Edinburgh History - Old Town - Recollections - Dumbiedykes

Dumbiedykes and Edinburgh Southside Searching for People
Questions I've received several e-mails from people who have been searching for others who used to live in the Dumbiedykes district. I'm pleased to say several of these people have been located. Here are some recent requests. If you'd like to contact the person who made the request, please e-mail me and I'll pass on your message to them. - Peter Stubbs: February 26, 2007
Message from ...		Looking for ...
1.	Eleanor McIntyre Portobello, Edinburgh	Macintyre, Raeburn, Cassidy, Rafferty
2.	Colin Mcintyre	Donald Macintyre (background)
3.	Joan Ballantyne North of England	Rafferty, Ballentyne, Symbert
4.	George T Smith British Columbia	Willie Russell, Mary + Barbara Lawson
5.	Pamela Groves Hampshire, England	Family of William Paxton
6.	John Clark Canada	Marie Di Mambro
7.	Maureen Simkanin (nee MacDonald)	Maureen MacDonald
8.	Anja Muller New South Wales, Australia with reply from Jim Di Mambro	Family of Frances Findlay
9.	Catherine McKinsley (nee Calvey), Peterborough	Ada Brawley
10.	Tracie	Robert Smiggy Smith
11.	Kirsty Scott	Family of Alexander Swan
12.	Kerry Alexander Gracemount, Edinburgh	Families of Wm Dickson + Bobby Kernan
13.	Mel Crich	Inglis family
14.	Ian Martinussen Stewart (Teeny) Walthamstow, London	Who knew him as 'Teeny'?
14.	Ian Martinussen Stewart (Teeny) Walthamstow, London	Looking for Donald and Ian Craig
15.	Sonia Graham with reply from Kathleen Honan	William Clarke
16.	Derick (Dex) Hannant Prospect Terrace	Kenny Clerk, Jim Di Mambro Charlie (Sonny) Walker, Jimmy Buckham
17.	Kathleen Honan Slateford, Edinburgh	Owen Carey
18.	Dorothy Booth (now Dorothy Birnie) with reply from George T Smith Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada	people who knew her at Boroughmuir School.
19.	George Clements Manchester, NW England	Clements family

Message from

Eleanor McIntyre

Portobello, Edinburgh

Eleanor wrote:

"I am looking for anybody who knew any of the persons below:

Donald Macintyre	General Dealer, 5 Middle Arthur Place, 1957. See also: Message from Colin McIntyre below
Duncan Raeburn	b.1929, 13 Tolbooth Wynd, Leith * 1954**
William + Agnes Raeburn	parents of above. Agnes may have lived at above address, or at Dumbiedykes.
Theresa Cassidy	born 1925, originally came from Dunbar Close, Canongate, Edinburgh. She later lived at 5 Middle Arthur Place
Rose ??	(friend of Teresa Cassidy) new housing near where Arthur Street was.
?? Rafferty	3 North St James Street, Central Edinburgh 1949

Eleanor McIntyre, Portobello, Edinburgh: February 25, 2007 + March 17, 2007

Message from

Colin McIntyre

Questions

Colin Macintyre wrote:

"My Father, Donald Macintyre, gave his occupation as a General Dealer, the address he gave in 1957 was 5 Middle Arthur Place.

I was told by nuns that he was a hawker. Was a General Dealer in these days a hawker? What was a General dealer?

Dose anyone know or remember this particular person? Could you describe your memories of this type of employment?

I'm very interested in knowing about this."

Colin Macintyre: May 16, 2007

If you can help to answer Colin's questions above, please e-mail me and I will pass on your message to him. Thank you.

- Peter Stubbs: May 17, 2007

Answers

Eric Gold, known to many as Eric McKenzie, replied:

"A hawker was a rag and a bone guy, like we used to have in the East End years ago, like 'Steptoe and Son."

Eric Gold, East End, London: May 19, 2007

Eric Gold added:

"Hawker was a nickname for a traveller or tinker. Have a look at this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Traveller

Hawkers either worked alone or as a family concern. They were like Isa Wass, into scrap metal, also second hand stuff and even rag stores like Nathan's in the Cowgate many years ago."

Eric Gold, East End, London: May 19, 2007

Jane Jones (nee Richardson) wrote:

"The question 'What was a General Dealer or Hawker?' covers quite a few occupations.

The main one that I know of is a general term for a gypsy.

My family (the Young side) where gypsies and on both the English and Scottish Census reports their occupations were given as Hawker, General Dealer, Tin Worker, Dealer in China & Glass, Dealer in Basket ware and Chimney Sweeps, to name but a few.

