December 2005

[TheGorbalsAdmin]

Does anyone remember my dad from the Gorbals in the 1950s his name was Frank Wilson and he lived in Centre Street, before that he lived in Cathedral Street. His parents Robert and Aggie also lived in Centre Street around the same time.

Submitted by: D. Wilson
Glasgow, Scotland
29/12/05
Email: doreenwi2@btinternet.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


I think I remember the name Estelle Cameron -If I remember right - she was the mam of the family - her husband was a new age guy (for that time) and he "helped" hang out the washing. and was very much a family man. I only remember cos my mam Edie and her pal Ellen Morrison used to talk about how good a man he was. IF it is the same family you lived top end of Florence Street - across from Kames Street - next to what was Dixon Blazes - I think it became Templetons Carpet Factory then Castle Cash and Carry. Anyway there was this high one of end back court. Up your close was Linda and John Short (children) cannae remember parents names. I lived at 60 Kidson Street and we shared this enormous back court which stretched from the Salvation Army building right down to Florence Street, where I think you lived.

Submitted by: Millie Jordan (Nee Mildred Rorke)
Busby, Scotland
26/12/05
Email: Not Submitted
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Does the name Liddell ring a bell to anyone they came from the Gorbals in the 70's/80's and maybe still live there

Submitted by: Sharon Malone
Glasgow, UK
26/12/05
Email: s.malone.26@btinternet.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR ANOTHER PLACE WHERE ANECDOTES ARE WRITTEN LIKE THE EX-GORBALS PEOPLE DO AND HAVE NOT FOUND SUCH A PLACE.IS IT SAFE TO SAY THAT WE LIVED AND WERE RAISED IN A PLACE THAT HAD NO EQUAL?.ARE WE THE MOST FORTUNATE PEOPLE? FROM WHAT I READ EVERY DAY IN THESE PAGES I AM CONVINCED THERE WAS NO PLACE LIKE THE "OLD GORBALS". IF WE COULD RE-LIVE ALL THESE MEMORIES TO-GETHER WOULD THAT BE A JOY FOREVER? I'D SAY 'AYE. DREAM ABOUT IT AS I HAVE YOULL BE AMAZED. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR WHEREVER YOU ARE. DAVE S.

Submitted by: Dave Stevenson
TORONTO, CANADA
25/12/05
Email: Not Submitted
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


F.A.O Charley Broon Canada Hi Charley the Palace picture house was open in 1963 but it was turned into a bingo hall. The Citizens theatre is still there (Princess as I knew it when I was young)Don't know when the diamonds closed I'll try and find out. Asked my sister who went to it but she couldn't remember but she said the same as you if you weren't doing the dance right he cut in. Also there were 2 dance floors one was for learners There was an article in the papers (Evening Times) not so long ago and the diamonds wasn't mentioned in it, the Plaza was, it still stands but is derelict there is talk of it getting pulled down. Merry Christmas and "aw the best" to you and your family for 2006

Submitted by: Amelia McKinlay (nee Welsh)
Glasgow, Scotland
23/12/05
Email: ameliamckinlay@msn.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


To my big cousin Peter - what a great surprise to see your message on here. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, Rita, George, Catherine, Margaret, Irene and all their families. By the way, did you notice that recent message that mentioned a Mary Tinney? Do you think she was part of our family? And to everyone in the Gorbals - Merry Christmas - I WISH I WAS THERE!!!

Submitted by: Margaret Bradley
Sacramento, California
23/12/05
Email: ualocal447@jps.net
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


My father, the late Mr. Donald Rankin grew up I believe on Glasgows south side and attended Adelphi Terrace school. His siblings were Jean, George, Graham, Lilly. He left school to support the family after his father deserted them. His brother George was killed in WWII. Donald immigrated to the US in the early 1950's. Just wondering if anyone remembers any of the Rankin kids. Thanks. George Rankin

Submitted by: George Rankin
Peterborough, Canada
23/12/05
Email: grankin34@cogeco.ca
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Does anybody remember the Bennetts who owned the dairy in Moffat St.? I am grtgrandaughter and would be grateful for any information. regards Moira merry christmas to you all.

