Harbourside I

Section 1 ~ From The Left

01 4006 Harwich Harbour (1900) H&D FW

02 Waiting For The Boat, Harwich Pier (1905) H&D FW

03 79307 Harwich Pier (1921) Bell's FC

04 79308 Harwich Pier (1920) Bell's H&D CIII FW

05 Navyyard Extension, Harwich (1964) H&D FW

06 Harwich Ship Builder (1880) H&D FW

07 E3456 Harwich Harbour (1909) A&G Taylor's H&D FW

08 3979.1.Harwich Pier (1908) H&D FW

The Pier
The name of this pier originates from the ½d (half an old penny) toll charged.
Construction of the pier began in 1852 and it was first opened in July 1853. It was a popular departure point for paddle steamers until after the First World War.
Originally the pier was twice as long as the present one but one half burnt down in 1927.
There is a small tea room on the pier opposite the Mayflower exhibition with tables and chairs outside where you can drink your cup of tea in fine weather.

09 H.2. Harwich Harbour. (1950) H&D FW

10 1358 The Pier, Harwich Pier, (1912) H&D FW

11 By The Pier, Harwich (1906) H&D FW

12 Harwich Pier, Essex (1910) H&D FW

13 157887 Harwich Pier (1910) H&D CIII FW

14 7254 Harwich Pier (1906) The Wyndham Series H&D FW

15 79306 Harwich Pier (1921) Bell's H&D CIII F

16 29576 Harwich Pier (1907) Bells H&D FW

17 Harwich Pier No 5 (1914) Unknown Publisher H&D FW

In this digital world of instant communications and real time reporting, it's worth thinking of how fast change has come in the past 100 years, It wasn't until 1921 that the first public telephone box was introduced, prior to that there were very few private phones lines. However it was World War One, that increased the necessity for improved communications. This card purchased, written, stamped and posted would have taken some effort, but would be a 30 second text today and he could have probably changed his appointment as well.

"Thursday Harwich 1:20 pm : (Susie sends her love, we wish you were here)
Dear Mama, I am waiting on this pier for the next boat. I intended catching the 12:30 but missed it by 2 mins, have come across here specially to buy some meat patties, can’t buy anything nice at Felixstowe such as here. The next boat is 2 o’clock and I have an appointment at that time in Felixstowe. It is 45 mins walk, when we leave the boat, to the other side of Felixstowe. Will write a letter at first opportunity. I am happy here, weather changeable.
Love Bert."