January 2010

[TheGorbalsAdmin]

Strange anecdote from Mr.Taylor regarding the regeneration of Oatlands. But indeed, the Oatlands was itself a thriving hard working community with it's own schools, shops, and employer's. Local pubs and shops lived off the large crowds which frequented Shawfield Stadium [dogs + football]. I lived in Rutherglen Road from 1950 to 1973. Believe me, it was a warm, friendly, and exciting district to live in.
Submitted by: John Blount
Glasgow, Scotland
31/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Message for wee Betty and Jim Boyle from the Gorbals - do you know Thomas Douglas Cryans? He took the fruit barras over after Isabella.
Submitted by: Patrick Cryans
Rayleigh, England
31/01/10
Email: patrickfrancis@talktalk.net

Thank you for giving me information on my family. About the Gunns - Joe is back staying with Cathy and Emmy lived at 55 Drakemire and Jane stayed at 41. That's were we went our summer hols.
Submitted by: Cathy Dewar
Glasgow, UK
31/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

FAO Melvin. Hi, there was an Archie Bowman who lived at 33 Salisbury Street in the close. I think he would have been born in 1949 ish. He and my sister played together as toddlers. I was born in 1939 and went to Abbotsford and Strathbungo schools but we left the area about 1954.
Submitted by: Cathie
Blackpool, England
31/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

FAO Wilma Mullholland. I worked in Penkinskys for a few months in spring 1972 I think. I worked packing socks and stuff. I think the area we worked in had a balcony, my boss was a smallish man with a moustache and glasses. I remember being in Mr Louis office once. The shops was just down from Gorbals Cross as you headed for the Clyde. I saved up enough in my time there to buy a made to measure suit and an Arthur Black shirt which were all the go at the time.
Submitted by: G5
Ireland
30/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Hi Jim Bonnar. I remember you from Bonnies, Alice Street, and temporarily at Grange school. Many ex-pupils leave a message on this website. Was it you who set the toilet pipes alight with a cigarette?
Submitted by: Willie Toner
Glasgow, UK
29/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Spent some time going all through the site. Some great stories. Just got to say that a lot of people who claim to have lived in the Gorbals but never have by the address just makes me wonder why they did not know about where the Gorbals started. One thing I know it was not in Lawmoor Street or Naburn Street and even Oatland. Just a thought.
Submitted by: John
Medford, USA
29/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

FAO K.Lennie - can you ask your mum to e-mail me please? I want to know how the family are doing. Cheers Pat.
Submitted by: Pat Holland
London, England
29/01/10
Email: patlyonsholland@hotmail.co.uk

Wee Bleather, when I worked at Monteiths, my name was Margaret Howie. I remember Mr. Hill, he hired me. Also, was Annie McPherson the one who worked in the cutting room right at the back before you went through to the sewing room? Also, Alex, was he a foreman in the cutting room? Lizzie Gardner was my best friends aunt - she worked in the sewing room. Don't know if you remember brothers Chris and Johnny Clelland? Anyway, did have a lot of laughs and good times there. Good memories of the Old Gorbals.
Submitted by: Maggie Boyett
Florida, USA
28/01/10
Email: mikeboyett@hotmail.com

For Cathie Dewar - some of your relatives eventually moved to the Valley in Castlemilk in the early 60's I think. Is the name McMenemie familiar with you?
Submitted by: Gill
Carmunnock, Scotland
28/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

To Cathy Dewar - I remember the Gunn family. They moved to Castlemilk. Emmy lived at 55 Drakemire Drive. Jane also lived in Drakemire but I don't know the number. There was also a brother - I think his name was Chris. Emmy's daughter was a bus conductress on SMT buses. I lived 2 closes from them in Drakemire. Hope this will be of some help to you good luck.
Submitted by: N. McDonald
Cumbernauld, Scotland
28/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