There was a large population of Gypsies in Edinburgh especially in the Leith area where most of my family finally settled."

Jane Jones (Nee Richardson), Cambridgeshire, England: May 20, 2007

Message from

Joan Ballantyne

North of England

Joan wrote:

" 1. I am looking for any body who knew

- my Mother's family Rafferty, Lower Viewcraig Row

- my Dad's family, Ballantyne, Arthur Street / East Arthur Place"

" 2. Does anyone remember the Smyberts who lived at 4 East Arthur Place, above Margaret Ballantyne?"

Joan Ballantyne, North of England: February 26, 2007 + (Guest Book) August 29, 2007

Answer

Eric Gold, known to many as Eric McKenzie, replied:

"Yes I know the Ballantyne's and also the Smyberts well, as we lived in 4 East Arthur Place too, next to Maggie Taylor then the notorious Mr. Rattery."

Eric Gold, East London: September 2, 2007

Message from

Pamela Groves

Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

Pamela sent the message below.

"I am the daughter of William Paxton who I think might have been Born at Lower Viewcraig Row on February 28/29 1920.

William was the son of William Rodger Paxton (b. 1897, Fisherrow) and Jessie McGrouther (b. 1895, 15 Richmond Place, Edinburgh who married in 1918.

William and Jessie.

Jessie McGrouthers family were born in the area and my Grandfather William Rodger Paxton was born at 55, Market Street, Fisherrow, Musselburgh

My Grandmother Jessie McGrouther/McGregor born 31 December 1895 at 15, Richmond Place, Edinburgh was the daughter of John McGrouther also known as McGregor and Jessie Downie."

UPDATE

Here is another photo sent to me by Pamela:

James Hendry
and Jessie

"I know my eldest sister Doris Ann Paxton was born at 24, Lower Viewcraig Row, Edinburgh 8, on 18 October 1940.

My mother was living with my Grandparents, William and Jessie Paxton at the time of my sister's birth. My father William was in the Kings Own Scottish Borders Army from 1938 until 1947.

It would be lovely if anyone recognises any of these names."

"Jessie's brother Peter McGrouther/McGregor was born 23 June 1909 in Arthur Street.

Peter McGrouther married Margaret Blanche Thomson on 3 June 1932."

"These are their children's names and my fathers cousins.

- William Dunn McGrouther, born July 1930

- Peter, born March 1933

- Devina, born January 1936

- Eileen Mary Beatie, born November 1937

- Daniel and David Knox McGrouther, twins born June 1939

- Johan Elizabeth Nixon McGrouther, September 1943

- Marjory Pearson McGrouther, June 1946

- John McGrouther, born June 1948

It is regretful that my father William Paxton died in 1983 in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. so did not know that I have been researching both his and his parents family history since 1997."

Pamela Groves, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England: March 27, 2007

If you'd like to contact Pamela, please e-mail me and I'll pass on her e-mail address to you.

Update

Thank you to Frank Ferri for telling me:

"There is a William (Willie Paxton) who is a member of Leith Dockers Club in his 60s I think."

Frank Ferri, Newhaven, Edinburgh: April 1, 2008

I've passed this message on to Pamela Groves.

Message from

John Clark

Canada

John wrote:

"When I was a young man, I knew a girl named Marie Di Mambro who lived, I think in Dumbiedykes Road. We were both Elvis fanatics.

It would be so nice to hear how her life turned out, and to tell her about my great life."

John Clark, Canada: March 24, 2007

If you read this, Marie and would like to contact John, please e-mail me and I'll pass on his e-mail address to you.

If anybody else knows how to contact Marie Di Mambro, please e-mail me.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: March 29, 2007

REPLY - 1

Thank you to Vince Canale who replied:

"John Clerk in Canada, was asking about a girl, Marie Di Mambro, who lived in Dumbiedykes Road.

I knew a family with the same name who lived in Dumbiedykes in the fifties. But to my knowledge there was no Marie.

The parents were Frank (who was a bookie) and Stella (nee Buckham). Their children's names were Jim, Frank and Anita.

The surname Di Mambro is unusual and the fact they lived in the Dumbiedykes is too strong not to have some connection for John Clerk."

Vince Canale: May 23, 2007

REPLY - 2

Thank you to Ian Mycko, Gilmerton, Edinburgh who replied:

"I knew a family called di Mambro. It would have been in the late-1960s. They stayed in St Mary's Street.

I didn't know Marie, but I knew Jan di Mambro (male)"

Ian Mycko: May 24, 2007

Message from

Anja Muller

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Anja wrote:

"I wonder if anyone remembers the Allan or Findlay families. or if I have any relatives still living in Edinburgh.

