High Street, memorial & cinema

Looking east along the High Street, this 1920s view shows how the motoring age brought improvements to road and pavement conditions. On the right is Tranent War Memorial, unveiled on 9th April 1922. The 22 feet high 'wayside cross' was designed by J. Aikman Swan. Sculpted in Swinton stone by Alexander Carrick, the memorial includes many symbols of heroism and sacrifice. Most impressive of all is the roll of honour which includes the names of 92 local heroes.

Beyond the War memorial is the local cinema. Official name was The Winton, it was better known as the 'Cuds'. Established around 1921 and belonging to a Mrs. Cadona, the Cinema showed silent films and the door was manned by a uniformed commissionaire who accepted payment in jam-jars. Before the 'talkies' were introduced in the 1930s, seating prices were graded, those closest to the screen were cheapest. After balcony seating was added around 1936, monthly talent shows were held. Like most local cinemas, the 'Cuds' were forced to close in the 1960s because people preferred to stay at home and watch the television.