COWES STATION 1961.
Looking up Carvel Lane this shows that Cowes Station was a sizeable building. Also captured in the shot is the Fountain Coach Garage.
Looking up Carvel Lane this shows that Cowes Station was a sizeable building. Also captured in the shot is the Fountain Coach Garage.
From Mill Hill station trains bound for Cowes had to pass through a tunnel then over this bridge.
Not only a passenger service but it also served Gange’s coal yard on the left of this shot
This captures the spacious area in the front of the station.
Quite a busy stop for both shipyard workers and those using the Floating Bridge.
Another shot showing what has been lost.
This early coach was typically designed with doors for each row of seats.
Number 2 went to Newport, Numbers 1 1a & 1b left West hill Rd for Newport prior to the bus station in Carvel Lane.
An early southern Vectis bus in Fountain Yard.
A bigger range of routes between the Island & Mainland than there is today.
One of Red Funnel’s pre-war fleet sadly one of the “Little Ships” lost at Dunkirk.
A welcoming gateway to Cowes and the Island
Red Funnel and its predecessors has provided a vital link to the mainland for over 200years since George Ward, founder of the Ward dynasty in Cowes, together with William Fitzhugh started the first steamer service between Cowes and Southampton in 1820.
The Red Jets have proved a safe and reliable passenger service
The vehicle service is now based in East Cowes, however the earlier car transporters also called a Fountain Quay.
Once aboard cars were turned round on a turntable ready to exit.
Between the wars travel was more leisurely and luxurious. Silver service luncheon was the way to enjoy what for most was the nearest thing to cruising. The cosy bar is named the Halfway Doone.
Soon to be made obsolete by motor cars but Mr J Porter of Oxford Cottage Park Rd was still offering a full horse drawn service.
In 1919 Gilbert Campling Ltd took over J S White’s aircraft works at Somerton producing this innovative design sadly never really gained mass appeal and production ceased in the 1930s.
Now the future electric cars in the 1960s & 1970s faced severe competition from conventional cars and the last Enfield electric car was built at Somerfield in 1977.
Another Somerton built electriccar.