Edit Maryhill's past
The neighbours of Carrickarden Street around 1938. Mrs Hunter, (?), Mrs Elrick (my mother), Mrs Clarke and Mrs Queen at the front. From Doris Sofio
Several sub-districts belong to the Maryhill district, such as Acre, Dawsholm Park, Firhill, Gairbraid, Gilshochill, Maryhill Park, North Kelvinside, Queens Cross, St Georges cross, Summerston, woodside and Wyndford.
Hew Hill, the Laird (Lord) of Gairbraid, had no male heir and so he left his estate to his daughter, Mary. She married Robert Graham of Dawsholm in 1763, but they had no income from trade or commerce and had to make what they could from the estate.
They founded coalmines on the estate but they proved to be wet and unprofitable, and their property ventures are best known for an acre of ground they did not sell. It is still known as Acre today.
No doubt they would have continued with the struggle, but on the 8 March 1768 Parliament approved the cutting of the Forth and Clyde Canal through their estate, which provided some much-needed money.
The canal reached the estate in 1775, but the Canal Company had run out of money and work stopped for eight years.
The Government granted funds from forfeited Jacobite estates to start it again and the crossing of the River Kelvin became the focus for massive construction activity.
A village began to grow up and the Grahams fed more land for its development; Robert Graham attached one condition that was to immortalise the heiress of Gairbraid, his beloved wife and the last in line of centuries of Hills of Gairbraid after the death of her father Hew Hill. The then village was to be "in all times called the town of MaryHill".
The new canal waterway attracted boat-building, saw-milling and other industries such as ironfounding to its banks within Mary's estate.
By 1830 the scattered houses had grown to form a large village with a population of 3000 people.
The building of the Glasgow to Helensburgh railway passing through Maryhill, and the proximity of the Loch Katrine pipeline, led to further growth and in 1856 Maryhill became a burgh in its own right ('burgh' is an old word for town in Scotland). It was later absorbed into the city of Glasgow in 1891.
A part of the Antonine Wall runs through Maryhill, in the Maryhill park area, where there is the site of a Roman fort adjoining the wall in nearby Bearsden.
Maryhill boasts one of Glasgow's original Carnegie libraries, deftly designed by the Inverness architect James Robert Rhind.
Maryhill Barracks was opened in 1872 and once dominated the area which is now the Wyndford housing estate, it was home to the Scots Greys and the Highland Light Infantry, and famously held Adolf Hitler's second-in-command Rudolf Hess during World War II after his supposed "Peace" flight to the UK. (See our separate story and picture)
Maryhill was known as the Venice of the North for its canals and also for being the centre of the glass industry, with its Caledonia Works and Glasgow Works. Burgh Hall contains numerous stained glass windows produced by Stephen Adam depicting the industrious inhabitants of Maryhill.
It is home to Firhill Stadium, home of Partick Thistle since 1909, and since 2005, the professional Rugby Union team, Glasgow Warriors. The junior team, Maryhill F.C. and Glasgow's oldest athletic club (Maryhill Harriers) are also located there.
This photo is of my father Eric Elrick who lived in Rochester Street. This photo was taken around 1920. From Doris Sofio
I see Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Maryhill connection has been excluded. I think the importance of Queens Cross Curch and Ruchill Tearoom are both worth a mention.
My late father was a "Jags" supporter through and through. He went to every Thistle Home match. In those days the supporters dressed well - Dad had a Scarf.and even a handkerchief tucked into his suit top pocket. No jeans and trainers in those days He also got the "little red book" although I cant remember much about that. I am speaking from around late 1940 onwards. I kept the scarf and handkerchief for many years until passing them to a friend who had several other items in his collection.
We lived in Carrickarden Street (now long gone) I have a great photo of all the neighbours who in those days were all friends and helped each other. I remember all the names but unfortunately the photographs are old and therefore I could not put them on computer. Would be interesting if they could revive any memories for others. I could go one for ages about Maryhill - Mr Melon the fruiterer - Mr Ross the newsagent - Mr Bews the Watchmaker and Jeweller all had shops in Raeberry Street - My mother had her "messages" delivered from the Grocer, I think it was Dow's, also in Raeberry Streret. - and that was not yesterday!!!!
If you would like to send them to me (Helen Smith) at the Evening Times, 200 Renfield Street, I'll see what I can do.
hi i grow up on maryhill road used to spend a lot of time in the swiming baths it was good ive got alot of memories we stay in layden street the games we all play its some change
I was born in Hinshaw Street Maryhill in 1937 and remember it well. We lived facing the Primary School and I had the job of folding the newspapers for O'Hagen newsagents and ran messages for the butcher Blackadder and did up grocery baskets for delivery for Liptons the grocer all on the Maryhill Rd between Hinshaw St and Seamore Street .Picture House was the Blythswood and also the Seamore,I think your entry has brought back my childhood. I am now In Western Australia but will always be a Scot from Maryhill.
Does anyone have information about the church at the junction of Maryhill Road and Duart Street.
It has been lying derelict for some time now and despite asking about Im still trying to find out why nothing has been done with it.
And to Serena, I too was brought up in Hinshaw Street in 1952, I remember Blackadders(Ross) and the pictures too.
Co-incidentally Im hoping to move to Fremantle WA where my daughter is a teacher.