Submitted by: Moira
Glasgow, Scotland
23/12/05
Email: moirabrown321@hotmail.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Dae ye remember those frosty foggy nights before Christmas when ye could taste the bite in the air? Yer knees were cauld an' yer hauns were stuck deep in yer short's pockets. Me, an' ma pals, would play "Bags I that" while gazing intae the windae o" that wee shop jist alang fae The Paragon Picture Hoose. The wee shop's windae wis brightly lit by that time, the war bein' oer an' a', an' it had a wee selection o' toys. It wis fae that same shop that I used tae fetch two ounces o' "Black Plug" baccy for my Granpa, "Paw McGuire". Ah tried cewin it wan time, wi' unfortunat results! Dae ye remember? The street would be busy those evenin's wi' folk shoppin', an' many would be making their annual pilgrimage tae see the nativity scene in St Francis' chapel. We knew the great day wis comin' an' we a' felt lifted by it. Ma mammy had got us a wee Christmas tree an' decorated it wi' tinsel and wee candles (Candles! kin ye imagine doin' that noo?) Ah had ta'en a roll o' silver paper an' spelt oot the words "Merry Christmas" alang the fron o' the fireplace mantle. Ah tore the silver paper intae strips and licked the pieces tae make them stick....It took ma Mammy months tae get the stuff aff the fireplace! Dae ye remember? It wis almost time for the "Prezzies" tae be brought forth fae their various "Planks" aboot the hoose ( A' searched for and discovered ) or fae the more secure depository at the neighbours. We knew thaat there would be the predictable "Dandy" an' "Beano" albums,plus, hopefully, other rerr treasures. We, the weans, a' ran oor messages wi' a renewed goodwill and enthusiasm, for neighbours an' relations alike. It wis "The" marvellous time of the year. Dae ye remember? Ah really hope ye dae, an' Ah wish yese a' Merry Christmas alang wi' The memories of an auld Glesca Christmas.

Submitted by: Davie Graham
Edmonton, Canada
22/12/05
Email: mcscrum@telus.net
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Can anybody tell me when Diamond's dancing academy in Gorbals St closed down? some great nights there, except when old Joe would cut in if you were making a hash of the dance, embarassing for a fifteen year old boy, doing the tango with an old geezer, but he wasn't a bad kisser - just kidding. Amelia, I live in Charleswood in Winnipeg, Cathcart St. When you're in New York go to a district called Hell's Kitchen on the West Side, just like the Gorbals, or used to be----cheers.

Submitted by: Charley Broon
Winnipeg, Canada
19/12/05
Email: cath3@mts.net
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


My Father John Cullen was born in 279 Thistle Street The Gorbals. His parents were John Cullen and Mary S. Tinney Married 17/07/1903. He served 15 years in the British Merchant Navy We migrated to Australia in 1959 Dad returned to Glesga about 20 years ago He will be 85 on the 20th December See story below when his ship The Duchess of Atholl was torpedoed 10/10/1942. An Atholl Survivor Joined the Merchant Navy 20/11/1940 ... Ship return Glasgow 14/06/1941 was sent to Liverpool to join The Duchess of Atholl http://www.gordonmumford.com/survive7.htm

Submitted by: Jim Cullen
Queanbeyan NSW, Australia
19/12/05
Email: poppytheone@hotmail.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


For Natalie USA. I remember the Travers family well, especially your Mum Ann, and your Uncle Jim, also your Gran Mary and your Grandad. Our family name was Saleh, we lived at 16 Clellend Street. Our names are Theresa (me) Thomas, Norman, Catherine and Gerald. Our Gran Susan Hughes lived down the stairs from us, she had 6 daughters, Maggie (my Mum) Theresa, Lena, Katie, also May and Jean who went to Canada after the war. I remember playing with your Mum very well, and your Gran lifting me up in her arms and taking me to my Mum when I fractured my arm after falling off a dyke, I would have only been about 6 or 7 then. Give my regards to your Mum I am sure she will remember me. Also remember the Harrity, Crawford, Colombs, McAvoy, Wisemans, Conners, Hannahs, Duffs and Gallaghan Families. Hope to hear from You Soon. Regards and fondest memories of the old gorbals. Theresa Ramsay (nee Saleh).

Submitted by: Theresa Saleh
Glasgow, Scotland
18/12/05
Email: t.ramsay1@btinternet.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Margaret Bradley of Lawmoore St merry xmas from your big cousin Peter.

Submitted by: Peter
Glasgow, Scotland
18/12/05
Email: pedrokinnear@hotmail.co.uk
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Would love to hear from any relatives. James McCarron, Tommy Beveridge's family both of my uncles, also Betty Grimley my auntie's family. I also have my an auntie who lived in Camden St. her name was Mulholland and other relations from Oatlands called Jacky Kinlay who was my father James Gray's family. It would be nice to hear from anyone who may think we are related. We lived in Salisbury Street from 1932- 1959.

Submitted by: Alice Gray
Linwood, Paisley
17/12/05
Email: james.sanderson13@ntlworld.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


As being born in the Gorbals in 1947 The post code was C5. Does anybody remember the C5 Rambling club we all met at the corner off Nicholson St Pay sixpence and you where taken away for the day by adults Peter, klause and geoff Shaw? Cheers Bye Wee Alec fae Warwick st then Nicholson St.