EM please give my email address to the person you refer to. Just to let you, a few of John Meighan's old pals, neighbours, his uncle Jim and Father John (a priest from the Calton) were at the Linn Garden of Remembrance last Saturday to lay a flower and say a few prayers. We all just wanted to say goodbye to an old friend. "God Bless John." Cheers to all the boys who were there and to Father John from the Calton. Many thanks for coming along. Thanks to all the neighbours from the square who made a donation. Best Regards, Paul.
Submitted by: Paul Richmond 
Glasgow, Scotland
28/01/10
Email: paulrichmond@talktalk.net

FAO Cathy. I knew the Gunns family. They lived at No.257 Lawmoor Street. Jane was a lovely woman. Emmy had a daughter (Joe) and they stayed in Drakemire Crescent. I knew Joesy well - she moved to Southport in the late 80's and had two girls of her own. Her married name is Whitehouse.
Submitted by: V.K.
England
28/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

The wee market was in Kipper Lane. Mary Boyle, her sister Sadie (and I think a brother) lived in the wee building right across from it that smelled like kippers but was great for bargains. Me and Becky Steen used to go there for ribbon and wee girls dresses. My sister Kathleen used to work in the kipper factory and when she would go to John the Pawns, he would always tell her, "whit did yi bring in....the whole kippers?" as the smell followed her till she took her once a week bath in the wash house. It was the gorbals wee paddies market without the smell. Would not mind a kipper on toast - salty but good and loved sucking the bones till it was dry.
Submitted by: Doris McIntyre
California, USA
28/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

I worked as a secretary at B. Penkinsky & Sons (Wholesale Warehouse) in the Gorbals in the early 70's. I was secretary to the two owners, the brothers, "Mr Louis" and "Mr Fred" and I remember some of the staff - Peter Kaminsky, Yetta Bernstein and the girl from Accounts "Ellen" who I was friendly with. Anyone else out there remember "Penns"?

Submitted by: Wilma Mulholland
Glasgow, Scotland
28/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

This is my first time on. I want to find out about my family - their names were Emmy, Jane and Sarah Gunns. They came from Lawmoor Street. Any information would be appreciated.

Submitted by: Cathie Dewar
Glasgow, Scotland
27/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

My mother and her family lived in the Gorbals when she was quite young, before the war. Joan Maclean was her name. Her father was Duncan, brothers Donald and Duncan deceased, sisters Mary and Chrissie. does anyone remember them?

Submitted by: Joanne Helmer
Canada
26/01/10
Email: words3ca@yahoo.ca

Hi Cathy. I will check with my cousins about Surrey Street to see if any of them stayed there . I should see my cousins Stevie and Josie at the weekend. All the best, Jim.

Submitted by: Jim Fitzsimons
Glasgow, Scotland
26/01/10
Email: jamesfitzsimons2009@hotmail.co.uk

If anyone out there knows of Alby Marshall formerly of Crown St, and a once regular of the Glaswegian bar in Bridge St, please ask him to leave a message on this forum as to his health. Many Thanks.
Submitted by: Sam F.
Glasgow, Scotland
26/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Hi to Cathy Stone (McEwan). Did you go to Abbotsford Place School? You must have lived near the Bowmans? Regards Melvin.
Submitted by: Melvin Bernstein
Glasgow, Scotland
25/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

I too remember FR Rowan from those far off days in Saint Johns Chapel. I was baptised there in 1935, first holy communion in 1943, conformation in 1946,married in 1956.
Submitted by: Owen Dougan
Glasgow, Scotland
25/01/10
Email: g132yn@bushinternet.com

I'm new to the forum. Anyone out there who attended Bonnies Secondary between 1970 to 1974 leave a message. Thanks.
Submitted by: Jim Bonnar
Not Supplied
25/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

The regeneration of Oatlands is a fine example of future housing and well laid landscapes. I'm born and bred from Toryglen St. and wish the Oatlands had looked like that when I was growing up in the 1960's and 1970's. That's solid progress for you.
Submitted by: Johnny Taylor
Glasgow, Scotland
25/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Hi Jim Fitzsimons, my mum is Cathy Fitzsimons, Stevies daughter, she said hi!!
Submitted by: K Lennie
Glasgow, Scotland
25/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Blimey, I had a dream last night about the flea market in or around Errol Street? Can't remember the name of this Lane, but Paddy's Market would have put this place to shame!!
Submitted by: Mrs Stewart
Surrey, England
25/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

