Trams, as well as a form of transport were also a point of civic pride for a lot of Local Councils, and West Ham Corporation was no exception.

The tram would also be used to celebrate major events, and before the open top bus ride which we see now days when the local football team has a major success, an open top tram would be used.

Thames Association FC was formed to play at West Ham Stadium at Custom House in 1928. The stadium was used for Speedway and Greyhound Racing, and as an added attraction and to bring the crowds in for another sport, the Football team was formed to play on a Saturday. They originally played in the Southern League Eastern Division.

The Stratford Express on Saturday the 4th May 1929, carried a report on the Speedway Meeting at Custom House Stadium on Thursday 2nd May.

“West Ham’s team certainly justified their selections when they beat Coventry City 31 points to 11 in their inter-track race on Thursday night. Each of the six heats was keenly contested. The Coventry team rode very consistently but their efforts however were unavailing against the Superior riding and Track craft of the home team”.

The block of flats in the picture was in Star Lane, at the corner of Manor Road, it was demolished in the 1960s. Star Lane School can be seen in the background.

William Ritchie & Sons was a firm of Jute spinners, originally
based in Carpenters Road, Stratford. By 1876, there were around 1000,
mainly women workers, employed here. The site on Carpenters Road was
closed in 1904 and the firm then opened new premises in Caxton Street
North, Canning Town

John "Jack" Travers Cornwell was born on the 8th of January 1900 in Clyde Cottage, Clyde Place, Leyton. He was the son of working-class parents, Eli and Lily Cornwell (formerly King) and had two brothers: Ernest, born in1898, George (1901) and a sister Lily (1905). He also had a half-brother named Arthur (1888) and a half-sister named Alice (1890). Their mother was Alice Cornwell (formerly Carpenter).

FOREST GATE FACES EXHIBITION - 1920s 

Brother and sister in the front garden of 41 Leonard Road in 1926.

Photo: Carol Johnson

FOREST GATE FACES EXHIBITION - 1920s 

Ready for a days outing, the regulars of the Parliament pub and their families pose for a group photo on the charabanc, an early type of open topped coach. Whitehall school can be seen to the left of the picture.

Photo: Carol Johnson

FOREST GATE FACES EXHIBITION - 1920s 

The Bowers and Perkins families and the dog, pose for a group photo in the back garden of 41 Leonard Road.

Photo: Carol Johnson

FOREST GATE FACES EXHIBITION - 1920s 

Liz Perkins of Leonard Road won second prize in a fancy dress contest in 1924.

Photo: Carol Johnson