Alex
Alex O'brien Serena says that when you get to Fremantle take a trip To Busselton down south of Perth Wa and she will be glad to meet up with you. My daughter also teaches in WA.You can always email me on:-serena@tadaust.org.au
Can anyone help me get old pics of Glasgow? I am soon to be opening a cafe and would like old fotos to create atmosphere... any help would be much apreciated..Thanks Garry
I have given a couple of old photos to the newspaper for eventual publication. Why not try the Maryhill Central Hall I am sure they would be only too willing to help, also the Mitchell library.
I am disappointed that Maryill folk are so reluctant to contribute to this page. Come on Maryhill, give us your news from the past and I am sure it will jog memories
garrymcsporran you can get pics from the Glasgow story site on the internet. They allow you to collect in an album if a member hope it helps. I sourced alot of old Glasgow for my home.
I have seen many photos of the old Maryhill where they show every part of it except 1, which was very lively right up to the late 1950's. I talk of Garscube Road (The Gaspipe). Neither the Maryhill or Mitchell library have photos of the Gaspipe, from Queens Cross to beside the old Firhill Bar. This road had every kind of shop you could imagine, even had a blacksmiths next to the old Firhill Bar. The bar was eventually knock down around 1992. As as kid, I had great times playing there. I lived straight across from "Springbank Primary School" It would be nice to know if anyone knew where to get old photos of this well known road.
Garry McSporran, the Virtual Mitchell site is a great source of Glasgow history and you can narrow your search to areas, streets and even certain subjects.
Michael Hastie I also lived right accros from the primary school in Hinshaw St,No 63 neighbours I remember were the Hendersons the Barclays the Gardners the Flynns I am impressed how things haVE changed .for the better to.
yes
Ive put on a few pics which I hope some of the readers will enjoy.Anyone remember the Tannery?
I read Michael Hasties article with interest as I was brought up here as well.My dad worked in the Firhill Tavern during the 60s.I am really interested to find out where the blacksmiths was.Perhaps Michael could let us know.Thanks
When I liveed in Carrickarden Street. I remember the local shops in Raeberry Street Mr Bews - watchmaker, Mr Melon - fruit and veg , Dow's - licensed grocer - Stewart T.V. I have forgotten the name of the Newsagent anyone remember?
An old family friend,Miss Danks, ran the small dairy in Raeberry Street just round from Maryhill Road in the 60s having been moved from her previous dairy in Hopehill Road.
I am sure some of the readers must remember The Doctors Surgery at the bottom of Hopehill Road . We lived in Keppochhill Road but went to the Doctor in Maryhill. There were 3 Doctors, Dr.Robertson she was the lady doctor and there were 2 male doctors. Dr. Murray and Dr. Burns. The Surgery was always packed you could not make appointments in those days you just went in and told the lady at the desk who you were there to see and just sat and waited your turn. I always remember the smell of some kind of spirits in there I suppose it was some kind of disinfectant. They were very caring Doctors and had to take care of a lot of people with all kinds of ailments. When we got out of the Doctors we would usually go up to one of my aunties for a cup of tea, One of them lived in Abington St next the little dairy and the other one lived in the first close in Henderson St accross from Hoyes. Before I came to the United States in March of 1960 I worked in North Woodside Road in the Office of R.S.McColls, Can still smell the Chocolate When I worked there they let you eat as much as you wanted because i guess they firured you would get of sick of it after a while. I always remember St. Columbus Catholic Church in Hopehill Road I always thought it was so beautifull inside with the beautiful Gothic Arches inside. Well I had better stop now. Isabel Powell Soperton Georgia U.S.A
Due to the fact that the hearing re the factory disaster will soon take place,while at "Gael" shop I decided to visit the memorial garden for the poor souls who died. I was distressed to see the state of the surrounding area. The site of the factory was disgusting littered with rubbish. the memorial garden could have been much better I actually tidied up the place a bit as some of the plants etc were on their side. The path leading to the garden and surrounding area is a disgrace surely this could have been presented better. I think the owners of the site should have this landscaped and cleared immediately. I would suggest that the local Councillor and MSP should insist that this should be done Immediately. During the enquiry, I am sure that many people will visit the site, and will be extremely disappointed as I was. The condition is an insult to those who lost their lives.
I grew up in Maryhill, the canal was part of our lives. We crossed it to go to the baths, we fished for minnies in it, we swam in it, we helped push the massive timber arms that controlled the opening and closing of the locks, as the barges came through, we fed grass to the tow path horses, watched the graceful swans in it, some of us poor sods even drowned in it. l was privileged to be a member of the great Maryhill Library, first in the junior section upstairs and later, oh so proud to get access into the downstairs adult section. The River Kelvin and Lady Campbell's estate on its banks were our wonderland. After we scaled the stane dykes, there we found and ate water hens eggs, searched for chestnuts, picked armfuls of bluebells to bring home to ma, climbed the cliffs of Bellgraig. Being from Maryhill, we did picnics in Mulgay, wandered through our park, played football at Dawshome, watched the Harps, yet they say I had an underprivileged childhood? Compared to today's kids oh, Balderdash! Gerry McGrade, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
i was brought up 145 henderson street and have lots of childhood memories and that are very happy ones, i went to st columbas primary between 1960 and 1970 went to seamore pictures and also blythswood. there was also a shop on north woodside road where you could swap and sell your comics. my maiden name is quigley. and a shop top of garriochill road where you could get drinks for a penny tuppence and thrupence children all played together at lots of different games and all out side the home. and if your neighbours checked you or gave you a slap you never told your parents cause you would get the same again from their for deserving it in the first place ha ha has anyone got pictures of around that time as it would be good to see.
