On Wednesday 13th December 1893, the Stonefield Independent Co-Op (SICS) held their annual Christmas soiree in the Masonic Hall which was well filled. Mr G McKinley occupied the chair.
Local artists entertained the attendees. Miss Maggie McCafferty, Messrs Paul Langtry, J.M Lomie and J Dunlop with C.R Baptie acting as accompanist.
At a suitable interval, the Secretary, Mr David Kerr gave an interesting resume of the progress the society had made in Blantyre since they formed in 1882, showing that year an average divided of 2s and 3d and how it had now grown to 3s 5d. Sales during the 9 years had amounted to £72,898 8s 5d, the profits distributed back to members of £11,010 13s 7d.
Handsome new buildings (pictured) had been erected in 1891, costing £1,667 4s, which had been wholly paid off and cleared with a construction surplus of £232 left over. The average member had spent over £316 over their 9 years membership. There were around 230 members.
This building which now accommodates Strachan Butchers, was associated with Stonefield Independent Co-Op Society (SICS) and not to be confused by the different, and larger Blantyre Co-operative Society. Constructed in 1891 from stone, the 2 storey building on the south side of Glasgow Road was built with a pend close, leading through to the back. This was a typical design detail of the era as it permitted buildings to later be built next to it, without closing off access. The Stonefield Independent Co-op had a large rear on a long, rectangular plot of land, with Dixon’s Raws to the south. Dating is easy for this building as there is a huge “1891” carved into the masonry on the façade facing on to Glasgow Road, easily seen today beside the logo for the Co-Op. These premises would later be allocated postal addresses 239 – 243 Glasgow Road.
SICS merged with the large Blantyre Co-Operative Society in 1932.
Pictured in this rare photo is 241 Glasgow Road and the lower shop in this building next to the pend close, was originally the Co Drapery & Boot shop, but by 1915 had become the Co Butchers, where it would remain right up until near the Millennium, before becoming the Peters Family Butchers then the current Strachan’s Butchers.
