Friday 7 June 2013

Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, c1912

Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, c1912. I thought this postcard by W. H. Applebee, photographed circa 1912, shows an interesting contrast between the 19th and 20th centuries. With Google Street View we have a contrast with the 21st century too. On the left of the postcard, the 19th century is represented by the horse-drawn covered wagon trundling its way along the Amersham Road. The foursome in the motor car obviously represents the new and exciting 20th century. Meanwhile the old pub on the right, the Pheasant Inn, plies its business as it had for centuries. Click the postcard to enlarge.
The Google Street View shows the 21st century. The old pub has now closed down for good (though the Google Street View shows it when it was still open, but on its last legs). The cars have taken over the road.
For more old photographs have a look at the Sepia Saturday blog.



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9 comments:

  1. It certainly is a contrast. There must have been a day when the last horse and cart used the road. 1930s? 1940s or 50s?

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  2. I love the window boxes in the postcard view.

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  3. And the house in the background is still there. Wonderful. Love the covered wagon.

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  4. I always prefer the view from the past. It makes me wonder if photos from today are compared with photos in the future if our great grandchildren will prefer the photos from today?

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  5. It is curious that although the pavement is wider now than back then, it is less used. I suppose that it's difficult to entice people to have a snack or drink alongside such busy traffic.

    The car in your old postcard looks suspiciously like a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost.

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  6. The view hasn't changed as much as most places.

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  7. The modern view is cars, cars, cars. I prefer the past :). Once again, such wonderful detail in the postcard.

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  8. With a caravan as well this would have fitted last week's theme as well. Great postcard.

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