jim earl says : i was brought up 14 garriochmill road and have lots of memories too, 1st glasgow BB ,woodside halls, napiershall street school, opposite the big smell waddles sausage factory, back to garriochmill road galbraiths grocer shop, the grapes pub,three sweety shops,two fish and chip shops within two hundred yards,bakers,and also, next to one of the fish shops selling nothing but fresh rolls was a shop owned by a polish gent who became very rich , rolls were two for one and a half old pennies,also on the same road was a hardware shop selling toys at xmas time, taylors shop, another grocers shop half way up the hill,also milk dairy who made their own ice cream and which was delivered by horse and cart, till 1945 air raid shelters in the middle of most roads,police boxes were at most road junctions, the main employer in this area was L Sterne and Co refridgeration engineers,from half way down maryhill road was the blythsewood cinema, seamore cinema the local flee pit at St Georges cross and if memory serves me right the accademy at the bottom end of St Georges cross. garriochmill road was considered to be quite posh ie: we had an inside toilet the only smelly bit was the river kelly on a warm day , also two main churches raeberry st and stevenson memorial church i could go on but what i remember most of all about glasgow was the smog, but forgot to say about the black market shops no coupons required only extra pennies , also rations books How would we live today? and to sum up most people did not go without. I left garriochmill road in 1956 but my sisters family remained there until 1960. Mention was made about the comic and book hire shop was in north woodside road it was owned by Mr Langdon the main hire was american comics ie: superman etc oh dear i could go on . Nearest attractions Kelvin grove park bottanic gardens, art galleries and the creme de la creme was firhill park (OLD) all within twenty five mins walking distance I now live in sussex but still come to glasgow about four times every year to visit family and how the city has changed
My mother had 2 brothers who lived in Maryhill One of them lived at number 10 Henderson Street and the other one lived at 139 Firhill Road. I was an only child and loved to go visit them because Uncle Tommy and my Aunt Ethel lived at 10 Henderson Street and they had 7 children and My Uncle Tommy hd the most beautifull window boxes filled with Geraniums and you could see them the minute you turned the Corner from Maryhill Road into Henderson Street they are both Dead now but have so many Happy Memories of them . My Uncle Joe and Aunty Mary lived in Firhill Road just accross from the Partick Thistle F.C. They had 7 Girls and one Boy and it was great fun going to visit them We used to go to Firhill Park and go to Jaconnelli's Ice Cream Shop I forgot to mention their last name was Donnelly and Uncle Tommy and my Mother were twins. Remember after the war when my Uncle Joe came Home he had been in the Air ForceDuring the War. Unfortunately my both Aunts and Uncles are now gone and also my mother but the wonderfull memories will always be with me. Isabella Powell Soperton Georgia U.S.A
I was interested to read Jim Earl's article. I still attend Stevenson Memorial Church now because of amalgamation with other local churches now called Kelvin Stevenson Memorial Parish church., still very active. I began with the church when Rev Taylor was the minister. Each year we have a B.B commemoration service and some of the 'old boys' still attend. If I had further info. I could pass this on for you if you wish
I was brought up in 685 Garscube Road. This picture was taken in the back court around 1947. The Johnston brothers and the Hughes gang are there. My wife and I were brought up in Maryhill ( Mary in Palm Street), both went to St Columbas school, both emigrated to Drumchapel in 1954 , where we met and got married. Got a single end , in the close, back in Nansen Street in 1960. Left Scotland in 1962 and now reside in London , Ontario ,Canada. I delivered groceries from Pat McAdam's grocery in Maryhill Road in 1955. Needed a passport to enter Govan, Possil , etc. ,with the ham and eggs. Many happy memories of Firhill park, St. George's Cross library, setting middens on fire , meetings of the gang in the air raid shelter before it was knocked down. ( Password was , what else... fish and chips) That brings to mind Bindoni's chip shop in Trossach Street. The Seamore and the Blythswood on a Saturday, Dr. Robertson and Dr. Murray, as mentioned by a previous person. If lucky, I got to collect my Father's winnings from the Bookie and keep it if it was a wee amount. I delivered the papers to 685 from Willie Reilly's paper shop at the corner of Nansen Street. At the City Bakeries on St George's Road, if you were lucky , you could get a bag of the edges they cut off the raisin tarts . Never tasted anything that good since.
garscube road
Andy certainly brought back a few memories with your post.I lived along at Hinshaw Street and remember Wullie and Fred Reillys shop .It sold everything,like a mini Asda.Food,toys clothes you name it.Also Bindonis which was the best chippie for miles.Mario was the owner and his mother and sisters also worked there.I saw him years ago over in Kingspark where he had a shop but he has since passed away.Ive fond memories of the local cinemas and remember the usherette Betty Gibson,she also worked in the Post office in Maryhill Road next to the cafe.Cheers Alex.
