The Football Ground , Stoke ,1914

[Baltimore]

I have recently purchased for a nominal sum, a fascinating Sports Day Programme dated 11 June 1914.

The venue is described as “ The Football Ground, Stoke”.

The organisers were Hanley Secondary School.

The printers were: Charles Atkinson,Alpha Works,Hanley.

Is there anyone out there who may wish to speculate if this is the old Victoria Ground? Or is there another recognisable ground in Hanley etc.

Over to you…[img][/img]

[paulobee]

hope this helps?

[Baltimore]

Paul,

That is an astonishing bit of research.

Thank you very much!!

I have subsequently learnt of the practice of having Athletics at the Victoria Ground.

Is it the same printer , as the Stoke City FC programmes of that era?

That I suspect, will be known by a Forum member.

Would a Football Programme collector , include non football Programmes on their search list?

I’m sure it varies…

[colchestersid]

I found this on The Saleroom so looks like a different printer

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/sportingold-limited/catalogue-id-srspor10048/archivelot-8b26c2d3-c261-4bb0-82aa-a9ca00e14790#lotDetails

West Ham hosted school sports days at the Boleyn Ground (three separate events all in May 1910 or May 1911). I've never seen anything surface for those.

Over the years the only "non football" programmes I've seen at West Ham are a couple of prayer meetings in 1950 and 1989 and from the Haye/Chisora fight in 2012. I've got all of those programmes

[Baltimore]

Sid,

Cheers, that’s a clever bit of research.

Good to see Football Grounds getting some usage in the Summer recess.

Ian

[paulobee]

Stoke FC were just Stoke FC back in 1914!!

The club didn't become Stoke "CITY" FC until 1925.

Happy to help and add something to your piece. It's from the newspaper archives (a subscription service via FMP). If you want the newspaper page that goes with it, PM me with your email address and I'll download the page PDF and send it to you.