Submitted by: Alec Allum
Glesca, Scotland
17/12/05
Email: tcb1151@aol.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


l lived at 60 Kidson St. next to the Salvation Army Hall. The Band of hope was at one end of the street and the cemetry was at the other. My parents were Gordon Ford and Jean (nee hughes). My dad was a taxi cab owner & driver known as the Big Yin his plate # was SGG 223. My nickname was Jinty. We moved to the Drum around 1954 and lived at 28 Heathcot Ave. until I married in 1963 and moved to Aussie in 1964. My mother passed away in 2002. After she passed we found some poetry that she had written that I would like to share with you. I have a friendly smile, I give my smile away, The milkman and the postman seemed glad of it each day, I took it to the shops, and wore it on the streets, I gave it without thinking to all I chanced to meet, I always gave my smile away, as thoughtless as could be, and every time I gave it my smile came back to me. If you visit the Fergus Scottish Festival in Fergus, Ontario, Canada during the second full weekend in August you can come to the tea garden and say hello to me. Just look for the dumb broad wearing the full length dress kilt in 100F weather, thats me.

Submitted by: Jeanette McDowell (nee Ford)
Mississ auga Ont, Canada
16/12/05
Email: clydebankjimmy@msn.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Granny and Granda DOUGAN (Jane and David) lived at 64 McNeil Street, from 1913 until 1952. In 2003, we visited Mc Neil Street and tried to find the various streets in the Gorbals where our ancestors once lived. Can anyone tell us when the tenements came down on Mc Neil St? There are now, many modern structures. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. Jean

Submitted by: Jean McMillan Fuhrer
Florida's Space Coast, USA
16/12/05
Email: nfuhrer@bellsouth.net
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


I was born 1962 Florence St. Anyone remember the Cameron family Bobby, Estelle or my two brothers Billy and Robert? We moved to pollok just before the birth of my youngest brother Kenny I moved to Canada in 1989 and would love to hear from anyone who remembers us. Fae wan scot tae many others awra best fur the new year!

Submitted by: June Cameron
Oshawa, Canada
15/12/05
Email: june.cameron@nedco.ca
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Postcode for the Gorbals in 1950s was Glasgow C5 awera best jimmy.

Submitted by: Jimmy
Oz
14/12/05
Email: jim.boyle@bigpond.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Just to let all Gorbals Live friends that my Uncle Jacky Shannon passed away today, he was raised in Scotsoun but spent most of his married live in the Gorbals, his wife Auntie Ina Shannon passed away on Feb. 8th, 2000, Auntie Ina used to sing at the "Rolls Royce Club" his remains will be interred at Lynn Cemetary where all my family are buried, may he rest in piece now that he is with Auntie Ina....Regards Anne

Submitted by: Anne
Whitby Ont, Canada
14/12/05
Email: lenann@rogers.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Riveting website!! Just spent three hours reading all of the messages, they are very informative. and give you a good picture of what life was like. My Mom and my Aunt's spoke of only the happy times they had growing up in the Gorbals. Looking for -- what became of McKechnie Street? Our ALEXANDER Family lived there until 1878. What became of Waddell Street? My Mom, Isabella ALEXANDER DOUGAN was born there in 1907. Also, regarding Dance Halls, our 2nd cousin, Duncan MCKELLAR, won many competitions during the 1920's and 1930's, possibly into the 1940's. Family lore has it that a "Gang" disrupted one of the Glasgow Competitions, similar to those described in "No Mean City." Looking forward to hearing from you. Jean.

Submitted by: Jean McMillan Fuhrer
Florida's Spacecoast, USA
14/12/05
Email: nfuhrer@bellsouth.net
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Our McMILLANS lived at 125 Thistle Street from 1851 until the late 1880's. Does anyone know of Archibald MCMILLAN, and what living conditions might have been? They had a very large family. Archibald was married first to Flora FLETCHER and then to Mary LAURIE (from Dumfriesshire).

Submitted by: Jean McMillan Fuhrer
Florida's Spacecoast, USA
14/12/05
Email: nfuhrer@bellsouth.net
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


It is 5pm on Tuesday december 13th 2005 and i'm in my office thinking about Scotland and specifically The Gorbals. I want to say Merry Christmas to everyone living in The Gorbals and thoses of us who lived there when we were young. I want to say to all of you, I hope everyone of you has Happiness and Love and Warmth in your lives at this time of the year and the coming year. I miss the Gorbals and my childhood there. I especially feel a real connection to all of you that have this great history of ours in our lives. My e-mail sounds a bit sad and that's because of the time of year and the memories we will all remember. God Bless all of you and sincere best wishes. Regards Joe.

Submitted by: Joe McLean
Toronto, Canada
13/12/05
Email: mcleanj@aptea.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Wishing all Gorbals live readers "Merry Christmas" & all the best in 2006. From an ex Gorbals lassie

Submitted by: Anne
Whitby Ont, Canada
12/12/05
Email: lenann@rogers.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Hi I am trying to find out info about my Granda who fought Benny Lynch in the Gorbals. My Grandad was John Podmore known as Young Troy and I would love to get some info to give to my dad for his Birthday.

