Meanwood Road is familiar to generations of people who have called the suburb home down the decades. These wonderful photos focus on a decade known as the ‘Depression era’ when it seemed like society had gone from one extreme to the other: from a booming economy and continual prosperity, to rising unemployment and bankrupt businesses. The 11 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: 19 unseen photos of Meanwood through the years LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Meanwood Road in the 1930s
Footbridge across beck. The footpath leads from Meanwood Road, up past Yorkshire Switchgear, to Woodhouse Ridge. A wooden hut is to the right of the photo. Pictured in October 1936. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Meanwood Road in the 1930s
A row of hoardings on Meanwood Road, opposite Cliff Tannery, screening land sloping up to Woodhouse Ridge with houses on Hartley Avenue at the top. This wooden structure has ornate corner mouldings and banks of trellis, and is supplied by the poster and press advertising company, Sheldons. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Meanwood Road in the 1930s
A view of office and workshop of Oxford School of marketing on Meanwood Road in May 1937. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Meanwood Road in the 1930s
Stainbeck Road, looking from Meanwood Road in October 1933. The first turning on both sides of the road is with Stainbeck Crescent, then on the right we can see houses numbered 2 and 4 Stainbeck Road before the junction with Stainbeck Side. Pictured are some of the earliest council houses built in the 1920s, which have since been demolished and replaced with modern housing. A gas lamp can be seen to the left. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Meanwood Road in the 1930s
The junction of Stainbeck Road and Meanwood Road, which is on the left of the view. Scene includes a street lamp and a finger signpost pointing to Headingley towards the left, Chapeltown and Moortown going right. A traffic light, telephone box, tram stop and barrier can be seen. Also a police box which is in the centre. It was used by the police on patrol to call the police stations, before personal radios were available. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net