The Steamie

[Granny911]

Forgot to say in my last post there, that while on a holiday to Glasgow from Canada a few years ago, a friend took us to see "The Steamie" production on stage. Oh what a laugh it gave me and such memories. My Canadian husband thought it was hilarious and yes he understood every word, guess he's been hanging around me too long! Sheila

[frankford]

I think the entrance to the Steamie in the Gorbals was from Portugal Lane, the pool and hot baths were from Gorbals St., some of the boys used to climb the dale then onto the Ballastrade at the baths level and dive or jump
into the pool. Remember my mother going to the steamie with the washing in the galvie tub in the pram frame
then return to the backyard to hang it out, families had specific days for using the poles, playing in the back with a ball was taboo for obvious reasons when washing was out to dry.
When I started work with the Corpy in 1960 we did the maintenance on the Steamies, pools , baths and many other Glasgow utilities. Frank Ford

[JosieStuksis]

I think you mean the entrance to the gorbals baths steamie was in Bedford Row, this was the lane behind the baths.

[frankford]

Hi Josie, I am certain the entrance to the swimming pool was from Gorbals St. there used to be an entrance to the Steamie in the early days from Bedford Lane but in the 50s there was an entrance from Portugal lane which ran parallel with Gorbals St, St John's men and boys guild was also in the lane and there was an entrance to the primary school at the bottom. I really enjoy and appreciate the posts. Frank

[DannyGill]

Hi there gosh I feel right old when you are talking about wash houses. There was the steamie in govanhill of Victoria Rd. then the one down the lane in the Gorbals, Oatlands steamie and then the one in Rutherglen Rd facing Campden St next to the old church that the landmine fell on. Cannot remember if there were anymore, I think Pollokshaws had a steamie.

My aunties all worked in the Hare work in Ballater St. if anyone can remember this work it was next to Adelphi School and they had a night think it was a Wednesday night when all the workers from the Hare work took over the wash house no outsiders were let in it was only for the workers. My grannie who lived in Commercial Rd used to send us around to help my aunties with the washing, kids were allowed in there and kids were allowed in the Gorbals one as we used to go down and help my ma with the washing.
The Oatlands steamie was a wee bit toffier some of the women used to wear wee hats or turbans when they were doing the washing one of the wee men was called Donald because I used to go to it when I was married and had 4 weans at the time. before I moved up to Castlemilk. Amelia x

Hi Amelia,
Yes hard old days of long ago and our Mothers did us all proud. I remember years ago that the police came and arrested one of the men in the Oatlands steamie he had taken drink in to the steamie and took a child in there and molested the child [God love the poor child], I stood there as a10 or 11 year old watching the police take him away but never heard any more about it. Did you ever hear about this Amelia ?.
Regards.
Danny

[DannyGill]

Hi Josie, I am certain the entrance to the swimming pool was from Gorbals St. there used to be an entrance to the Steamie in the early days from Bedford Lane but in the 50s there was an entrance from Portugal lane which ran parallel with Gorbals St, St John's men and boys guild was also in the lane and there was an entrance to the primary school at the bottom. I really enjoy and appreciate the posts. Frank

Hi Frank,
Yes it's a great site to catch up with years ago and take a trip down memory lane and we have Jimbo who puts up great links for us to look at.
Regards.
Danny

[JosieStuksis]

243476_2036113390352_5563112_o.jpg (97.8 KiB) Viewed 4294 times

Frank, yes the entrance to the swimming was in Gorbals St. and I believe the entrance to the steamie was in Bedford Row, which ran parallel to Gorbals St and was behind the swimming. Bedford Lane ran from Gorbals St to Portugal St. Bedford St ran from Portugal St to Eglinton St. I have never heard of Portugal Lane. I was born and brought up in Nicholson Street. Have attached a photo, hope it is clear enough to read the nameplate.

[frankford]

Josie, Thanks for the reply and photo, I always thought where it shows Bedford Row was Portugal Lane,I have a
photographic atlas of Glasgow and it names Portugal St. and Lane in it also Bedford St. and Lane but no Bedford Row and all in G5, I used to go to the Boys Guild down the lane also to the school at the bottom, I have read in other books that there may have been name changes, this has got me intrigued so I will keep searching.
I was brought up in So. Portland St. opposite the Synagogue, left in 1966 for Australia
Just found another map Gorbals 1910 and it shows Portugal Lane behind the St. John's Church between Warwick St and also Bedford Row so you were spot on with what you stated, thanks Frank

[JosieStuksis]

Frank, are you talking about the 1910 map that's in the illustrated history of the Gorbals book? Well I have just scrutinised it myself and I can see where it says Portugal Lane, I honestly never heard anyone refer to it as Portugal lane. I lived in Nicholson St, which was Warwick St. and I lived in the old fire station building opposite the school both of which are marked on that old 1910 map. I also noticed that the lane behind our back court was called Norfolk court as well. You live and learn. I have only just got a hold of the map I am talking about. Never knew that lane had a name either. I have an aerial photo of the area and I think its amazing you can see the fire station, school, church and Portugal St school all in one tiny bit. (just saying cos I lived, went to school, went to the church and then the other school).

Anyway Frank sorry if I was causing any confusion and thanks for your input also. It drives me nuts also if something doesn't seem right as well.

[frankford]

Josie, that is the book with the map, no confusion this has been a great wee exercise. thanks again Frank