We grew up in Dumbiedykes Road near a pub.

- My mum, Frances Findlay, was born 1946. She grew up in Dumbiedykes. She attended Milton House Primary and then James Clark. her wee brother, Peter. Unfortunately she has passed away.

- Her Granny was Teeny Allan from Prospect Terrace. y

- My nana was Frances Findlay, nee Allan.

- My grandad was Peter Findlay"

Anja, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia: May 19, 2007

If anybody wishes to contact Anja's, here is the email address to write to.

- Peter Stubbs: May 19, 2007.

REPLY

Jim Di Mambro read Anja's comments above and replied:

"Peter Findley lived on the top floor at 82 Dumbiedykes Road. I knew him well. He was about the same age as my old man. The pub at the bottom of the stair was The Bowlers' Rest."

Jim Di Mambro, South Africa: May 29, 2008

10.

Message from

Tracie

Tracie wrote:

The Embers

"I'm trying to find out:

- if Robert Smiggy Smith who played with WOTW and Blue ever played with the Embers or possibly with Hipple People.

- if he was the same person as Smiggy Smith in Rappahannock County.

Any info would be so gratefully received. I know its a long time ago but im trying desperately to track him down."

Tracie, September 9, 2007.

If you would like to contact Tracie, please e-mail me and I'll pass on her
e-mail address to you.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: September 14, 2007.

UPDATE 1

September 15, 2007

I've not found any evidence of Robert Smiggy Smith playing with The Embers, but he may well have known them.

The Rocking Scots web site gives the names of most of the members of Writing on the Wall (WOTW).

These include Smiggy, and also Jimmy Hush (formerly with The Embers) on drums

UPDATE 2

December 13 +15, 2007

Thank you to Charles Cook for telling me that you have some information on Smiggy. I have passed on your message to Elaine.

Peter Stubbs: December 13, 2007

Charles added:

"I have just read that Smiggy did indeed subsequently join the reformed 'The Writing on the Wall'. This was a shock, like hearing Clapton had join the Darkness or Hamilton was going to drive for Skoda."

Charles Cook: December 15 2007

12.

Message from

Kerry Alexander

Kerry wrote:

Arthur Street

"I would love to here from any one who can remember anyone in my family."

The Dickson Family

"My great gran was Bridget Dickson (McFarlane) and great grandad was William Dickson. He died 1st Jan 1940, leaving Bridget with 10 kids to raise in Arthur Street."

The Kernan Family

"My granddad was Bobby Kernan and my granny was Agnes Kernan (Dickson).

Here are two family photos. Please click on the thumbnail images below to read more about the photos

My gran always talked about Arthur Street. My dad lived in Richmond Street.

The family ended up in the Inch."

Kerry Alexander, Gracemount, Edinburgh: November 17, 2007

Update

Thank you to Kerry Alexander for sending me the photograph below.

Kerry wrote:

Grandad

"Here is a photograph of my grandad, Bobby Kernan and friends, taken at Los Angeles Portrait Studio, 75 Princes Street on 6 September 1936 (or perhaps 1938 or 1939).

I have no idea who anyone else is in the photo, but gran told me this was the day Bobby and his friends enlisted for World War 2.

My gran said the men all used to do this before they went of to war. My grandad lived in Richmond Street. I think he lived with his sister, Rosie Kernan."

Kerry Alexander, Gracemount, Edinburgh: February 19, 2008.

If you remember any of these families and would like to contact Kerry, please e-mail me to let me know, then I'll pass on your message to Kerry.

Thank you.

- Peter Stubbs: December 7, 2007

13.

Message from

Mel Crich

The Inglis Family

Mel Crich, Canada, is trying to make contact with any members of the family who may still be living.

Mel writes

"My Grandparents were: John Lambert Inglis and Helen Pittendrigh Inglis. their children were John, Mary, Reina and Helen (my Mother)."

Growing up in Canada

"I was born September 1946 in Edinburgh. I emigrated to Canada in 1946 with my Mother, who died the following February in Canada. My Canadian Grandparents raised me. They kept in contact with Scottish Grandparents and my Mother's sisters and brother once a year at xmas time."

Contact with Edinburgh Lost

"Around 1959-60 the xmas card returned to Canada, 'Not at this address'. The address was 41 Carnegie Street, Edinburgh. I have contacted the Royal Mail requesting a forwarding address from that address/era, but the freedom of info. act will not allow them to divulge that info. I visited Edinburgh two years ago and found 41 Carnegie Street. It's now Council Housing.

Nobody there knew where people moved to from the old flats around 1959-60. Went down town to Council Housing Dept and didn't have any luck there either. They said they didn't think the old records had been kept."

