Stonefield Independent Co-op

Blantyre Business
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1927 Shopping outside the co-op main street

1927 Shoppers outside the High Blantyre Co-operative stores

The Stonefield Independent Co-operative Society was formed in 1884. It served as an alternative (but similar) to the larger Blantyre Co-operative Society.

However after 48 years of operating, on the evening of Saturday 30th April 1932, the Stonefield Independent Co-op society ceased trading independently and merged with the larger society. The properties and shops owned by the Stonefield Co-op valued at £11,000 were taken over by the Blantyre Co-op for a mere £2,500, a bargain. Members of the society were enrolled into the Blantyre Co-op automatically, their debs and orders taken on board, like for like.

The smaller organisation was likely unable to compete any more or perhaps was a victim to the growing commerce all over Blantyre. At the time of the merger, their membership was only 270 people, yet the Blantyre Co-op at the time had over 3,000 customers.

Pictured just 5 years earlier in 1927, is the Blantyre Co-op at Main Street, High Blantyre, a busier scene than today.

On social media:

Anne Mckillop that was my first ever job in 1955.

Elizabeth Weaver Our Uncle John worked in the grocery shop as a young man – the male assistants had to wear starched collars on their shirts (removable collars) – a clean one every day and two on a Saturday, presumably because they were so busy on a Saturday and the collars got dirtier. Our poor granny…already trying to keep the washing under control for her miner husband and the 8 children…and now she had to starch collars too. All work aprons etc had to be immaculate at all times and shop assistants’ hands had to be scrubbed frequently. Sawdust on the floor, also swept and replaced at frequent intervals. I loved going to the co – this pic brings back happy memories (including our co number…Scott 1470!).

Brian Weaver I think the two collars on a Saturday was because they only worked until lunchtime and had Saturday afternoon off, Elizabeth . Uncle John wouldn’t want to socialise in his work collar! I can just remember the Co before it became self-service. Counters all around and sawdust on the floor, and an empty butter barrell usually in the middle of the floor.

Elizabeth Weaver And huge cheeses with that big cheese-wire cutter. They were so good at judging weight that they’d cut it, weigh it, and rarely had to take a bit off or add to it. So – was the extra collar for cheering on the Vics on Saturday afternoon then, Brian?

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