70 years today since Wearsiders crammed into Fawcett Street for momentous Sunderland occasion
Thousands of people turned up to mark a momentous day in Sunderland history - 70 years ago today.
It was the day when Sunderland's trams ran for the last time.
A final procession of them left the Town Hall for Seaburn at 11.20pm on October 1, 1954 and Wearsiders lined the streets to wave them farewell.
People thumped the sides of the number 86
Number 86 was the last to return home to the Wheatsheaf depot.
A Sunderland Echo report from the day said: “It would be difficult to analyse the sentiments of the throng that thumped the sides of 86 as she passed into retirement.
“There was no funeral atmosphere. More handkerchiefs were waved than dabbed eyes, and laughter marked the occasion as one for rejoicing.”
Handles, blinds and mirrors were all swiped by souvenir hunters
The people of Sunderland rejoiced so much that day that they swiped 11 control handles, 13 destination blinds, 14 platform mirrors and several points bars from trams as souvenirs.
The next day, the Echo carried another report which said: “As No. 86 slowly ran the gauntlet of cheering crowds and rumbled into the Wheatsheaf depot, Sunderland was anxious to make it clear that, at the parting of the ways, there were no ill feelings.
“No. 86 was given a final rousing cheer and, only after patting her sides again and again, did Wearsiders agree reluctantly to leave the old lady in peace.”
An era lasting more than 70 years
It wasn’t long before the job of scrapping the tram lines got under way. It began on November 15, 1954 and the last line was lifted in Dykelands Road in 1959.
It brought an end to an era of history which had started in 1878 when Sunderland Tramways Company was granted permission to run trams.
But as buses became more popular, their days became numbered. The Borough Road tram service to the docks was converted to a bus route in February 1928.
One last hurrah - with a royal connection
There was one last hurrah for some of the trams though.
On October 29, 1954, three retired cars were used as grandstands during a visit by the Queen to Sunderland.
Scrapping began a fortnight later, on November 15, 1954, with the Wheatsheaf tram depot being converted for buses.
Sunderland’s trams said goodbye after running for 75 years and carrying more than 54million passengers around town.
If you remember those days, tell us more by emailing [email protected]