AT our February meeting we saw a welcome return of Emma Cannell, this time illustrating the history of the Kursaal. It was somewhere where people went to to be entertained, forgetting their worries, an essential part of Southend’s history. Families went for sea bathing, the Kursaal being a short walk from the pier and Royal Hotel. Key businessmen wanted people to visit, the coming of the railway in 1856 making access easier. Bank Holidays in 1871 brought day trippers from London, lured by the winter gardens etc.
In May 1894 the Marine Park, near Southchurch Hall, was opened by Alfred Tollhurst. There were recreations and attractions: an aerial flight, roller coaster, cycle track and switch-back railway. It was beautifully laid out and on the day of opening there were aquatic performances and a firework display.
In 1895 the ownership changed and George Sherrin built an entrance building with the Warwick Tower, in the south-west corner, affording panoramic views. In August 1899 people got stuck up there for five hours during a ‘mother of all thunderstorms’ and had to be rescued by ladder. Some climbed down, but a piano was brought out for entertainment!
The Kursaal was designed by George Sherring in 1898-1901, with a dome like the Brompton Oratory. It was one of the first purpose built amusement parks, costing £2.5 million pounds in today’s money. It was a massive attraction for day trippers with palm trees, shops and a ballroom/theatre which seated 8000 people. The dining room could seat 1000 at one sitting. There were music hall acts and wrestling. There were 26 acres of parkland and people were charged 6d entrance fee. There was once even a circus there.
In 1903 Buffalo Bill came. People lined the street to see the procession from the station. The Marine Park opened 11am – cheap seats cost 1 shilling, the most expensive 7s/6d. There were side shows, etc.
By this time the Kursaal had been taken over by the Council, the largest fairground in the country. It was resold, including a miniature railway and cricket ground. It was still a financial problem, but the town was heaving with cycling clubs etc. By 1909 there were 10,000 visitors each day.
In 1915 there were new owners. In WW1 the Kursaal name was removed, being known as The Dome. 15,000 troops were billeted there, the grounds still being open to the public. In June 1916 the zoo was opened, with 100 animals, ending at the beginning of WW2.
From 1919-1934 it was the home of Southend United football. The site became more popular in the 1920-1930s with the introduction of the water chute and Mont Blanc ride by the Locorgne family. Other rides offered were dodge-ems, the whip and the auto drome. The rollercoaster was constructed on the site of the football ground in 1937. There were other attractions including the wall of death where Tornado Smith performed, complete with his pet lion. Al Capone’s car was also on display. There was something going on all the time.
In WW2 the Kursaal closed, the cinema building being used aa a factory. It re-opened in 1946 with a charity ball. In 1973 the park closed, with amusement entrepreneurs managing the site. The ballroom, with its famous sprung floor closed in 1977. The outdoor amusement area was later redeveloped for housing. For a short time in the 1990s the Kursaal reopened, with a bowling alley, restaurant and arcades. Now it on the Buildings at Risk register, awaiting funds to bring it back to life.
This was a journey into the past by Emma, bringing back nostalgic memories for some.
Our next meeting is at 8pm on Friday 20th March at St John’s Church hall, Victoria Avenue, Grays, when Sandra Lawrence’s talk is entitled ‘Ellen Willmott and Warley Place’. Visitors are welcome.
