Ninety years ago Southend United, after a four year enforced break due to the First World War, had to recreate the club with virtually no money, no players and no ground. Apart from the finance the major problem had been a ground to play on, "good old" Roots Hall was no longer available and now little more than a vegetable patch.
The council, keen to keep the club going, came up with options for pitches at either Southchurch Park or Chalkwall Park, but while these were being debated a deal was being agreed with an American businessman Clifton Jay Morehouse for a one year lease (with an option for a second year) on the pitch at the Kursaal Ground. A scheme was raised to raise a 100,000 shillings (£5,000 by the sale of 5s shares.
Then as now, the football fan wanted an hour and half break from the household worries and responsibilities, a time when you could let yourself go, shout, or even swear if you wanted, but that came at a price. A season ticket before the war had cost 12/6d (62½.p) for 1919-20 it was £1 2s 6d (£1.12½d), is there any wonder share issues were greeted by a "luke warm " reception.
UNITED'S GROUND PUBLICLY INSPECTED
Southend United's football ground was thrown open to the public on Saturday and the occasion was favourable with ideal weather. The group of people were entertained by Mr. Meek's Hippodrome band whose services had been requisitioned to brighten the day.
Many hundreds treated both ground and dressing rooms to a critical examination and had the various points for and against explained by the management. Those who knew the old ground at Prittlewell readily saw the advantages the present pitch holds over Roots Hall.
Spectators after their look round usually visited the table from which shares were readily being taken up. The Mayor and party arrived at 04.30 p.m. and the crowd were entertained until 8.00 p.m. when the ground was closed.
The ground measured 115 yards by 75 yards and, like the Arsenal's, it is fenced three yards from the touch line. It's also capable of accommodating, and it's hoped will accommodate, 36,000 people. There remains yet to be considered the terracing round the pitch and a start in that direction has already been made.
Directly opposite the dressing room is a terraced enclosure for directors. The turfing of the pitch is complete and the fence round a pitch which is beautifully green and in excellent condition like a carpet. Entrances to the ground are from Burdett Road on the south and Woodgrange Drive on the north.
A special appeal goes out for the purchase of a grandstand and it is hoped that this will be up by October at the latest, until then a temporary shelter will be arranged.
Contained in the handsome structure on the South side are the directors rooms, baths, dressing rooms, gymnasium and store room. The directors room which opens on to their enclosure, will later be turned into a recreation room and gymnasium for the players. Attached is a smaller room for the referee and linesmen.
Below stairs are the teams dressing rooms with separate accommodation for players in their different positions. These open into a room containing a large concrete bath with geyser also a shower bath arrangement. The comfort of the visiting team is similar.
From the Southend Standard 14th August 1919