I used to live in Stratford Street, and opposite where we lived looked straight onto the old derelict Maryhill train station, which in the 70's was a hole in the ground with the remnants of the platforms still in place. We lived in a room and kitchen the 4 of us, and me and my sister had bunkbeds in the kitchen, inside toilet but no bathroom - cue monty python! Used to play in old station all the time, at the other end was an old railway tunnel, and when we were daring we used to go into it as far as our nerve and imagination would take us! Used to go for walks with my uncle along the Kelvin at the bottom of the road up to the old maryhill gasworks and through it by some arcane route into Dawsholm park to feed the squirrels ( we used to get mixed nuts from a greegrocer on Maryhill road near to the childrens home-forget the name!). I remember playing in the barracks with friends from school playing 20 a side on the spare ground opposite our house (no.43), swinging from a rope over the Kelvin at the bottom of the road, falling in and having to be dredged out! I remember the local PC If I recall was a red-headed bloke called Lesley always around, and going to the garage at the top of Stratford Street to get the mechanics lunches from the chippie across from the Viking, getting 'ginger' bottles in payment. I go back from time to time but live in Paris now. I can remember Tarletons papershop round the corner at bottom of Shakespeare street, where we went for comics, and even the dustbinmens strike in the 70's, and everybody leaving bags of rubbish on the spare ground, and there being a rat invasion that lasted. Its mostly gone now; the train station now a supermarket, all the tenements at the top of Stratford street pulled down, bit of a shame(except the rats), but still seems to be thriving which is great.
I too remember the Maryhill library, very old school type and just around the corner from the swimming baths where I used to go to the swimming club there, run by a guy called Jimmy. As i recall there was a huge problem with cockroaches at the baths, you left your bags on the floor of the changing rooms at your peril. I can also remember when St Gregory's church burned down, on what is now the site of Maryhill Police station, it was an old wooden church then and was quickly destroyed. When I was younger my parents used to take me down the back route into the botanic gardens along the Kelvin by an entrance on Garioch Drive, was great in the summer going for ice cream. I have pictures of a very sunny botanics and my dad in a black suit and ray ban type sunglasses, whilst we're all in shorts and t-shirts! Great Days when there was still a tea-room just beside the entrance to the botanic gardens off Gt Western Road.
My fondest memories are from Maryhill, my wife and I used to go to the Maryhill Burgh,I remember the photographers at Raeberry St. my Wife and I lived in Fernie St. my Wife was born in Fernie St. and I was born in Northpark St. My first job was with R.S.McCOLL at North Woodside Rd. R, MACKAY Vancouver Canada
To Isabella Powell, I too worked at R.S.McColl's in 1944, I was a vanboy,I remember the nice aromas all too well, also I liked travelling all over the place delivering chocolate & sweeties to all the shops, a Mr. Stewart was my boss, my drivers were Willie Brown, George Campbell, lots of good memories R.Mackay Vancouver B.C.
Has Anybody ever went dancing on a Saturday night at the Maryhill Burgh, my wife was born and brought up on Fernie St., I was born on Northpark St. I went to Springbank School,we moved to Bilsland Dr. in 1935, and I transferred to Ruchill school, my Wife & I got our first house on Fernie St,on 1957
To Alex O'Brien, did you ever live in Fernie St.? Agnes & Robert Mackay Vancouver B.C.
Has anybody ever been a member of the Garioch Club say, between 1948-1954,Garioch club was held in the garioch school at the bottom of Avenuepark St. Maryill. Agnes ? Robert Mackay Vancouver B.C.
Shame on you Gerry McGRADE, IT'S MILNGAVIE not MULGAY, anyway your mail brought back good memories, I rememmber camping at Allander beside the Allander River, Bluebell Woods etc. I thought Milngavie is about the nicest little village that I've ever seen, I'ts changed now, the Black Bull is gone Agnes & Robert Mackay Vancouvr B.C.
Can anybody remember an old woman in a fur coat she used to go around the backcourts singing, she was called Hairy Mary (because of the fur coat) we lived in Fernie St. at the time 1957-1963 and used to give her pennies Agnes & Robert Mackay Vancouver B.C. Canada
I'm calling to see if anybody out there was ever stationed on the H.M.S. JUPITER at Faslane 1952-1953,I used to travel each shore leave days from Glasgow, I used to get the bus at Georges Cross, I remember a Lead/Stoker Joe Rennie he used to get on the bus at Anniesland Cross, I was a Stoker/Mech. Agnes & Robert Mackay, Vancouver, British Columbia,
To Agnes and Robert MacKay I to went to Springbank Primary and your tales have brought back so many memories, I have heard of Hairy Mary as my older sisters always mentioned her. and they used to throw her a few coppers from the window. And to alex obrien have you reached Aussie yet whats keeping you regards Serena Craig Perth WA
Agnes and Robert,I lived in Hinshaw Street in the 50s and attended Springbank then Dunard Street before going to NKS.I remember Mary in her furcoat,message bag and ciggie hanging from her lips as she sat at the front of the close taking a break.She walked for miles.She had a saying when she was given money,"God bless you dear lady"My old aunt used to give her a few bob down at the old fish market.She was Helen Grieve and she had a wee fishmongers shop at the top of Maryhill Road just by the Butney.To Serena, four weeks to liftoff.Fremantle for the Xmas hols and my daughters wedding.Re the local PC he was Lesley Rose who worked at Maryhill Police office before going to work at Police HQ
Hi to alex o brien from Serena Craig in Busselton Perth WA I will be at Port Kennedy over the Xmas period so give me a ring on my mobile 0447-442-560 have a great stay in Fremantle I am sure you will have a ball regards Serena.
