, and so close to the beach, that I could change in my room, and scurry across for a swim - I must have been 11 at the time - and we then used to go each year, probably till about 1952, by which time other friends and relations joined us, making a party of about 16. Adult full board, I believe, was 4 guineas (£4.40) per week - Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
I remember the windmill, because, looking from Mums front bay window, you had an oblique view of it and you could not be sure whether it was gong clockwise or anti clockwise, but if you stared and concentrated, you could make it go either way!!
First thing, well before breakfast, a number of us used to walk along the front to the windmill, and go down the road opposite, which was , I think, the main road, as it lead to the station, which had a cafe on the right, by the level crossing, where all had a cup of tea.
Then it was back down to the windmill, where Dad would check the Barograph, and then all down to the beach, for a paddle back to Sea View.
Mrs Stobbart let me ring the gong for mealtimes.
We used to spend the mornings on the beach, taking 2 shifts (in order to save our deck chairs) for mid morning teas and coffees, at the Seagull Cafe, opposite the harbour with maybe crab sandwiches, and me a vanilla milk shake.
Afternoons was the time for a bus trip to places like Stoke Gabriel, Babbacombe, Oddicombe,
Ansteys Cove etc etc.
I can remember the Smithy at Stoke Gabriel, after seeing him making small horseshoes, when people bought one for 1 shilling, he used to press it in their hand, saying "Good luck to 'e, 'ang on to 'un, and don't lose it"
Oh Happy Days, it is lovely to remember after some 80 + years !!!
It is Len Underwood AKA in the RAF as 'Duke'