The Paragon Picturehouse in Cumberland Street. My mother's cat used to follow her in and sit on her lap during the film!! Both would come out with fleas! Happy days? I kid you not.
Submitted by: Val
Glasgow, United Kingdom
25/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

I left the Gorbals in 1982 when I was 49 years old. I lived in Crown St, then the infamous Hutchie E blocks!! I look at the New Gorbals from google maps and photographs. What a lovely modern area it's turning out to be. Our older generation would have been chuffed as hell to live in a district such as today's New Gorbals. Rant over. (Geo. aged - 77)
Submitted by: Geo. McDonald
Millport, United Kingdom
24/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Lived all my life In the Gorbals, Gorbals Cross to be exact, left and came to the states as a Domestic for a rich american family, the love of my life was Michael Reilly him and his brothers had a fruit shop there 'Lenas' named after there Mother, anyway nothing ever came of my great love in fact I don't even know If he knew he was my one true love. I have great memories of him, just wanted to know if any the folks we ran around with are out there somewhere would love to hear from you.
Submitted by: Pat Lynch
Los-Angeles, USA
24/01/10
Email: glasgopati@aol.com

Hi Cathy stayed at 69 Surrey St, through the wall from the McEwans, we went to the east end of the city when we left the Gorbals. Hope to speak to you again.
Hi Jim Fitzsimons Did your family come from Surrey St, if so I know them well.
Submitted by: Susan
Glasgow, Scotland
23/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Hello Stephen McGuigan. My Brother Stephen also lived in Pollokshaws. I am doing well but I miss hame. I do well remember the camp and I enjoyed it. What school did you go to after St Francis? I have spent most of my life in New Zealand and Australia and have lost touch. Is there any archieved photographs of St Francis that you know of? Nice that you replied. Aw the best, Patrick.
Submitted by: Stella
Melbourne, Australia
23/01/10
Email: psmccunnie@optusnet.com.au

My Nan wants to know does anyone remember anyone from 256 Lawmoor Street, next to Smyths Bar.
Submitted by: Stella
Helensburgh, Scotland
23/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

It's with some sadness when I look at the site of what was once the Coliseum. Indeed, walking down Eglinton Street seems like a ghost town compared to the thriving community it once was when growing up in Nicholson St in the late 50's. Oh how I loved going to the Coliseum every Saturday. Queuing outside Bridge St Underground for the train to take me to the football. A pie and a pint in Eglinton Street's numerous pubs. Heavy traffic in both directions. What a change in 50 years!
Submitted by: Big Bill Barclay
Glasgow, Scotland
23/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

I joined your website on Jan 20th but forgot to leave my maiden name. It was Eaglesham. Thank you webmaster, I already heard from a long lost cousin and a girl I played with as a wee girl.
Submitted by: Emily Biros
Simi Valley, California, USA
23/01/10
Email: GlasgowLassie@hotmail.com

JOHN MEIGHAN, thanks to Paul and raymond for getting back to me about John. I was hoping that by sending a post about John someone would maybe know Johns sister or other family members as I don't know if they know of Johns passing. I know Johns mum was contacted by hospital but never got back in touch I can now understand the reason for that. Paul, I would like to pass your email address on to someone that was close to John as she will be able to tell u alot more about him. Thanks again for getting in touch.
Submitted by: EM
Scotland
23/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Would be interested to hear from anyone who has a Robert MacFarlane in thier family born around 1920. He may have been a worker in a munition factory in 1940s.
Submitted by: Jackie
Aberdeen, Scotland
22/01/10
Email: jackiemclaughlan@hotmail.com