Flash the Barbie up Serena, here comes Alex O'Brien, have a Merry Xmas and a guid New Year.
Alice Duffy nee Hewitt. I lived in Hatheway St and I too remember Hairy Mary. I went across Maryhill Rd to Reynolds for my comics. I also remember Wheelers Dairy and further down Maryhill Rd was Guthries and Nancys gift shop. I lived there from 1952 until 1967.
To Alice Duffy you say that you lived on Hathaway St. my Wife was born on Fernie St. we lived on Fernie St. 1957-1963, my Wife & I went back home regularly in fact we were home on 2005 and we walked down Hathaway St, it's a beautiful street the red sandstone tenements the playground was still there
Christopher Hendry says hi. Just joined site. My father lived on Hopehill Road, number 101. Could anyone give me any information or pictures about how it used to be or any pictures of how it looked he lived there between 1921 -1941. His father was Soloman Hendry and his mother Isabella Hendry sutherland. I was up there recently with my brother and visited the area for the first time. I am really intrested to know more now can anybody help, many thanks.
Does anybody remember which street the Brayant@ May's match factory was in Maryhill, or a factorys name in Drumchapel (think it was products of paper, toilet, towels and hankies ?). Thanks
Can anyone (probably Doris Sofio if anyone) tell me where Carrickarden Street actually is in relation to a modern map? I am trying to trace the Watson family that lived at number 19 Carrickarden Street. Many thanks, especially to Doris if she can help me? Unicorn Leather Saddlery, Caterham on the Hill, Surrey
1.1.09 Happy new year.The match factory was in Shuna Street,Ruchill and Carrickarden Street runs between Garriochmill Rd and Tillie Street
Eddie Rookes says this site brings back memories grew up in Seamore St in the 1940 and 50 remember the Seamore and the Blyswood pictures, Jaconellies and the roller skating in Kelvingrove Park
Anyone know Chapel St back of soli home?
Maryhill's past II: To continue this discussion or add new comments, click here...
As far as I'm aware Chapel Street ran off Ruchill Street just up from the Viking Bar and I think it is now a McDonalds car park. Some industrial units built when Ruchill Street was re-aligned might use that address.
Could you let us know what "soli home" is.Thanks.
I used to live in Myrtle St and then in Palm St and attended Oakbank and then St Georges Road University. I just missed out going to Woodside Academy, but it was just as well as ma maw could not afford the uniform. That was from 1950-60. Joe Fairley.
Can you note I sent in a response to the last post last week.
My Granny was Sussana McGread of 5 Belfort Street Maryhill, daughter of William McGread and Mary McCallum -----anyone have any information on her??? elaw12@cogeco.ca
Yes
Before Ruchill Street was re-aligned Chapel Street was the first on the left as you went up from Maryhill Road and was opposite the church.It is now a car park for the fast food outlet and I think the name now covers some small units at the back of McDs.I wonder if Ruth can tell us what soli home is.Im intrigued.
I was born at 85 Doncaster Street in 1965 in the then single end tenements.
I have the best memories of of Maryhill, climbing dykes, the canal, hanging out the windows talking to your pals and my mum throwing pieces in jam out the window to me playing in the back green.
All my aunts,uncles and gran, Peggy McKay, stayed in the surrounding tenements and it was a great community even though at the time we were quite poor, I was rich in love and memories.
I'm 44-years-old now and my name then was Edith McIntosh.
Carrickarden Street is no longer. It actually ran fron Raeberry Street to Henderson Street Alex O'Brien got it wrong. I lived in No 29 Carrickarden Street from 1936 - 1955. Austin, if you can give me any more info about the Watson family it could maybe jog my memory.
Chapel Street was the first street on the left as you went up Ruchill Street from Maryhill Road and is now a McDonalds car park. Can you let us know what the "soli"home is.
Alex O'Brien says: Chapel Street was the first street on the left as you went up Ruchill Street from Maryhill Road and is now a McDonalds car park. Can you let us know what the "soli"home is.
My grandfather and uncle used to run the Thistle Bar in Maryhill Rod in tha 50's 60's - their name was Walsh.
My grandfather had been a policeman stationed at the Camperdown St station ( his family lived above it ) in the 20's and 30's.
Anybody remember the Thistle Bar - I don't believe it is the Clarendon bar that used to be called the Thistle in Maryhill Road.
Anne Taylor nee Fraser:
I used to live at 830 Garscube Road, my Mother was Helen Fraser and worked at Macmillans newspaper shop.
I was friendly with a girl called Irene Little whos father owned a bakery on Maryhill road and I remember we used to call in after school and get fresh merangue and cream cakes, it was lovely.
I also remember going to the Blythswood cinema.
Once a group of us who lived in the tenements offered to wash the chalk marks off the walls if they would give us sixpence.
When finished we shared the money, some went swimming and other to the cinema.
I also remember jumping the dykes,, one known as the deathy.
I would love to know where everyone moved.
