One of the best-known residential streets in Brigg since its creation in the mid-1920s, Hawthorn Avenue still has 80 terraced properties serving their original purpose after undergoing various refurbishments over the years.
Mention 'Hawthorn Ave' to townsfolk of a certain age today and many will immediately think of the Dunderdale family and the 11 brothers. Dave has kindly gave us permission to use an archive picture of them, included in the montage above.
The 'Dundy' brothers grew up in a property just a stone's throw from the 'tenfoot' entrance to Brigg Town Football Club's Hawthorns ground.
The council eventually adapted the house next door to provide additional space for Kev, Malc, Terry, Dave, Steve, Brian, Ian, Nigel, Mark, Andy and Jeff. The boys arrived successively from the mid-1950s.
Ninety-plus years ago Brigg Urban District Council was striving to cope with rising demand from families for three-bedroom rented accommodation.
The street name was a reference to Hawthorn hedging - many mature examples occupying this part of the town. But a recent check suggests that none now remain adjacent to the street.
The majority of the properties formed a square, outside which were additional houses on three sides.
An extensive estate of prefabs was built post-war immediately to the north of Hawthorn Avenue, and the UDC created the Recreation Ground nearby, in the early 1950s, by acquiring Woodbine Farm.
Brigg Town FC switched to the Hawthorns in 1960 - the main entrance then being off Hawthorn Avenue for vehicles as well as pedestrians.
This period also saw Hawthorn residents gain a pub on their doorstep - the Ancholme Inn, on Grammar School Road. The hostelry was given a large function room and a huge car park backing onto the gardens of some Hawthorn properties.
However, a reduction in trade in the latter decades of the 20th century eventually saw Brigg's newest pub become one of the first to close. Following demolition it was replaced by a new housing development.
Despite the Rec being nearby, the council provided Hawthorn Avenue youngsters with a play area (and some equipment) close to the Preston Drive entrance. Bungalows now occupy this site.
Hawthorn Avenue homes were modernised by the council in the 1970s - central heating and inside toilets being installed.
Brigg UDC's demise in 1974 saw the housing stock pass to the newly-formed Glanford borough authority. Further local government re-organisaion in 1996 put North Lincolnshire Council's name on the rent books. Social landlord North Lincolnshire Homes then took charge, followed by Ongo.
However, 'Right to Buy' - a 1980s initiative - resulted in some Hawthorn Avenue properties being acquired by well-established tenants.
Very few families before the Second World War could afford a car, but higher wages in the 1950s and over successive decades saw more and more vehicles being acquired. With only some end-terrace properties having room for domestic garages, this resulted in on-street parking and subsequent congestion.
This was not helped by the addition of scores of new homes on the Springbank estate after the war - Hawthorn Avenue being an obvious through route for motorists between the A18 (Wrawby Road) and Springbank. The same route was used by drivers living on the Woodbine Grove estate until the prefabs were demolished in the early 1970s.
Hawthorn Avenue never had its own convenience shop as far as we are aware. However, post-war, many residents made the short walk to Grammar School Road to call at Ernie Robinson's well-stocked emporium which, under different ownership, continued to provide a service until relatively recent times. Town housing now occupies the site.
A fish & chip shop was established 60+ years ago on Grammar School Road, within sight of Hawthorn Avenue, and there's still a popular 'chippie' on this site today.
Hawthorn residents also had the option to use Mrs Gray's convenience shop and Evy Wojak's fish & chip business on nearby Glebe Road.
Pigeon-fancying became a popular pastime on the avenue, with lofts in back gardens and the best birds being raced through the Brigg and Glanford clubs.
Glebe Road Primary School (now demolished) was of similar age to Hawthorn Avenue and very conveniently placed for local children who had the option 'to go home for dinner' as many of the so-called Baby Boomer generation did, rather than sample the fare provided by the local education authority (originally Lincoln-based Lindsey County Council). Sandwiches/snacks at home were also cheaper and not requiring dinner money to be tendered every Monday morning by each child to cover the week ahead.
Fair-sized rear gardens were used by many tenants to nurture fruit trees/bushes and provide fresh veg for the table, as well as flowers.
Living in a Hawthorn Avenue house not far from the Dunderdale residence, the Waltham family would later provide Brigg with a Town Mayor and a Leader of North Lincolnshire Council awarded the MBE.
Other well-known family names on Hawthorn Avenue post-war include Jude, Judge, Dent, Chambers, Binns, Turner, Stothard, Steeper, Hartmann, Neve, Skelton, Tock, Johnson, Jacklin, Beel, Brown, Benson, Cooper, Pigott, Bradley, Hammond, Howson, Ringrose, Fisher (no relation) and Taylor (our family, on mother's side) to mention only a few of many. Some members of these families still live in the area.
Ongo, the social landlord, has previously quoted 1924 to Brigg Blog as the date for the creation of Hawthorn Avenue. Our grandparents were certainly living there in 1930/1, and possibly before then.
This is the latest post in our series about the changing face of Brigg streets down the decades. More to come, as time permits.
In case you missed any of our earlier features, here are some links...
Queen Street
Cary Lane
Bridge Street - County Bridge to the A18 junction
Glebe Road
Albert Street
Elwes Street
Grammar School Road South
Wrawby Road
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| Hawthorn Avenue (centre right) from the air - courtesy of Neil Stapleton. |
