a first for pleasure beach!

The first recorded Helter Skelter slide was that built on South Shore Blackpool in 1905 during the early development of funfair rides. Its inception around the turn of the 20th century marked a significant evolution in amusement attractions, with early versions built in many amusement parks and on seaside Piers.

The Helter Skelter lighthouse survived at Pleasure Beach until 1935. The site was later occupied by the Eli (or Ferris) Wheels.

The adjective 'Helter Skelter' is used to describe something that is hurried and disorganised, especially when things happen very quickly, one after the other.

This unused South Shore Estates card of 'The Helter Skelter Slide, South Shore, Blackpool.' makes no mention of the name 'Pleasure Beach'.

An identical South Shore postcard, although in black and white, was sent to an address in Nottingham on July 31st 1905 with the following message;

"Dear Hannah,

I think this is a novelty. Sliding round this thing on doormats. Yesterday was very windy. It is more calm today. I think we are bound for the Palace tonight.

A."

Mr Outhwaite's carousel is visible in the background, as is the Cafe. Quite a crowd gathered around the exit of the slide, waiting to see the discomfiture of those descending!!

Posted to Kegworth, near Derby at 12:15pm on 24th August 1908. This E.R.G Victoria series card No 220 is typical of the 'naughty' comic style.

"this is how we are at Blackpool" says the writer to his cousins - he was staying at 41 Topping Street...

The lady departing the slide is displaying a great of fortitude, amongst other things - as can be seen from the expressions of the bystanders!!!!