I have only seen one person since I left scotland in 1952 and that was Daniel Ronney?
I am also trying to find a school called St Charles infant school.
Can you help me?
St Charles school is still there I know a child who attends. I could take you there but that's not much help. Maybe someone could help, if not I will ask at church on Sunday and let you know.
Alex (Junior) McNaught:
Jim Earl lived in the next close to me, 88 Garriochmill Road.
I went to St Charles School, because St. Columba was across busy Maryhill Rd.
It's on Kelvinside Gardens.
I used to follow the B.B. pipe band.
I wasn't allowed to join, though they let me stay for one evening. Mr Langdon's son, Johnny, brought me along to join the 11th. Glasgow Scouts on Woodlands Rd.
I'm a cub leader still, 60 years later. (in Toronto)
Carrickarden Street connected Raeberry Street and Henderson St - somebody was asking.
They had good jumps there- shelter-to shelter, The Scissors, Corner-to-corner.
The comic shop (Mr Langdon's) was called Leisure Hour. Maggie Cherry's was a Jenny-a'-things shop at the corner of Dick Street.
Do you remember The Giant'sWalk?
I lived in 198 North Woodside Rd, in a bottom tenemant in Maryhill from 1965 until 69 I think.
I went to Napiershall St School and have vivid memories of attending there from ages 5 to 8.
Our name was Devine and I was often babysat by The Grays who lived at 198 on the ground flat.
I remember a family called The McDaids and I was friendly with a red haired girl called Angela who lived on the 2nd of 3rd floor.
I also remember a cimema that was opposite my home that was burned down and also a big storm that blew the slates and chimney pots from the roof.
My biggest memory though is playing at a mill which was behind my house and not that far away as my mum kept a close eye on me but I vividly remember playing there.
I also remember going to a Tabernacle on Maryhill Rd, not sure what that is but think it may have been like a church.
My mum was also an Avon lady and I used to accompany her in her trips around Maryhill.
I have fond memories of this short but enjoyable time.
Hi
I Lived in Henderson st.
I loved every moment of my childhood days there and most of all the start of the Maryhill chapter of the Blue Angels mc in 63 as it was my dad that started it.
I have great memories and laughs.
The Blythswood cafe and running with the big red bowl to fill it up with Jacconellis ice-cream for the family, where does time go. Jackie Morrison
Yep, can remember doing that every Friday night when my da came in from work, Big Bowl to the bottom of the street.
I was born at 38 Doncaster St, Bub McLaren's boy, Billy
Lindsey Davis says Hi.
My dad was born and brought up in Chapel Street. George Gibbon/McGibbon.
His mum was Jessie Gibbon/Glen and she had several bothers, John, Andrew and James.
John and Andrew went to Vancouver BC.
Does anyone know what school, kids from Chapel Street went to.
I've been doing some research on the family and can't find him.
The Mitchell has most schools but Maryhill Primary, seems the info has been lost from the 1915 until 1960's.
I remember visiting my gran and playing around the canal.
Her flat looked onto the canal.
They lived at 4 Chapel St.
I remember riding on the tram on Maryhill Rd and there was a tram hanging on a pole I always wanted that.
I also remember passing the barracks.
My dad also belonged to the Boys Brigade but I don't know where.
My dad moved and lived in Dennistoun where I grew up and I now live in Virginia USA.
Thanks for the memories.
Ada Walker(Nee Hassall
Hi I was born at 60 Fernie Street in 1942 and went to Garrioch School.
We left Glasgow 1952 and after living in a few places in England and Rothesay we eventually settled in Liverpool
My most vivid childhood memories include jumping the dykes in Roland Street going to the Kelvin and the Botanic Gardens and basically wandering up and down Maryhill Road (unbeknown to my Mother).
The people I remember in Fernie Street were my Grandparents Maud and Joe Miller, the Docherty's (up the stair) the McKinleys, Davidsons the Flanagans (up the stair and the next close) my friend was Ada Higgins who I have never heard from or seen since leaving Glasgow.
We used to have shows in the back, and charge a penny to come in and we paid the proceed to the Eastpark Home.
My Parents, Grandmother and 2 Uncles all worked in McLennans rubber works at sometime.
Does anyone know when Fernie St was torn down.
I was born and lived for 12 Years at 12 Fernie St.
My parents were Dick and Ina Moore.
The rest of our Family -Jimmy,John, Robert, Mary and Rita Moore lived at 18 Roland Street and my Moms side of the family the Sinclairs-Jim, Ina, Isabel and Grandma Marian lived at 81 Oran St.
Was recently back for a holiday and all I could find was a portion of Oran St, everything else was gone.
Richard, did you and your family move to Irvine?
My family lived round the corner at 12 Arden St.
We used to be pally,and shared the same back court with many others.
" Mammy gonny throw me doon a peice an jam "
I was born in 1951.
To Harry Furay:
Bingo!! I am indeed that Richard Moore and we did move to Irvine in the early 60's and then on to Canada in 1966.
Since both our mothers had us fitted out for the clergy- I was wondering if you ever became a priest because I never became a minister--
I joined the air force and was a radar technician for NORAD in remote Canadian radar bases.
My mother tells of meeting your Mom (Agnes?) on one of their trips back to Glasgow.
