On 21st May 2024, I was delighted to call into Calderside Academy where Kirsty Sweeney had a gift for me. A gift, which as a local historian was most appreciated as I became the new custodian of the log book and School registers for the former Calder Street School!
The log book begins in August 1912 covering the opening of the School and written in the hand of the headmaster Mr John Welsh (who I believe gave his name later to Welsh Drive). The entries are very detailed, covering the teachers, their salaries and notable events in the school. Its clear Mr Welsh was on a mission to reduce non attendance, something which he clearly was concerned and annoyed at.
I’ll be transcribing some of the more interesting entries later this year , here on the page. In addition registers, attendance or roll call books from 1912 right through to the 1950s are now also with me for safe keeping, until such time as a little local museum or permanent history archive can be arranged or they’re passed on to the next “interested guardian”. Like everything donated to me in an expanding collection of Blantyre documents and historical items, I’ll be keeping good and safe care of them!
With thanks again to Kirsty and the school.