I can still remember walking the length of Caledonia Rd with my father(who'd stop at all the pubs for a quick dram), as we headed for Shawfield Stadium to watch Clyde FC. I can't remember all the pub names as it was during the 1960's. Maybe someone out there can? We would catch up with relatives from Rutherglen Road. Those were the days when it was exciting to watch Clyde. Now the Oatlands is unrecognisable, Clyde have relocated, Caley Rd is somewhat different and appears to start at the Gushet! Then I woke up and it WASN'T a dream!!!! What will I tell my young grandson?
Submitted by: Charlie Croft jnr
Blantyre, Scotland
22/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

This is a message for Stevie Donachy - I see you are from a large family - do you have a brother John?
Submitted by: R C
England
22/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Irene Muir, Yes I do remember May Roberts-did she have a brother Pat? If we are talking about the same person, I think it was Benthall Street or Snowden Steet they stayed. What we called then, "the new hooses" Margaret Wilkie rings a bell too. Betty Blue-but she was older than me and I think I have a few years on you. I think I am more ages with your sister June. I will be 67 next March. Oh my God, I don't believe it. My Granny died when she was 64 in 1949 and she seemed a very old women then. I don't consider myself old but my Granny did have 13 weans so I guess she had an excuse! Trying to think of other folk you might have known; Katherine and Ann Samson; Mari and Audery Kennedy; Helen Moffat. Billy and James Hawkins. The last three were cousins and live in McNeil St around the corner from the Pig and Whistle. Nice to hear from you and I hope life will be good to you in 2010 Cheers Maggie, Rita
Submitted by: Rita Moffat
Glasgow, UK
22/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Every time I travel home and look at the monstrosity that's the new M74 Motorway link, I think of the now demolished area it's built upon. I grew up in the 60's & 70's in McKinlay Street. We had friends & family in Turrif St & Devon St. My late dad used Gordon's Bar nearby. We had some great times in that small community. What a shame very little survives from that particular area. My heart bleeds!! Cheers everyone who may remember me.
Submitted by: Brian McGinley
East Kilbride, UK
22/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

My favourite memories of by-gone days were the cafe/chippy called Tony's situated in Cumberland Street next to St.Francis Chapel. Would I be correct in saying it was the best cafe/chippy in the whole Gorbals late 50's?
For Jim Paterson: Yes, I remember Miss Fox at Oatlands School. Very nice lady. I wonder if any schoolteachers from Oatlands School are still alive?
Submitted by: Val
Glasgow, UK
22/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

I'm originally from the Gorbals. I enjoy reading the anecdotes, and would like to remind likewise people that there are hundreds of Gorbals photographs from 1960 upwards on www.urbanglasgow.com
Submitted by: Margaret Hipson
Glasgow, UK
21/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Hi, I just spotted a message from wee blether. I noticed that you mentioned a Margret Mcallum I went about with a girl from school who had the same name she used to live in Errol St. her mum was Tilly and her dad was Bill. Is this the same person, could you let me know? Thanks AH.
Submitted by: Anne Hannon
London, UK
21/01/10
Email: annehannon@btinternet.com

Great stuff reading about Gorbals. Any old comrades from Bonnies 70-74 reading the forum?
Submitted by: E. Feeney
Devon, UK
21/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

F.A.O. Mona USA Fr. Rowan is still in St Bridgets Toryglen still as Irish as ever. He was a young priest in St. Johns when I was a young girl many moons ago. Amelia
Submitted by: Amelia McKinlay (nee Welsh)
Glasgow, Scotland
21/01/10
Email: ameliamckinlay@msn.com

I was born, bred and educated in the old Gorbals. Inverkip Street, St. Ninians Street and Ballater Street were my playgrounds. Hardly a day passes when I pass the old Gorbals Cross + memories of Buchan Street school flood my mind. How time passes!
Submitted by: Ann. Nonymous
Giffnock, Scotland
21/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Any survivors of Coburg Street out there? I lived at No.6 and remember playing with dozens of mates during the 40's & 50's.
Submitted by: Big Dan
Glasgow, Scotland
21/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