I think it was outside Guthrie's store on the Maryhill Rd.
Anyway, getting late here.
I would like to touch base with you more and find out what the last 40 odd years have been like for you.
Cheers!!
Does anyone know about a fire at Partick Thistle Football Ground before 1944?
Irene Dunnett ex Firhill Street
Hi ,
Does anyone know anything about Maryhill Primary School ?
How old it is ?
What was it before a primary school ?
I'm very intrested !
PLEASE come forward with details if you know !
Thanks .
Hi Lindsey
,If you lived in Chapel St it wouldn't be Maryhill primary School, you would probably go to Shakespeare St School ..
My husband lived in Chapel St for years, he is away on business just now but I will see what I can do for you .. watch this space.
I will get back to you in a few days promise .. ruth brown maryhill
Harry Furay to Richard Moore
Great to make contact after 40+ years
e-mail harryfuray@yahoo.co.uk
Hope to hear from you.
Never became a priest, drove bulk whisky tankers for Chivas Regal for a lot of years, before starting own Exec Chauffeur Drive, 2 years ago.
Does anyone remember John@Mary Welsh(maiden name Thom lived 8, Nansan St, Maryhill.
My husband Eddie went to St Columbus School he can remember a shop called Willie Rileys further down the street a shop called Maggie MCdonalds.
He used to climb on a flat roof at the back of the shop and a walking stick would come out of the window.
His father John got a job in Stoke on Trent at a colliery so the family left Maryhill.
We went back 10 years ago, we hope to go again shortly.
Does anyone remember a house fire on maryhill road in the 60s
I have enjoyed reading about places our ancestors grew up.
I have Reid ancestors who were living at 198 North Woodside Rd. Glasgow at the time of the 1901 census.
As we are learning of the ancestors only with the help of a Glasgow researcher I was wondering if anyone could email me a picture of the structure at 198 North Woodside Rd..
My researcher told me about 10 families were living there in 1901.
My email address is kidston@shaw.ca.
I live in Canada
Mary Bond
Maryhill primary school was built in 1884, it is now a social security building.
I lived at 35 Ancroft St and my name was Myra Griffiths.
I lived there from 41 to 61 then 82 ruchill St from 61 to 71.
I moved away but my heart stayed there
I am now going back many years.
I lived in Carrickarden Street and from our window at the back court we could see the windows of Raeberry Street.
A family called ?Yuill. The sons were called Desmond and Gerald, who were slightly younger than I.
Each Saturday morning I took them to the GB kids club at the Ascot Cinema in Great Western Road near to Anniesland Cross.
GB was for the Gaumont British Cinema group.
Before the pics began we all had to stand and sing the club song - I still remember every word.
What I cannot remember is how we got from Maryhill to Anniesland Cross.
No parents those days, to ferry the wee darlings around!
I reckon I would be about 12 years old or so - imagine allowing children to go alone now - those were the days!!
To the Docherty's of 60 Fernie St.
I think you used to babysit our son, Robert Mackay.
We lived next close to you in 54 top flat, my wife's name Agnes (Cissy) nee Hodge was born in 42.
I think you babysat back in 1957, 1958, can you remember the Murphy's?
Hi
My father William Wallace was born at 2 Leyden Drive in 1927.
His parents were Alexander Wallace, mother Isabella Wallace.
My Father had a sister Christine and brother Alistair.
My Gandfather Alexander stayed at 219 Bilsland.
Does anyone remember the Wallace Family.
Hello,
I have just found this site and I think it is great.
I myself did not live in Maryhill as I was adopted out at 9 months old.
I have traced many members of my brith family already.
I have met my birth mother Dot Turton (89 Oran Street) and her brother Bobby Turton.
When it came to finding my birth father, he had already passed.
He was Joe Patrick from Maryhill Road and had many brothers and sisters.
His mother and brother died in 57 in a horrrific car crash and also another child who was a friend of the family.
My birth Grandmother was May Grieve, her family had all lived in Oran street, Maryhill as well.
She separated from my birth grandfather Robert Turton in the 60's and she moved to the flats in the barracks.
I saw that Alex O'Brien wrote that her Auntie ran the fishmongers and wondered if she was any relation?
Any info on her would be great, in fact, any info on the Turtons, Grieves and Patricks would be great.
I hold no malice to any of them.
I am 47 and have daughters and grandsons of my own and would love to be able to tell them something about any of them.
Many thanks,
Ann
Christine Welsh,
I remember old Maggie's shop in Nansen Street.
She was an old lady who made sweeties in the back and sold them.
I also remember a family named Thom from Nansen Street, I think they lived in Number 11 and they were a big family.
When my wife and I got married in 1960 we went to live in 11 Nansen Street and had a single end in the close, where I think the Thoms lived before moving upstairs.
Andy McCormack.
Enjoyed the comments...
I am not from Maryhill but used to hang around there in the early 70's.
Went out with a couple of fellas from the area.
Does anybody remember a pub called "The George", it was across the street from the theatre at George's Cross.
Does anybody remember the big fire at George's Cross in 1972, it was a Saturday and me and my mates were on our way to the Celtic game and had just come out of the George and saw the fire...
It was above a paint shop....
My mothers family were from Barnes Rd in Ruchill, their name was Gallagher.
