- LOCAL STUDIES & ARCHIVE CENTRE
- EXHIBITIONS
- COLLECTIONS
-
GUIDES & RESOURCES
- Interactive map: Trafford Blue Plaques
- The First World War in Trafford - Research Database
- Trafford History Trails
- Guide: Research your British Ancestors using Ancestry
- Guide: Research your Caribbean Ancestors using Ancestry
- Guide: Research your Irish Ancestors using Ancestry
- Guide: Research the History of your House
- Guide: Organising your Family History Research
- Guide: Understanding census records
- 'Get to Know Your Grandparent(s)!' Children's Interview Activity Sheet
- CONTRIBUTE
The Essoldo Cinema (1950-1965)
After a change in ownership in 1950, the Longford Cinema became the Essoldo Cinema, continuing its legacy as a popular local cinema, showcasing the newest films of the era, as well as hosting theatre shows.
Rumours suggest that the name ‘Essoldo’ came from the first names of new owner: Soloman Sheckman, his wife Esther and their daughter Dorothy. Mr. Sheckman set up the Essoldo Cinema Circuit and purchased many cinemas throughout the country, making it the third-largest cinema chain in Britain.
However, with the popularity of television, the Essoldo, along with many other cinema and entertainment businesses, ultimately suffered. By 1965, the cinema was forced to close its doors, with The Hill showing during its final week, and one of the Quatermass films rumoured to be the last film shown there.