Question 13

Mel asks

Where now?

"Possibly some of your 'old town' contributors, might be able to help me find out where people from the Carnegie Street area moved to when it was torn down. I am trying to trace my Mother's family and find out if any are still alive. One of my Mother's sisters had 2 children who will be around the same age as me and hopefully alive."

What Schools?

"Also, what school in the vicinity of 41 Carnegie Street might my 1st cousins have attended."

What Protestant Church?

"What protestant church would likely be the one residents from this address would attend?"

Mel Crich: November 19, 2007.

Question 13

Answer 1

Where now?

I believe that:

- some residents from the area moved to Craigmillar. (The Craigmillar houses were recently demolished.)

- other residents moved to the Inch. (The Inch houses are still occupied.)

- Peter Stubbs: December 7, 2007

Question 13

Answer 2

Drummond School

The Primary School in the vicinity of 41 Carnegie Street was Drummond Street.

Bob Henderson: January 2, 2008

Question 13

Answer 3

Jimmy Clark's School

Jimmy Clark's Secondary School (now converted to housing) was close to the area.

Peter Stubbs: December 7, 2007

Question 13

Answer 4

Andy Duff, who used to live in St Leonard's Hill, wrote:

Preston Street School

"Yes, if you lived on the right hand side, going up the hill, it would be Drummond Street school or Jimmy Clark's.

However, this was the boundary, so some of the children went to Preston Street school. It depended on parents' choice.

Also, some families were moved to the Clermiston Housing Scheme in the west of Edinburgh so their children would presumably have gone to school in that part of town."

Andy Duff: April 20 + 23, 2008

Question 13

Answer 5

Jim Robertson writes:

"The occupants of Carnegie street could have moved to a number of places around Edinburgh like, Stenhouse, West Pilton, Burdiehouse, Craigmillar and Clermiston.

I lived on Dumbiedykes Road, which is next to Carnegie Street. My family moved to West Pilton, like so many others from the Dumbiedykes area.

Mel could check through the Edinburgh telephone directory for some of the neighbours who lived in Carnegie street. I've found a few of my old neighbours that way. It's worth a try, you never know.

The other alternative is to try Register House, deaths and marriages. Sometimes an address pops up there. Anyway good luck, Mel. hope you find someone who can help.

Jim Robertson, Berlin, Germany: April 25, 2008

If you can give any further advice to Mel please e-mail me and I'll pass on the details to him.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs

14.

Message from

Ian Martinussen Stewart

(aka. 'Teeny')

Ian wrote:

Southside

"When I see the photos on this site, they fill me with nostalgia of the Southside. I'm looking forward to more great photos.

I was brought up in West Nicolson Street (1947-53) then at 6a Roxburgh Street (1953-66)

I've lived in Walthamstow, London for the past 38 years, but my heart is still in Auld Reekie. I come back as often as I can. My greatest wish is to retire in Edinburgh, so please keep my dream alive with this web site!"

Ian Martinussen Stewart, Walthamstow, London: December 30, 2007

If you'd like to contact Ian ('Teeny'), please e-mail me and I'll pass your message on to him.

Thank you.

- Peter Stubbs: January 1, 2008.

Reply

Thank you to Kathleen Honan, who used to live at top flat, 52 Lower Viewcraig Row, for replying.

Kathleen wrote:

"I can remember Ian from when he lived in Roxburgh Street. We had the ladies hair dressers in North Richmond Street. He was a small guy with dark hair, I think. I used to talk to him sometimes at the baths.

I still live in Edinburgh. I'm glad to know that Ian still comes back, but the Southside is not the same any more.

Regards to Ian anyway"

Kathleen Honan, Slateford, Edinburgh: January 2, 2008

Thanks Kathleen: I've passed on your reply to Ian

- Peter Stubbs: January 2, 2008

UPDATE

April 2008

Four months after sending his first message, above, Ian (Teeny) wrote:

Old Pals

"Through the EdinPhoto web site, I have been reunited with a couple of old pals from the Southside. I had lost touch with them for over forty years.

Looking for Donald and Ian Craig

I am still trying to find two more old pals, Donald Craig and his brother Ian Craig who lived at 7 West Nicolson Street in the 1950s, then moved to 7 Hope Park Terrace. They were both in the Merchant Navy.

Jimmy Clark's School

My name is Ian Martinussen Stewart, aka "Teeny". I was brought up in 97a Nicolson street and then 6a Roxburgh Street, and went to Jimmy Clark's School.

I'd love to get in touch with Donald and Ian or anyone who knew them.

Ian Martinussen Stewart, Walthamstow, London: April 21, 2008