I also used to hang out at "the Charing Cross" bar on sunday nights (it was considered a hotel so you could drink there on Sundays.
My mother's youngest brother Pat Gallagher married a girl from Cedar Street, her name was Gracie Gallagher ( that was her maiden name).....
Does anyone remember the Connollys at Kelvinside Ave.
I think they had a chippie at one time there was a daughter Cathy.
I regularly check this excellent website, At the beginning I prompted visitors to contribute. All were very shy at first but like true Glasgow folk they sure have come out!! Ann Williams has had some info. about the Grieves now that she has visited the site. I have given some comments and I remember Helen well in her fish shop, in her clogs sliding along on the wet floor. Those were the days - 'no health and safety' and we are still alive!! I wish everyone a good Christmas and a happy New Year.
Malcolm Campbell says: I used to live at 10 camperdown street from 1931-1965. I attended oakbank primary school and NKS. I Witnessed the barrage balloon explosion during the war in the quarry beside camperdown street. Does anyone else have any memories of this?
Hi everyone,Idid not know this site existed,its great to find people reliving their memories of firhill and surrounding areas,Iwas born and bred in firhill rd,number 34 ,right at the bottom,we were the Smiths,I am the youngest of 10,the canal was at the back of our building,unfortunatel we lost a brother to the canal in 1945 ,i was born a year after he drowned ,i was named after him,Robert.my elder siblings were Jim,duncan,george,jean ,agnes ,joan,chrissie,peter.the witney works and the canal were our (adventure play areas)tin can tomahawks and all that,springbank was my school ,i felt at home reading all the posts on this site ,i just had to join in .
What a site,I just had to join in.I havea lot of great memories of firhill road,I was born in 34 firhill rd as were all my siblings,we were the Smiths,Jim ,George,Duncan,Jean ,Agnes,Joan ,Chrissie,Peter,my self the youngest,The canal was our playground and the witney works,my brother was drowned in the canal 1945 i was named after him ,he was 7yrs old.
This is the Firhill Road kids circa 1947-8.
I am not in picture but I recognise Davie Black, Francis Black, Isa Cambell holding her wee brother Robert at the top row, Macklins are in pic and Grants, Websters ,
I was brought up in Seamore Street from 1951 until 1963 and attended Napiershall Primary School. I now live near Fremantle in Western australia.
The "butni", Lochgilp street, Whitelaw street, the Wid-wal bray oh dear, all the buildings have gone! It had to happen,I guess, oh but its like a veil has been lifted. Where once, a great big dirty brick wall hiding the blackening works lurking behind it blocked our view, we lived in the black tenements directly accross the road. Now the people have access to the river Kelvin across grassy slopes which have been cleaned up, the river I believe is being fished from the banks by hopefull anglers, When I was a lad I would escape with my pals, John McCairns, Paddy Oaks, Enock Galager, over the dry stane wall to Lady Cambels estate,where we would wander all day ,walking the river bank, hunting for water hens eggs which we ate with gusto and wandered through the woods gathering Blu-bells for Ma, never once being accosted by the gamekeeper whom we were told would shoot us on sight. The cliffs of BelGraig beckond also and many an adventure was to be had allong the cliff top. The estate is now a university campus I think? But I digress , Upstream of where the big black wall stood , a paper mill operated aparently free from government restrictions it oozed clag down the slopes into the river, it was so thick it sat on top with the river running underneath it, but that has gone also, the clag and the mill with it, To the thin jersied urchins most with runny noses who lived in Lochgilp street and I was one of those, the Maryhill canal beckoned, deep and dangerous , it actualy flowed over the river! amazing realy, Tommy Craig,my young cousin riding his new bike allong the flagstone edging of the canal toppling unseen, drowned in its waters. it was several days before his young body was discovered, near the Bantaskin street pub the miners and their mates would gamble with pennies being thrown in the air , I trained at the Bantaskin boxing club, run by boxer Jimmy Dougan, There were adventures apleanty, were we under priveliged children or privilged children I am not sure? Gerry McGrade
Bobby Mc Donald says it was amazing to find Robert Smith on this site talking about his family and the area I grew up - ( being 80 Years of Age I was surprised to find anyone on the site ) I knew most if not all of his family in the 1930s and 40s - they certainly packed them into his mother's ground level room & kitchen -although we were poor we have many memories of the families and that part of Maryhill. Bob Mc Donald
I would like to say many thanks to Doris for the photo of the ladies in the back court at Carrickarden because the Mrs Hunter on the left was my grandmother, Margaret, who sadly passed away when I was 11.
She was a wonderful gran and I spent many happy times at Carrickarden St with both my grandparents.
My mum, Irene, is their daughter.
I remember going to the shops with my gran on Raeberry St and how at that age I couldn't understand how she seemed to know everyone we met in the street!
Strangely my Dad actually ran a newspaper shop in the street in the early 60s.
Thank you again for a lovely, unexpected surprise
I would like to send greetings to Robert Stevenson who lived in Seamore Street, Maryhill. I too attended Napiershall Street Primary School from 1951 to 1955 and lived opposite the school so did not have far to go. I was in the same class as you with our teacher Mrs Kennedy. You sat to the right of centre facing the teacher if I remember correctly. Just wishing you good health and how great it is to find someone from your early days. I now live in Edinburgh. Good luck!