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.
9. All the way back to 1974
Showing you how the street looked in a Sunderland Echo archive scene from 1974. Tell us if it brings back memories for you. | se