I recently posted that on Wednesday 6th March 1895, Mr William F Hendrie, an early photographer in Blantyre gave a wonderful limelight lantern view showing for the public. Featuring his own photographs on the Homes, Haunts & Lyrics of poet, Rabbie Burns.
I’ve now researched this further and pleased to put detail on how he got those photos and have firm evidence they were taken by him, rather than David Ritchie, a photographer colleague. Looking through Hamilton Advertiser records, I can now also put an exact date on them, and thanks to the 1894 reporter at the time, I’ve transcribed it all here, illustrated by the actual photos for some time now in my own collection. Spread over 2 parts, it’s a good read.
“Climatic conditions which played an important part in the enjoyment or otherwise of a holiday favoured the amalgamated Blantyre joiners on the occasion of their first annual excursion which took place on Saturday last [Saturday 18th August 1894]. The place chosen in the rendezvous of the part was the Western city , Ayr in and around which hang so many associations with our National poet, Robert Burns. The party, with their wives and sweethearts numbered upwards of 100 and left High Blantyre Station by the the 8.07am train in carriages specially provided for their accommodation. “
“As was to be expected, the men attached to the yards of Messrs Adam and Warnock and Walker formed the majority, but there was a good sprinkling of those connected to the Stonefield shops as well. The company was a most representative one, comprising as it did, with leading members of both of these firms mentioned, who in compliance with the request of the Excursion Committee arranged that work should be entirely suspended for the day in order that all might have an opportunity to join in the excursion. “
“Ayr having been reached about 11 o’clock, sightseeing was the order of the day and no time was lost in getting to the interesting spots which the admirers of Burns will find are both numerous and attractive. Arrangements had not been neglected , the material wants of the excursionists. A sumptuous dinner had been provided, the Haggis was amissing and could not be found at the Ayr Arms Hotel where a large number assembled. “
“The Chair was occupied by Mr Sommerville whilst Mr Bell acted as croupier. The good things of the table having been ‘stowed’ , the Chairman made a few pertinent remarks after which Mr Cameron proposed the toast , “The Blantyre Joiners”. Mr William F Hendrie replied remarking that whilst they might have chosen a better representative of the ‘Blantyre sons of the adze, the chisel and the plane’ he felt justifiable in saying that the amiable relationships existing amongst the Blantyre joiners were practically fully sustained by the fact that such a large number had been gathered together on common ground – so as to speak on this the first occasion on which they had essayed the getting up an excursion amongst themselves. This surely was a matter on which they ought to be congratulated. “
“Within the last 10 or 12 years he said, the number of joiners employed by the Blantyre firms had increased enormously , which he thought showed that the timber trade in ‘oor toon’ at least was in a very prosperous condition. That the yards of Messrs Adam (represented by Mr Cameron) and Messrs Warnock and Walker (represented by Mr Bell) had recently been very much enlarged , clearly indicating that they were preparing even for an increasing trade. Besides it showed that the head of these firms know their business, that indeed the question as to how they manage such a large business might be answered in the words of Michael Angelo , the great painter who when asked by one of his envious critics how he mixed his paints, retorted, ‘With brains, sir’.
“With reference to the excursion, Mr Hendrie remarked that seeing such a good beginning had been made, he hoped the Committee might consider the desirability of continuing the excursion annually (Applause). A vote of thanks having been accorded to the Chairman , (Mr Sommerville), the company dispersed. “
Mr Hendrie’s photos of that actual Ayrshire trip are attached, having been passed to Blantyre Project with thanks from Alex Bowie. Those shown include Brig of Doon and Burns Cottage.
Continued on final part 2 tomorrow
