Williams and Monte
Photographs
Unless otherwise stated, all photos were
provided by Nan Cadman from the late John Monte collection.
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| Randall Williams and showmen at
Preston, 1882. Top: “Harry
Cunningham, John Cooper, ( ): Middle: “Randal Williams, J.
McIndoe, John Whiting, John Symonds”. Bottom: "Photographed by H.
J.Wallis at the Preston Guild Festival 1882". |
The original Randall Williams
bioscope
show (under the proprietorship of Carrie and Dick Monte): “Dad’s
show front”. Photo taken sometime after the 89-key Gavioli organ was
added in 1903 and before it was sold to Biddalls in 1906. Carrie and
Dick are standing at the top of stairs (left
side) next to the organ. James Monte is standing on ground in front of
organ.
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The Randall Williams bioscope,
1902c. This is probably the very
earliest photo of the show (taken before the
89-key Gavioli was added in 1903). The sign advertising “Local Animated
Pictures” is partially obscured by
Dick Monte.
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The Randall Williams Show,
1906c. This was a new show in 1906 and it was fronted with a new
110-key Gavioli organ. This is the same show that was destroyed by fire
at Thirsk in 1913. Left to right: Roberts, unknown labourer, Dick
Monte, Sailor, Jim Hall, Little Prince, unknown labourer, Jack Ellis,
Joe Skelton.
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| The show at
Hull Fair, 1906 (right hand side at back). |
The Randall Williams
Cinematograph Show at Hull Fair, 1907. Standing upper
right: Mr.
Kemplin (Gaumont Picture Company), Dick Monte, Mr. Hackett
(Baxendales, Manchester), James Monte. Seated on steps: Roberts (hand
balancer), Sailor, unknown, unknown, Joe Skelton.
Standing on ground: organ attendant, Jim Hall (engine driver) and
Little Prince (juggler).
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Hull Fair Postcard, 1908 (photos
taken at Hull Fair in 1907). The Randall Williams show was situated
between Chpperfield's and Bostock's (photograph on left hand
side).
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Albert Hall,
Stanley, County Durham where Dick Monte ran a cinema from 1912-1919.
“Picture Hall at Stanley”.
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| "Showman No. 1" at Newcastle
Town
Moor, 1904c. Fowler SRI, B5, #9984. Built 1904. "Randall Williams Great
Show No. 1" lettered across canopy. |
Monte Family, 1906c. Carrie
& Dick with James, George, Richard, Polly and Betsy Monte (Dick's
mother). Photo provided by Wendy Monte from the Robert Monte
collection.
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Randall Williams Scenic Railway
built 1912 by Savages of King's Lynn. Delivered to Dick at West
Hartlepool,
November, 1912. The new scenic was an electrically
motorized ride, built to incorporate the 110-key Gavioli
organ transferred from the bioscope. Photograph and
details provided by Kevin Scrivens.
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James,
Polly, George and Dick
Monte, 1905c. |
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| Randall Williams Scenic Railway
at Hull
Fair, 1919. |
Newcastle Town Moor Fair ("the
Hoppings") 1908c. James
and Dick Monte with other showmen, including Jack Murphy.
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Vehicle used
to transport the Randall
Williams Scenic Railway.
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Dick Monte
with son Eddie, 1910.
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Monte Bros. Razzle Dazzle. Built
by Howcroft Carriage &Wagon Works, West Hartlepool. In attendance
at Hull Fair 1910, Newcastle Town Moor 1911, Hull Fair 1911, and
Newcastle Town Moor 1913-15. "Dad's Razzle. Sailor, Ginger Baxter,
Wilson Close".
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James Monte Electric Scenic
Railway (with "Sea Serpents"). Built by Savages, 1919 and fitted with
an Orton and Spooner front, 1923c. Acquired by James Monte in
1927. Formerly owned by Nancy Hoadley when it was known as the "Velvet
Coaster Scenic". For further details see The Electric Scenic Railway, by
Kevin Scrivens and Stephen Smith, available from Joylandbooks.com.
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| James Monte
Scenic Railway |
James Monte
Scenic Railway
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"Lord James". Fowler B6, #11846,
built February 1909. Purchased by Dick Monte and delivered new from the
manufacturers in March 1909. The engine was named after his eldest son.
Lettered across the canopy "Randall Williams Great Show, No. 1". Photo
provided by Kevin Scrivens.
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"Polly" and "Showman I" at
Bishop Auckland, 1908c. Polly was Foster engine #3404, delivered new to
Dick Monte in March 1908. He named the engine after his eldest
daughter. Photograph provided by Randall Williams (Chellaston) from the
Michael Storey collection (1985).
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James
Monte's Electric Motors (Carnival Motors) at
Thirsk Market Place. Bought from J.W. Waddington and travelled by James
before the Scenic Railway. Later sold to the Heywood family and
operated at Skegness. The ride was originally fitted with an
112-keyless Gavioli, built 1909-1911.
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James Monte
at living van door.
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One of Carrie and Dick Monte's
living vans, 1918c. Built by Howcroft Works of West Hartlepool.
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Dick Monte
with son John, 1915c. |
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Eddie
Monte's Meteorite, 1958-61. First Meteorite in UK. Was built for Manson
& Emde of Germany, sold to Rose Bros Uk in 1958, then sold to Eddie
Monte. The ride eventually ended up in Ireland.
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Eddie Monte and Charlie Birch,
1910. Eddie at living van door and Charlie in front with dogs and
donkey.
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| Caroline (Williams) Monte with
daughter Carrie, 1919. Photo from the late
Caroline Tindale collection. |
Dick Monte with two Wall of
Death riders, 1945c. The rider on the left is believe to be Elias
Harris and on the right, Tornado Smith. Photo from the late
Caroline Tindale collection.
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John Monte's
"Buzz Bomb", Barry Island, 1950-60s.
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John Monte's
"Cinderella" at Barry Island.
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| Pat Collins'
Bumper Cars (at
a Scottish venue) managed by John Monte. |
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