Adel Post Office at the junction of Otley Road and the Crescent, business of Fredrick Sidney Smith. Single storey building extension of adjoining bungalow. A post box is on the left wall. A road sign for 30 mile per hour speed limit is also to the left. Pictured in July 1936.placeholder image
Adel Post Office at the junction of Otley Road and the Crescent, business of Fredrick Sidney Smith. Single storey building extension of adjoining bungalow. A post box is on the left wall. A road sign for 30 mile per hour speed limit is also to the left. Pictured in July 1936. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Leeds in the 1930s: Photo gems put the ace into Adel

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 3rd Jan 2025, 04:45 BST

This wonderful collection of photos charts a decade in the life of Adel in the 1930s.

Shops, local landmarks as well as familiar streets are all featured in this nostalgic trip down memory lane. The photos highlight a more gentile way of life and provide a fascinating snapshot of life around the village. The images are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 27 fantastic photos take you back to Adel and Holt Park in the 1990s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Pashley's Bakery at 473 Otley Road. Markings have been added to the photograph by City engineer in regards to illegal sign. Pictured in October 1938.

7. Adel in the 1930s

Pashley's Bakery at 473 Otley Road. Markings have been added to the photograph by City engineer in regards to illegal sign. Pictured in October 1938. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Pashley Bakery at 473 Otley Road. Works bicycle can be seen on the pavement. Pictured in October 1938.

8. Adel in the 1930s

Pashley Bakery at 473 Otley Road. Works bicycle can be seen on the pavement. Pictured in October 1938. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Bridge carrying Stairfoot Lane across Adel Beck. This is looking from the west, the City Engineers Department noted on this photograph that water can be seen behind the bridge face and approaches. The darker discolouration is visible on the stone-work. Pictured in October 1932.

9. Adel in the 1930s

Bridge carrying Stairfoot Lane across Adel Beck. This is looking from the west, the City Engineers Department noted on this photograph that water can be seen behind the bridge face and approaches. The darker discolouration is visible on the stone-work. Pictured in October 1932. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A telephone kiosk at corner of Farrar Lane with Otley Road. Pictured in June 1936.

10. Adel in the 1930s

A telephone kiosk at corner of Farrar Lane with Otley Road. Pictured in June 1936. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Adel Lodge in December 1934. Located at the junction of Long Causeway, to the left and Smithy Mills Lane. Large residence, home of Sir George William Martin JP.

11. Adel in the 1930s

Adel Lodge in December 1934. Located at the junction of Long Causeway, to the left and Smithy Mills Lane. Large residence, home of Sir George William Martin JP. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Confectioner and tea shop on the corner of Farrar Lane and Otley Road. The shop was also a newsagents. Pictured in December 1932.

12. Adel in the 1930s

Confectioner and tea shop on the corner of Farrar Lane and Otley Road. The shop was also a newsagents. Pictured in December 1932. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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