“THE town is well paved, sewered and lighted, and has an excellent water supply, a fine sanatorium, a municipal dispensary and a school clinic.”
Southampton of almost 90 years ago was described in the 1927 edition of Kelly’s street directory as having “many fine ranges of buildings”.
The terrible damage of the Second World War blitz, which was to change its face forever, still lay in the future.
“The town is beautifully situated on a peninsula and is distinguished for the beauty of its position,” said Kelly’s introduction to Southampton.
“There are in addition to the docks a commodious quay and a fine pier with a large pavilion, much frequented in the summer.
“The shores of the estuary or bay are ricky wooded, and afford a continuous stretch of finely diversified scenery, studded with villages, mansions and villas.”
Like today, the port was vital to the local economy with docks that could handle the largest vessels afloat.
“The geographical position of Southampton, with its commodious land-locked harbour, affords accommodation and shelter from heavy winds, from which ever direction they may blow,” said Kelly’s.
“Powerful steam tugs are always available for distressed or disabled ships and the best appliances exist for coaling steamers.”
The Marlands in Southampton in the 1920s
The Guildhall of the day was still a room above the arches of the Bargate, which also housed the criminal courts.
The directory makes just passing references to entertainment in Southampton listing the Hippodrome in Ogle Road, the Grand Theatre, West Marland and the Palace of Varieties in Above Bar.
“The Southampton Public Baths have two covered swimming baths for ladies and gentlemen, 40 slipper baths supplied with salt and fresh water, a suite of Turkish baths, while at the rear is an open-air bath, half an acre in extent, with water being exchanged every tide,” said the directory.
Carlton Crescent
“Mixed bathing takes place in the open-air bath on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, during the season.”
Charities such as the Southampton Mayoress Blanket Loan Society had its depot at Town Quay Road, Our Dumb Friends League and another charity dating back to the 15th century and helped “poor maids” in Holyrood are listed in Kelly’s.
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