Category: 1949

Tarzan’s Johnny Weissmuller Swims in Derby Baths

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Johnny Weissmuller performed in “The Water Follies” at the Derby Baths in Blackpool in 1949. The Derby Baths was a swimming complex known for its Art Deco architecture and Olympic-sized seawater pool. It also had high diving boards and was popular for international competitions. Johnny Weissmuller was born Johann Peter Weißmüller on 2 June 1904. He was a Hungarian-born ethnic German American Olympic swimmer, water polo player and actor. He was known for having one of the best competitive-swimming records of the 20th century. He set world records alongside winning five gold medals in the Olympics. He won the 100m freestyle and… Read more »

Mark Yates Carries on the Brooks Collectibles Tradition

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Brooks gifts was started In 1949 by Mr Brooks when he returned to Blackpool after having his home and all his positions destroyed during the second world war. The shop he chose was situated at the Talbot court building on the corner of Waterloo Road and the Blackpool promenade. It was built years earlier but was requisitioned as a munitions store during the second world war. Where Mr brooks is stood in the shop door way of this photo (taken in the 1950s) once stood an armed soldier guarding the munitions store entrances, and to the right on the forecourt… Read more »