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Dumbiedykes and Edinburgh Southside Searching for People and other questions |
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Questions I've received several e-mails from people who have been searching for information about others who used to live in Dumbiedykes I'm pleased to say several of these people have now been located and have again established contact with relations or former school friends. 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 |
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Message from ... |
Looking for information about ... |
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1. |
Eleanor McIntyre |
Macintyre, Raeburn, Cassidy, Rafferty |
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2. |
Donald Macintyre (background) |
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3. |
Joan Ballantyne |
Rafferty, Ballentyne, Symbert |
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4. |
George T Smith
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Willie Russell, Mary + Barbara Lawson |
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5. |
Pamela Groves Hampshire, England |
Family of William Paxton |
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6. |
John Clark |
Marie Di Mambro |
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7. |
Maureen Simkanin (née MacDonald) |
Maureen MacDonald |
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8. |
Anja Muller + reply from |
Family of Frances Findlay |
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9. |
Catherine McKinsley (née Calvey), Peterborough |
Ada Brawley |
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10. |
Robert Smiggy Smith |
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11. |
Family of Alexander Swan |
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12. |
Kerry Alexander |
Families of Wm Dickson + Bobby Kernan |
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13. |
Inglis family |
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14. |
Ian Martinussen
Stewart |
Who knew him as 'Teeny'? |
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Looking for Donald and Ian Craig |
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15. |
+ reply from |
William Clarke |
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16. |
Derick (Dex) Hannant Prospect Terrace |
Kenny Clerk, Jim Di Mambro |
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17. |
Kathleen Honan |
Owen Carey |
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18. |
Dorothy Booth + reply from
George T Smith |
people who knew her at Boroughmuir School. |
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19. |
George Clements |
Clements family |
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20. |
Brian Geoffrey Pirrie |
Pirrie family |
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21. |
Eleanor McIntyre |
Macintyre, Raeburn, Cassidy, Rafferty |
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22. |
Russell Taylor |
Gideon McAlpine and wife |
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23. |
Fotheringham family, Middle Arthur Place |
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24. |
Kathleen Honan |
Maureen Farrell |
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25. |
Lorraine Drysdale + reply from
Bob Henderson + reply from
Ken Matthews |
Maureen McFarlane Anyone remember her? |
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26. |
George Muir |
George Peace Muir + Armstrong family |
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27. |
Robert Gunther |
Gibson and Hairs families |
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28. |
Tom Aithie |
Dave Tuff, Danny Fraser, James Fraser |
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29. |
Ronnie Coats |
Alex Coats and Evelyn Allan |
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30. |
John Wilson |
The Wilson Family Move to Luton Visits to Edinburgh 1901 Census Questions |
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31. |
Jim Robertson |
Thomas Ferguson (d.1971) |
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32. |
Alan |
Agnes Mercer Renton (1960) |
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33. |
Susan Limbrick with reply from
Joe Jordan |
David Wright 5 Middle Arthur Place (1937) |
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34. |
Sandra Meyers |
Betty and Bob Gibb (1950s +) |
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35. |
+ replies from
Bob Henderson |
William Weir (b. around 1882)) |
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36. |
The Lawson Family (1930s +) |
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37. |
Willona Blanche + |
The Blanche Family |
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38. |
Joe Jordan |
Grocers in Arthur Street - Robert Blanche - Alexander McIntosh |
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39. |
Norrie Gray |
Grant Ferguson |
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Answers Please email me if you can help to trace any of the people mentioned on this page, or if you would like to contact any of the people who have left messages on this page. Thank you. - Peter Stubbs |
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1. Message from Eleanor McIntyre Portobello, Edinburgh |
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Eleanor wrote: "I am looking for anybody who knew any of the persons below:
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Eleanor McIntyre, Portobello, Edinburgh: February 25, 2007 + March 17, 2007 |
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2. Message from Colin McIntyre |
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Questions |
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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 |
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Answers |
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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 |
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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 |
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Jane Jones (née 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 (née Richardson), Cambridgeshire, England: May 20, 2007 |
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3. Message from Joan Ballantyne North of England |
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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 |
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Answer |
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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 |
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4. Message from George T Smith
Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, |
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George wrote: "I am looking for anybody who knew Willie Russell, Mary Lawson or Barbara Lawson who lived at 6 Beaumont Place. That was the 'Penny Tenement' that fell down in 1959." |
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George T Smith, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada: February 27, 2007 |
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5. Message from Pamela Groves Portsmouth, Hampshire, England |
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Pamela sent the message below. |
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"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." |
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UPDATE Here is another photo sent to me by Pamela:
James Hendry |
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"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." |
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"Jessie's brother Peter McGrouther/McGregor was born 23 June 1909 in Arthur Street. Peter McGrouther married Margaret Blanche Thomson on 3 June 1932." |
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"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." |
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Pamela Groves, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England: March 27, 2007 |
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If you'd like to contact Pamela, please e-mail me and I'll pass on her e-mail address to you. |
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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. |
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6. Message from John Clark Canada |
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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." |
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John Clark, Canada: March 24, 2007 |
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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 |
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REPLY - 1 |
