History of Easter Road

[green glory]

Does anyone have any pictures of Easter Road before the terracing came down in 1983?(if I remember correctly). The link below shows what is probably the only shot I've ever seen showing the whole stadium in it's former glorious state, pre-east terracing roof, pre-cowshed even! This picture was used on the front of programmes in the early-sixties. Would be nice to compile a wee photographic history of the ground here if anyone else has any pics they can upload here.

Actually if you check Google Earth's historic imagery and go back to 1945 you can actually see the ground before the top tier or terracing was built. Tynecastle looked like one of the wee rugby grounds on Ferry Road by comparison(still does).

If you've got any scans or links to old pics, would be interesting to see.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1c/Easter_Road_old.jpg
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1c/Easter_Road_old.jpg)
:aok:

[green glory]

http://www.hibshistoricaltrust.org.uk/PDFs/Changing_Face_Exhibition.pdf

Some interesting pics. One showing a packed terracing in the sixties, and another pre-war.

[Gettin' Auld]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2224/2198871889_1d88658001_o.jpg

[Hibby Gav]

have you seen this mate?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPSvDvSFpQ8

[hibbybrian]

Some here :wink:

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/hibbybrian/Stadium/

[.Sean.]

I've seen the plans before. Imagine they'd went ahead with that!

[green glory]

Some here :wink:

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/hibbybrian/Stadium/


Be-jeezuss!

I'd heard about these plans before too, never seen them though. Probably would've taken the capacity to about 80,000.

:thumbsup:

[Peevemor]

Be-jeezuss!

I'd heard about these plans before too, never seen them though. Probably would've taken the capacity to about 80,000.

:thumbsup:

It says 98,000.

[green glory]

It says 98,000.

Where's me specs. :confused:

[Peevemor]

Where's me specs. :confused:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/hibbybrian/Stadium/Easter_Road.jpg

[lyonhibs]

It says 98,000.

Can you even begin to imagine that?? More than 30,000 above our


record attendance :dizzy:

[Phil D. Rolls]

Can you even begin to imagine that?? More than 30,000 above our


record attendance :dizzy:

A tax dodge probably. :greengrin

[Keith_M]

Some here :wink:

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/hibbybrian/Stadium/


Seen a few of those before.


I actually really like the one with the ducks. There's probably 10,000 people on the terracing but 8,000 of them are behind the goals at the 'Deep End'.


On another note, did anyone see the Rangers fans doing their Nazi Salutes in one of the close up photos? Looks like 1970s, bell bottom flares being the giveaway. How anybody could fight wearing them and platform shoes I'll never know.

[.Sean.]

How many times was the big East chopped? Was it cut once and roofed straight away? The East I'm used to looks about a fifth the size it once was.

[Peevemor]

How many times was the big East chopped? Was it cut once and roofed straight away? The East I'm used to looks about a fifth the size it once was.

:agree:

[green glory]

How many times was the big East chopped? Was it cut once and roofed straight away? The East I'm used to looks about a fifth the size it once was.

The top section and about 15-20% of the bottom section was removed in the 1983 close season I think. The roof was built in the 1986 close season (again I think), as I remember watching it being built from my O grade techy drawing class at Trinity, which was on the top floor, so a clear view all the way to ER. We had a couple of seasons with the bare reduced terracing, still with the partition between the home and away fans which stretched from the fence under the old wooden scoreboard to about 1/3 of the way toward the home fans. Just above the home fans was the scaffolding TV gantry. We mustn't forget the old electronic scoreboard which sat on top of the cowshed. I only remember it working properly a couple of times. :faf:

I think the cowshed was built around 1961, and certainly in my time that end was never full, yet in some of the rare pictures of that end before it was built, the open terracing was usually full.

The un-realised plans to extend and build a roof at the top of the east terracing would've created a monstrous ground, but at the time when they were getting 50-60,000 crowds plus so it wasn't that much of a fantasy.

:flag:

[pacorosssco]

Some here :wink:

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/hibbybrian/Stadium/

Some great pics in there

[tamig]

The top section and about 15-20% of the bottom section was removed in the 1983 close season I think. The roof was built in the 1986 close season (again I think), as I remember watching it being built from my O grade techy drawing class at Trinity, which was on the top floor, so a clear view all the way to ER. We had a couple of seasons with the bare reduced terracing, still with the partition between the home and away fans which stretched from the fence under the old wooden scoreboard to about 1/3 of the way toward the home fans. Just above the home fans was the scaffolding TV gantry. We mustn't forget the old electronic scoreboard which sat on top of the cowshed. I only remember it working properly a couple of times. :faf:

I think the cowshed was built around 1961, and certainly in my time that end was never full, yet in some of the rare pictures of that end before it was built, the open terracing was usually full.

The un-realised plans to extend and build a roof at the top of the east terracing would've created a monstrous ground, but at the time when they were getting 50-60,000 crowds plus so it wasn't that much of a fantasy.

:flag:
It was 85 when it was roofed bud. I remember we decanted to teh old North Stand when teh work was being finished during that great League Cup run.

