Object: Enamel sign
Date: 20th century
Description: Enamel on metal warning sign, advising people to exercise care when taking out one of the
many rowing boats available for hire. Approximately 20cms.
Origin: From one of the boat-hiring stations along the Esplanade. There were a number of boat hirers
along the stretch in front of the Winter Garden. At the turn of the 20th century MacFarlane’s boat hiring
company would hire you a boat ‘with all fishing requisites’ for 6d per hour. In the 1930s you could hire a
boat from Freckleton. Macfarlane, Dewar, Taylor or Syme. With no lifejackets, it was important to advise
caution especially when people enjoyed the thrill of riding the waves produced by the many steamers
calling in at the pier.