Address: 273 Melrosegate, York, YO10 3SN
Description
Painted in bold gold block capitals, the ghost sign on the side of a building on Melrosegate reads, “J.B. Solomon MBS.”
History
J.B Solomon stood for Joe Solomon, a dedicated chemist who served the Tang Hall community for half a century.
From the 1940s until 1990, his chemist’s shop on Melrosegate was a cornerstone of local healthcare.
1968 Source: York Press
In those days, chemists played a crucial role, not only dispensing medicines but also offering advice on minor ailments and providing a range of household remedies.
Joe’s shop would have been stocked with glass jars of herbs, tinctures, and ointments, the air filled with the distinctive smell of medicinal compounds.
1970 Source: Explore York Archive Asset ID: 1001876
After Solomon retired, the building’s legacy of community service continued. In 2011, it became the Alan Bott Charity Shop, which it remains today.
Tang Hall
Tang Hall’s development began in 1921, aligning with a national effort to provide affordable housing for workers.
By February 1921, the first homes on Carter Avenue were ready, with construction progressing on 4th and 8th Avenues.
This initiative came after the clearance of the Walmgate and Hungate slums, which relocated many workers and their families to Tang Hall – this marked their first experience of quality living conditions.
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