John Street, originally a rough track called ‘Brickfield Road’ near Stonefield Brickworks, was established in November 1892 to connect Glasgow Road to the railway station. Its development addressed local complaints about accessibility. In the early 20th Century, it was renamed John Street in honor of Colonel John Clark Forrest after his death.
Here’s a nice local anecdote from 1892. During the 1880’s and early 1890’s, water pipes were being run into Blantyre streets for the first time as the County Council sought to improve sanitation and living conditions. Whilst the water was being led into streets, an old resident who was generally housebound heard the pickaxes in […]
In November 1892, a County Council Meeting highlighted several key issues in Blantyre. Dairies were noted for their cleanliness, while Dixons Pits received a new water supply. Road improvements were discussed, including a footpath initiative and the acquisition of a steam roller. Challenges included cess pit waste removal and pig proximity to houses.
In November 1892, High Blantyre and Auchentibber faced a devastating outbreak of enteric fever and measles, affecting numerous households. Dr. McLintock attributed the illness to poor sanitation and overcrowding. The situation highlighted the vulnerability of mining communities, emphasizing how quickly diseases could spread and overwhelm families during that period.
This striking photograph, taken in 1910 by Blantyre photographer David Ritchie, beautifully captures a group of Edwardian ladies and a young girl posing gracefully on a garden stairway. I recognise the location, despite it not being there for more than 80 years. It’s the quoiting green at Auchentibber at High Blantyre, the former rustic arch the […]
Gordon Cook recently shared a photo of an old Blantyre Co-Operative Society token, expressing his surprise at not having seen it before despite frequent visits to the Co-op. He invites others to recall or share their memories of Co-Op tokens, encouraging anyone who still possesses them to come forward.
In November 1892, Charles Spence faced court for breach of peace after singing the popular song “Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay” near Mrs. Flannigan’s shop, from whom he owed money. The judge, amused by Spence’s antics, offered him a fine or 15 days in jail to reflect on his noisy behavior.