[Keith_M]

During a particularly boring match in the early 80's, me and my mate Barry decided to count how many steps there were from pitch level to the top of the terracing (football was really exciting then :wink:). We counted 115 steps from roughly the corner flag at the deep end to the very top.

After reducing the height, I think that number went down to around 50, or less than half what it had been before.

[PatHead]

Was at Easter Road for the book launch last night and there are some great pictures of the old stadium in the 1875 Restaurant along with a model. May be worth trying to get copies. Brought back many memories.

On a slightly separate note there was a great photo of a young laddie in a parka on the pitch celebrating a goal against Hearts. (Think it said 1971) Anyone own up to being that boy?

[francobaresi]

It says 98,000.

Maybe in 2 years time when we win the league & champions league....:party:

[ancient hibee]

The top section and about 15-20% of the bottom section was removed in the 1983 close season I think. The roof was built in the 1986 close season (again I think), as I remember watching it being built from my O grade techy drawing class at Trinity, which was on the top floor, so a clear view all the way to ER. We had a couple of seasons with the bare reduced terracing, still with the partition between the home and away fans which stretched from the fence under the old wooden scoreboard to about 1/3 of the way toward the home fans. Just above the home fans was the scaffolding TV gantry. We mustn't forget the old electronic scoreboard which sat on top of the cowshed. I only remember it working properly a couple of times. :faf:

I think the cowshed was built around 1961, and certainly in my time that end was never full, yet in some of the rare pictures of that end before it was built, the open terracing was usually full.

The un-realised plans to extend and build a roof at the top of the east terracing would've created a monstrous ground, but at the time when they were getting 50-60,000 crowds plus so it wasn't that much of a fantasy. r 1970.

:flag:

Cowshed was nearer 1970

[The Harp]

Some here :wink:

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/hibbybrian/Stadium/

Would really like to get a quality print for framing of the shot showing the exterior of the stadium with the harp and Hibernian FC (No 24). Any idea how I could go about getting one?

[nortonhibby]

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/hibbybrian/Stadium/?action=view&current=PeterMcCloy.jpg
look at all these fans:flag:

[.Sean.]

Dragging this thread back up.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swanstonmuir/4984036262/in/photostream/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/swanstonmuir/4984036262/in/photostream/)

Some cracking photos in that link, plans from yesteryear and some cracking pictures of the Stadium model.

Also, got these on my Laptop.

7811781278137814

[Bostonhibby]

Does anyone have any pictures of Easter Road before the terracing came down in 1983?(if I remember correctly). The link below shows what is probably the only shot I've ever seen showing the whole stadium in it's former glorious state, pre-east terracing roof, pre-cowshed even! This picture was used on the front of programmes in the early-sixties. Would be nice to compile a wee photographic history of the ground here if anyone else has any pics they can upload here.

Actually if you check Google Earth's historic imagery and go back to 1945 you can actually see the ground before the top tier or terracing was built. Tynecastle looked like one of the wee rugby grounds on Ferry Road by comparison(still does).

If you've got any scans or links to old pics, would be interesting to see.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1c/Easter_Road_old.jpg
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1c/Easter_Road_old.jpg)
:aok:

Try the attached, sorry its a bit hazy but its an original photo from the 1950 new years day game at Easter Road, Gordon Smith scoring the opener. I am too young to say if its the highest the East has been but my uncle and my cousin both say in their living memory thats the highest they remember it, If you want a downloadable version email me and I will prise it out the frame when I get time.

7815

[nortonhibby]

Does anyone have any pictures of Easter Road before the terracing came down in 1983?(if I remember correctly). The link below shows what is probably the only shot I've ever seen showing the whole stadium in it's former glorious state, pre-east terracing roof, pre-cowshed even! This picture was used on the front of programmes in the early-sixties. Would be nice to compile a wee photographic history of the ground here if anyone else has any pics they can upload here.

Actually if you check Google Earth's historic imagery and go back to 1945 you can actually see the ground before the top tier or terracing was built. Tynecastle looked like one of the wee rugby grounds on Ferry Road by comparison(still does).

If you've got any scans or links to old pics, would be interesting to see.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1c/Easter_Road_old.jpg
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1c/Easter_Road_old.jpg)
:aok:

i recall walking the endless steps to get to the stadium what a view when you got there.

And all the fans thousands and thousands it was hard to get a spot

[Ray_]

Cowshed was nearer 1970

My first game was Hamilton in 1965 [11-1, knew it wouldn't last:greengrin] & pretty sure the cowshed was there then.

It certainly was in 68, as that's where I'd watch the matches from, for instance, I was in there when Joe McBride got his hat-trick in his home debut against Liepzig & the for four he got against Morton, on the Saturday match, three days later and every game after that, until I moved South.

Before then I was considered to be too young to go on my own & was sentenced to the old stand prior to those mentioned games, I can't remember what had happened, but the change was rather dramatic, as from then I was now allowed to attend all the away games as well [Thanks Mrs Mac], I must have caught my mum with the milkman or something & not realised what was going on:greengrin.

