A sad day in Seaham’s trading history arrives this week when Valente’s calls it a day after 106 years in town.
The cafe will close on Saturday, August 29, when Sue Dugan retires after running the business with her sister Maria Blain.
It was founded in 1920 by Frank and Carmela Valente, who brought their home-made ice creams to Seaham when they opened a parlour in Viceroy Street.
The business has operated at two locations since then and was passed down to Frank and Carmela’s granddaughter, Sue Dugan.
Now, as the last days arrive, we took a poignant look back at scenes from the archives as we say a fond farewell to Valente’s.
5. Generations of memories
The third generation of the Valente family to work in their much-loved cafe in Church Street. Susan Dugan was pictured at the premises in 2012. | se
6. Busy in 2009
It was a busy day in 2009 when this Google Maps scene was recorded, showing Ethel Austin, Dicksons and Northern Rock as well as Valentes. | Google Maps
7. Back in time to 1983
Valente's in Church Street in Seaham was pictured on a busy day in November 1983, next to Woolworths. | se
8. Flashback to 1978
Robinsons footwear and Woolworths were the neighbouring shops in this 1978 view from the Sunderland Echo archives. | se