Early photograph of First Terrace
First Terrace circa 1910
Recently discovered is this early photograph of First Terrace. Looking for clues in dress we date it to the early years of the 20th century.
Expecting the sign over the front door of Number 11 to read 'Mason’s Temperance Hotel' as it does in later photos, it was a surprise to see it reads 'Mason’s Refreshment House' and underneath ‘accommodation’ and ‘stabling’.
George Mason held the tenancy for more than 50 years from 1898 up to his death in 1952. He died partly as a result of injuries sustained when he fell off The Pad* as he was returning home in the late evening, after a whist drive at the Reading Room.
* The Pad is the raised footpath between the First and Second Terrace.
The reading room still exists on the Second Terrace and is still used for community activities.