[nortonhibby]

My first game was Hamilton in 1965 [11-1, knew it wouldn't last:greengrin] & pretty sure the cowshed was there then.

It certainly was in 68, as that's where I'd watch the matches from, for instance, I was in there when Joe McBride got his hat-trick in his home debut against Liepzig & the for four he got against Morton, on the Saturday match, three days later and every game after that, until I moved South.

Before then I was considered to be too young to go on my own & was sentenced to the old stand prior to those mentioned games, I can't remember what had happened, but the change was rather dramatic, as from then I was now allowed to attend all the away games as well [Thanks Mrs Mac], I must have caught my mum with the milkman or something & not realised what was going on:greengrin.

great memories but compared to now all the empty seats and crappy boring football its a shame no one is interested anymore

[Billy McKirdy]

Talking of the old stadium, does anyone remember in the coo shed, someone had spray painted (dont ask me how or why), the legend PLUG on the concrete roof supports?? :greengrin when I was at games there, it always reminded me of PLUG from The Beano comic as I was just out of childhood and read those funnies religiously :thumbsup:, dont tell me it was my imagination as I remember seeing it MANY times :wink:

[Ray_]

Dragging this thread back up.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swanstonmuir/4984036262/in/photostream/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/swanstonmuir/4984036262/in/photostream/)

Some cracking photos in that link, plans from yesteryear and some cracking pictures of the Stadium model.

Also, got these on my Laptop.

7811781278137814

I think the one where Ronnie Simpson is making the save is around 1968 & the 2-5 game, Hibs were leading 2-1 until late on & then we were blitzed!

[Ray_]

great memories but compared to now all the empty seats and crappy boring football its a shame no one is interested anymore

Its a total shame but far from surprising that interest has gone.

[bigkenny]

Dragging this thread back up.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swanstonmuir/4984036262/in/photostream/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/swanstonmuir/4984036262/in/photostream/)

Some cracking photos in that link, plans from yesteryear and some cracking pictures of the Stadium model.

Also, got these on my Laptop.

7811781278137814

Thanks Sean, appreciate the referral!

[vein]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swanstonmuir/4983450409/in/photostream/

In this photo here it says "Photograph taken from the South terracing" but from looking at it surely it was taken from what is now the Famous Five and would then be the North Terracing (Or Cowshed or Cave depending on how ancient you are :greengrin). Arthurs Seat is clearly in view behind the stadium.

Not that it really matters but was intrigued to see if I was right or if for some reaon that end used to get called the South.

[Peevemor]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swanstonmuir/4983450409/in/photostream/

In this photo here it says "Photograph taken from the South terracing" but from looking at it surely it was taken from what is now the Famous Five and would then be the North Terracing (Or Cowshed or Cave depending on how ancient you are :greengrin). Arthurs Seat is clearly in view behind the stadium.

Not that it really matters but was intrigued to see if I was right or if for some reaon that end used to get called the South.

You're right. :agree:

[Peevemor]

Its a total shame but far from surprising that interest has gone.

You can't just blame the football itself (although I agree it's crap).

When these photos of big crowds at ER were taken;

1. The price to watch a match wasn't prohibitive or even much thought about. This is no longer the case (I think £20 for the cheapest adult ticket was a huge psychological barrier to break).
2. People didn't have much else to do on a Saturday afternoon. The pubs were shut when the match was on and there was the choice of only 2 or 3 channels on the tv.
3. If you wanted to see Hibs, you had to go to the match. Outwith the cup finals, there were no domestic games televised live and there was no guarantee that Hibs would feature in one of the highlighted games.

[bournehibby]

I think the one where Ronnie Simpson is making the save is around 1968 & the 2-5 game, Hibs were leading 2-1 until late on & then we were blitzed!

Ray, I think the Ronnie Simpson save would have been early 60's. He left for Celtc around 65/66, plus he is wearing socks with the white hoops (went out around 65/66)
Sorry to be a pedant but was my era after all !:greengrin

bh

[green glory]

An interesting pic of ER before the top tier of terracing was added.


http://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/image/saw024457?search=Easter%20road&ref=1

[H185MAN]

Some good clips on the Pathe web site from the 40's and 50's showing the size of the stadium quite nicely:

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/4th-round-scottish-cup-hibernian-v-aberdeen/query/hibernian


Complete with Mr Cholmondley-Warner commentating... :agree:

[hibbie02]

have you seen this mate?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPSvDvSFpQ8

Wow! Goosebumps! Loved the stadium them before they but a BP service station over the East.

[The_Sauz]

You can't just blame the football itself (although I agree it's crap).

When these photos of big crowds at ER were taken;

1. The price to watch a match wasn't prohibitive or even much thought about. This is no longer the case (I think £20 for the cheapest adult ticket was a huge psychological barrier to break).
2. People didn't have much else to do on a Saturday afternoon. The pubs were shut when the match was on and there was the choice of only 2 or 3 channels on the tv.
3. If you wanted to see Hibs, you had to go to the match. Outwith the cup finals, there were no domestic games televised live and there was no guarantee that Hibs would feature in one of the highlighted games.

Plus kids could get a " lift over mister " :greengrin