My family were from 63 Surrey Street, my grannie Agnes McEwan originally stayed in the house. After she died my father Alexander McEwan took over the house. My mother was Helen McEwan. Neighbour was Peggy O`Neil. We left the Gorbals in 1960 for Castlemilk, but all my father`s brothers & sisters were Gorbals born & bred. Does anyone remember the McEwans?
Submitted by: Cathy Stone (nee McEwan)
Glasgow, Scotland
20/01/10
Email: cathy.stone@hotmail.co.uk

Found your website by mistake and was thrilled to hear all the great stories about the Gorbals. I came to the USA in 1960 but have always been proud to be a Scot. I was born in the Rottenrow hospital and raised in Rutherglen Road, went to Oatland school in 1946. Moved to Claythorn St(above a pub)in 1951, went to Tureen St school then qualified for John St Sr secondary school in 1952. When I was almost 15 my sisters and brother had to go live with my Granny and Granda due to my Mum being ill. They lived in Hospital St next to to the Laundry, I can still smell the bleach. My Grandparents names were Maggie and John Green, my Granda used to run wee dances in Crown St and ran great bus runs. I loved living in the Gorbals and we had a great childhood there.When my mum got well we moved up to Castlemilk in 1957 and I stayed there til I came here.
Submitted by: Emily Biros
Simi Valley, California, USA
20/01/10
Email: GlasgowLassie@Hotmail.Com

Oatlands School - Approx 1950/2. Does anyone remember "holiday" to Galloway House. Teachers then were Miss Glass, Mr Scott, Miss Fox. Great wee school. Happy memories
Submitted by: Jim Paterson
Leeds, England
18/01/10
Email: jpaterson@talktalk.net

Looking for anyone with connections to the Gorbals Vampire incident in 1954. Maybe you or someone you know may have information you would like to share.
Submitted by: Colin Mackie
Glasgow , Scotland
18/01/10
Email: colin@glasgowbsl.co.uk

The circus in Thistle Street was for Kitty Joyce who is still alive and well.
Submitted by: Cathy
Glasgow , Scotland
17/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

We lived at 740 Rutherglen Road when I was a child, around 1968, then we moved but came back to 39 Polmadie Road around 1973 maybe. Just looking for anyone that might know us or who lived around there about that time. I attended St Bonaventures primary (wee bonnie's) and later, John Bosco, formerly St Bonaventures senior (Big Bonnie's)
Submitted by: James Bradley
Williamsport, United States
17/01/10
Email: jimbrad121@hotmail.com

FAO Ian Thompson, The name of the pub was the welcome inn, I think before that it was called the white swan but everyone called it the mucky duck where your granda & my da drank. Eddie
Submitted by: Eddie Bagan
Glasgow, Scotland
14/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

FAO Mona, USA. Fr Rowan was in St Bridget's, Toryglen, and as far as I know, he's still there.
Submitted by: Rose Doyle
Donegal, Ireland
13/01/10
Email: rosedoyle1@hotmail.com

Happy New Year everyone, I'm trying to find any old workmates, I used to work in an office (Southside Sawmills 555 Calder Street) as a receptionist, from 1970/1977. My maiden name was Kavanagh. If there is anyone out there I would love to hear from you
Submitted by: Margaret Fullerton
Glasgow, Scotland
12/01/10
Email: margaret.fullerton@live.co.uk

I came from the Gorbals many years ago. I left to move to Cranhill about 1958 my name is Jim Fitzsimons my da was called Alex my ma was Mamie. All my family came from the Gorbals and Oatlands they were all Fitzsimons's uncles John, Stevie, Joe and a lot of cousins came from the Gorbals and Oatlands. Hope to hear from people who knew them. All the best Jim Fitzsimons
Submitted by: Jim Fitzsimons
Glasgow, Scotland
12/01/10
Email: jamesfitzsimons2009@hotmail.co.uk

