Subject: [LAN] Growth of Blackpool Part 7 Hi there, Back again with Part 7, the penultimate issue. 1895 Opening of The Hippodrome Theatre, now the A.B.C Theatre, Church Street. 1896 The Lytham Tramway opened. The Big Wheel in Coronation Street opened. 1897 During the Summer there was a Railway Disaster at Poulton Curve. Lord Nelson's Flat Ship "The Foudroyant" which was anchored off Shore for Exhibition purposes was driven inshore by a sudden gale and wrecked near the North Pier. (June 16th) 1899 The Alhambri (afterwards named the Palace) opened by George R. Sims. This replaced the old Prince of Wales Theatre and the Prince of Wales Aquatic Entertainment Baths. 1900 This year was the opening of the new Town Hall, the new Bethesda Chapel, Unitarian Church, South Shore and Ebineser Primitive Methodist, Egerton Road. 1901 The First Musical Festival was held. The Marton Tramway was opened this year. 1903 Opening of the New Railway line from Waterloo Station, (now South Station) across the Moss to Kirkham. 1904 Blackpool raised to the Status of County Borough. All Saints Church, Palatine Road, opened. 1905 The widening of the Promenade to the South Shore was completed, this was started in 1902. St. Thomases Church, U?aunce Street opened. 1906 Blackpool Secondary School opened. Mr M.W.Astley elected Conservative Member of Parliament. Blackpool's first full programme Cinema opened in the old Coliseum, Lytham Road,on the sight of the Coliseum Bus Station. There has previously been shorts shown at the Palace and Hippodrome. 1907 The first Waterloo Bowling Tournament was held this year. 1908 Blackpool's First Aviation Week held during the Summer at Squires Gate Racecourse (now the Airdrome) and the first flight round the Tower from the sea side. 1910 Blackpool Pleasure Beach Company Registered. This was not the start of the Pleasure Beach as seceral people had been operating a Pleasure Beach on the site for over Twenty Years previous to the Company being formed. The Gipsy encampment of the Sandhills, south of the old Star Inn was erected this year. The Second Aviation Week was held in July, the Frenchman Monseur Tetard flew round the town. 1911 This year saw the Carnegle Free Library at the Grundy Art Gallery in Queen Street opened for use. St. Stephen's Church, on the Cliffe opened. 1912 The New Princess Parade was opened by Princess Louise. Back tomorrow for the last session and to be able to give my two typing fingers a rest !!!!! Helen