On March 29th 1967, Hartlepool and West Hartlepool finally amalgamated after many years of deliberation and discussion. The Hartlepool Mail at the time carried a supplement and there were many adverts like this one for Blackett's Department Store which wished the new town well.

The photograph of Blackett's department store was probably taken in the late 1940s early 1950s. There are trolley bus wires evident so it will have been pre 1953 when the last trolley buses ran in the town.

The current Hill Carter Hotel is accessed through the door behind the van.

HHT&N 884

The building which was once Hill Carter and then Blackett's Department Store became Dovecot Salerooms in the 1970s and 1980s having first opened in 1960s Lynn Street next door to Robinson's 'Coliseum' building being demolished in the late 60s..

HHT+N 975

The fashions suggest the 1930s and these ladies are obviously awaiting some kind of fashion show in a department store. It could be Robinson's ? Hill Carter ? Gray Peverell ?

The photo has possibly been taken in a basement to one of these stores as the ceiling looks low and it could be a store room indicated by the stacked chairs above the ladies on the right. There also seem to be a number of mirrors arranged on the beams.

HHT+N 14

This advert for Blacketts is for the First Stop boutique which was an instore department offering more fashionable clothes for teenagers.

The models very much reflect the 60s 'look'.

Probably taken in the early 1930s in a department store- perhaps Gray Peverell ? Hill Carter ? Robinson's ?

HHT&N 955

In August 1961 a show bungalow was opened for viewing in Valley Drive. it was built by Ward's of Wolviston. The furnishings were by Blackett's Department Store in Church Street. Decorating had been done by another Church St company, Boanson And tiling by Carter of Burn Road.

The house is in Valley Drive on the corner of Coatham Drive and at the time cost £3500.