JOHN MEIGHAN....Hi to the person (EM) who posted the information about "Meighsie" I'm an old best friend of John's. I would like to find out more information about what happened to him can you please contact me. Many thanks Paul Richmond
Submitted by: Paul Richmond
Erskine, Scotland
11/01/10
Email: paulrichmond@talktalk.net

In response to EM enquiery about John Meegan. Only found out about his passing on Saturday and was gutted that no one new about it. I've known Meegsy since He was a kid. His mother was called Jeanette his dad Phil passed away about 25 year ago and he did have a sister Called Georgina. Found out that his mother was diagnosed with dementia about 3 year ago so don't know how bad she is now.
Submitted by: Raymond Madden
Glasgow, Scotland
11/01/10
Email: raymienets@netscape.net

I am an undergraduate student at Strathclyde university. As part of my degree I am completing a study into the impact of regeneration on the Gorbals and its community. If anyone has any thoughts or opinions on this feel free to let me know either via this forum or sending them to the e-mail I have provided. I am particularly interested if there has been an improvement in facilities, community spirit and appearance. Also the effect of regeneration such as the displacement of people from there homes whilst areas were being developed. I appreciate any comments offered. Yours Claire Glendinning
Submitted by: Claire Glendinning
Glasgow, Scotland
10/01/10
Email: claire.glendinning@strath.ac.uk

Hi Rita, Do you remember the Moores Betty and Susan, also Wee May Roberts (she married Jim McQueen ) Mgt Gallagher-Jean and Francis Carlton-Marshall Cross-Mgt Wilke thanks for geting in touch. It meant a lot xx
Submitted by: Irene R Muir (now Millward-Pizheva)
Salford, England
10/01/10
Email: irenerpizheva@ymail.com

Hi EM sorry to hear about John I went to primary school with John and confirm he does have a sister.
Submitted by: TommY Butler
Glasgow, United Kingdom
09/01/10
Email: Tommy@glasgow.com

My family used own the Princess Cafe next to the Citizen Theatre, and grew up in the Gorbals, any info about Bernard Porterfeild who went to the states to join the marines or any one else who were in the Gorbals in 60s/70s who lived in Gorbals Street 119 at that time, have some old film in the attick.
Submitted by: Peter Fugaccia
Glasgow, United Kingdom
08/01/10
Email: pietro.m.fugaccia@hotmail.co.uk

FAO Maggie Boyett. I also worked in the slipper factory--1963/65. I don't remember your name though? I worked in the sewing room on the ribbon machine and at the benches doing various jobs. It was A great place to work great atmosphere I was only young and didn't take the job too serious. I remember A few people who worked in the cutting room? Ann McPhearson and A guy called Alec? Don't remember his sir name. My supervisor was Lizzie Thompson, who had an ongoing battle with Sam Logan who worked down-stairs. Our boss was Mr Hill, a very nervous man, who got fired for drinking in his wee office, my pal was Margaret McCallum, who got married, I was her best maid. ---- I Loved working there) the place has gone now to make way for the new motorway that runs straight through it. Wee Blether
Submitted by: Wee Bleather
Ayrshire, Scotland
08/01/10
Email: Not Supplied

Wishing everybody a happy 2010, and many more after that. Does anybody remember Mary Mellon, from Househillwood Road, Catherine Batchelor, of Lunderston Drive or Mary MacKay from Glenlora Terrace all of Priesthill, and so many other good looking girls of yester year. Awra best
Submitted by: Loudon Fraser
Langley, WA, USA
07/01/10
Email: lfraser@whidbey.com

Hi I'm trying to trace the history of my great grandmother Elizabeth Gorski, who lived in the Gorblas after fleeing Russia at the turn of the 20th century (to escape pogrums) I would like to know if there is any trace of the bakery she owned, or how I could find a wedding certificate for her 2nd marriage there? She left for Argentina around the time of the 2nd w.war and had 5 children with her first husband Samuel Gorski. I would love to know more about their life there. Thanks.
Submitted by: Kate Blower
Not Supplied
05/01/10
Email: kate.blower@hotmail.co.uk