Submitted by: Jane Caney
East Sussex, UK
10/12/05
Email: janecaney@aol.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Trying to contact John Bonar in Austalia who remembers my mum, Carmel McNally. John, have you changed your email address?

Submitted by: Stephen McNally
Gorbals, Glasgow
09/12/05
Email: steph.michelle@virgin.net
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Jeannie Horner McMillan then married Henry Burnett Corr. Looking for realatives or friends, formerly Gorbals. Sadie Cairney Leary, father Johnny and mother Katie. Sadie born 1.10.38. Father Johhny was a great singer, used to sing in the back courts. Anyone who remembers them?

Submitted by: Caroline McGrath
Corby, England
09/12/05
Email: caroline686@btinternet.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Hi I live in the Gorbals for the past 20 years and I've loved reading your stories of the old gorbals. Both my parents were born in the Gorbals, my mother grew up in 102 Hospital street her name was Rose Coll, she had 4 sisters Sheila, Nancy, Margaret and Mary and 3 brothers Pakie, Tommy and James. My grandparents were Patrick and Margaret Coll, my grandfather was a big man but only had one arm. My father was Joe Mccall and was born in 1924, he lived in Cumberland street till 1959 when my parents moved to Castlemilk. My father had 3 sisters Ellen, Jean and Cathy and 2 brothers Pat and David.

Submitted by: Fiona Birnie
Glasgow, Scotland
09/12/05
Email: fionabirnie13@yahoo.co.uk
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Hi I am doing my geography project on glasgow and to get some more information I need a postcode from the gorbals, could anyone help me please, the postcode will not be written in the final coursework, thanks.

Submitted by: Kim Bird
Reading, Berks
07/12/05
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


I am looking for anyone that new my mother Peggy Paton she lived in 20 Thistle Street. Her married name was Middlemas. Would love to her any stories about her as she sadly passed away, also my mother in law Jessie Anderson nee Roberts.

Submitted by: Anne
Shotts, Scotland
07/12/05
Email: annie_rob38@msn.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


My Grandad was born in 1928 at 1301 Govan Road to a lady Ada (Ida) Heinicke, she died 2 weeks after giving birth to my Grandad. My great grandmother, Ada Heinicke either worked or lived at 20 Abottsford Place until her death at the age of 31! Only over the past year my family and I got to know who my grandad was before he was adopted, His name is George Duncan (Heinicke)Carr and is now 77 years old. My family and I would be very grateful if anyone had any information on 20 Abottsford Place c.1928 or even knew my grandad or my great grand mother, I would be eternally grateful. Many thanks Richard (Heinicke) Carr

Submitted by: Richard (Heinicke) Carr
Leslie Fife, Scotland
05/12/05
Email: r_heinicke_carr@hotmail.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


I was born in the Gorbals in 1945. I lived at 99 Gorbals St, right at Gorbals Cross. I miss Glasgow and the Gorbals so much. It was a very tough place to live but it gave me everything I needed to survive in life. I could have gone to prison based on the environment I was living in but instead, I made a decision one cold night that I wanted to change my life. I finished up being a Police Officer on the Toronto Police Department for 31 years. The Gorbals has never left me. What we all endured living in the Gorbals has made me a better person and given me so much appreciation for life. In many ways you never leave the Gorbals. In that area, I met some of the best people I have ever met in my life. Our poverty helped us all help each other. I want to say hello to all of you that lived in the Gorbals. It made us one of a kind. Sincere best regards to my fellow neighbours. Joe.

Submitted by: John McLean
Toronto, Canada
05/12/05
Email: mcleanj@aptea.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


I am trying to find out what happend to my mums family. Her mums name was Ina Connelly and they lived in South Portland Street. I only know there was a lot of children and they were put into care and lost touch. pls email me if you can help.

Submitted by: Louise
Kent, UK
03/12/05
Email: louise777@hotmail.co.uk
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


To Denise from Glasgow - my Granny lived on 50 Surrey St. I the McGrath your looking is called Frank. Regards Anne

Submitted by: Anne
Whitby Ont, Canada
02/12/05
Email: lenann@rogers.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Does anyone know of John Shaw who lived at 211 Thistle Street in 1912? Not sure how long he lived there. Looking for family.

Submitted by: Shirley MacKay
Burlington, Canada
02/12/05
Email: don_shirley.mackay@sympatico.ca
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Can I just wish all who use this wonderful website a merry christmas and a happy new year lang may your old lum reek.

Submitted by: Jim McGill
Sompting, England
02/12/05
Email: james.mcgill3@btinternet.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________