Cunningham's camp side plate
Date made: early 20th century
Maker: Dunn Bennett & co
Description: White ceramic side plate with checkerboard edging. Centre has motif 'THE HOLIDAY CAMP' and 'DOUGLAS' around a tent.
Reverse has maker's logo, Dunn Bennett & co Burslem.
This is an item of crockery from the Cunningham's holiday camp on Victoria Road, Douglas. Cunningham's Camp occupied land in north Douglas . Brown's Popular Guide to the Isle of Man of 1919 says, "The relic of the woods which formerly covered the heights overlooking Douglas Bay is reached from the Queen's Promenade....It is on the heights immediately above that Mr Cunningham has established a holiday camp for young men, which has proved an immense success. The camp is splendidly regulated and those who spend a week or a fortnight here under canvas speak in unmeasured praise on its behalf." (p.108)
In 1914 the camp was requisitioned as an internment camp. More permanent buildings were added - these chalets built by World War One internees under supervision by local workmen, became probably the first 'holiday' chalets built in the British Isles.
During the Second World War, Cunningham's Camp was again requisitioned to provide a training school for the Royal Navy - HMS St. George. After the war the site was sold to a Blackpool businessman and was developed for housing and holiday accommodation.
Materials: ceramic
Object name: plate
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 2009-0147/3
Subject tags : #MM100