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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 (née 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 |
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REPLY - 2 |
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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 |
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7. Message from Maureen Simkanin (née MacDonald) |
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Maureen wrote: "I was raised in Richmond Place right near the Dispensary. My maiden name was Maureen MacDonald and I went to Jimmie Clark School in the early 50's. I would give my right arm to be able to get in touch with any of my old school pals." Maureen Simkanin: April 2007 |
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If you would like to contact Maureen, please e-mail me and I'll pass on her e-mail address to you. |
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8. Message from Anja Muller Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
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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, née Allan. - My grandad was Peter Findlay" Anja, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia: May 19, 2007 |
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If anybody wishes to contact Anja's, here is the email address to write to. - Peter Stubbs: May 19, 2007. |
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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 |
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9. Message from Catherine McKinsley (née Calvey) Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England |
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Catherine sent her recollections of living in Dumbiedykes Road from 1947 to 1955. She added: "Is anyone in touch with Ada Brawley? I would love to hear from her again." Catherine McKinsley (née Calvey), Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England, August 31, 2007. |
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If you would like to contact Anja, please e-mail me and I'll pass on her e-mail address to you. Alternatively, Catherine says: "If anyone out there is in touch with Ada Brawley, please ask her to contact Missy Blyth and Missy will get in touch with me." Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: September, 2007. |
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10. Message from Tracie |
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Tracie wrote: Robert (Smiggy) Smith "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. The Embers - 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 I'm trying desperately to track him down." Tracie, September 9, 2007. |
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If you
would like to
contact Tracie, please
e-mail me and I'll pass on her Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: September 14, 2007. |
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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 |
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UPDATE 2 December 2007 Thank you to Charles Cook for sending me the details below about Smiggy. I've now passed the details on to Elaine. Peter Stubbs: December 15, 2007 Charles wrote "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 |
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UPDATE 3 November 2008 Thank you to Bob Simpson who wrote: "It's been a long time, but I worked with Bob (Smiggy) in both Canada and in the UK with a group called Choker just prior to Blue. Several years back, he was living in San Francisco, and hanging in the studio with Jerry Garcia and company. That was the last I heard of him. He is a great guy and a very smart musician. You may want to check with heavy metal bassist Jimmy Bain. They were old mates." Bob Simpson: November 14, 2008 |
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UPDATE 4 January 2009 Debbie Spain, now living in Berwick on Tweed, Northumberland, England, emailed me today, telling me that she is also searching for Smiggy. If you know where Smiggy might be now, please email me so that I can pass on your message to the people who would like to contact him. Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: January 22, 2009 |
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11. Message from Kirsty Scott |
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Kirsty wrote: Alexander Swan and Family "My grandad was born at 14 or 15 East Arthur Place in April 1926. I was wondering if anyone recalls him or his brothers or sisters. His name was Alexander Swan. His brothers were James, David and Thomas, his sisters were Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary and Ellen." Kirsty Scott: December 6, 2007. |
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12. Message from Kerry Alexander |
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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 |
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Update |
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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. |
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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 |
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13. Message from Mel Crich |
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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." |
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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. |
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Question 13 Answer 1 |
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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 |
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Question 13 Answer 2 |
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Drummond School The Primary School in the vicinity of 41 Carnegie Street was Drummond Street. Bob Henderson: January 2, 2008 |
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Question 13 Answer 3 |
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Jimmy Clark's School Jimmy Clark's Secondary School (now converted to housing) was close to the area. Peter Stubbs: December 7, 2007 |
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Question 13 Answer 4 |
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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, Maryborough, Queensland, Australia: April 20 + 23, 2008 |
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Question 13 Answer 5 |
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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 |
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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 |
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14. Message from Ian Martinussen Stewart (aka. 'Teeny') |
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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 |
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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. |
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Reply |
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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 |
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April 2008 |
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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 |
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15. Message from Sonia Graham |
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Sonia writes: William Clarke "I am searching for a Mr William Clarke who was living at 19 Roxburgh Street, Edinburgh in the 1950's. I understand that his parents ran a pub or guest house in the same area or road although attempts to confirm this are proving difficult. I am aware that he was in the Army and was posted to Aldershot, Hampshire for a short duration in 1953/54 but know that he returned to Roxburgh Street in 1955. After this I know nothing and this is where I would be extremely grateful for any information that will help me to trace Williams whereabouts. if you have any information, no matter how small, please e-mail Peter Stubbs who will contact me." Thank you. Sonia Graham: January 6, 2008 |
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REPLY |
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Hi Sonia: Unfortunately, I've just received an email from Kathleen Honan, Edinburgh, telling me: "William (Billy) Clark died years ago". |
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16. Message from Derick (Dex) Hannant |
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Derick wrote: "I'm looking for any information on: - Kenny Clerk from Drummond Street, 1963. - Jim Di Mambro. - Charlie (Sonny) Walker . - Jimmy Bucham." Derick (Dex) Hannant: Message in Guest Book, March 3, 2008. |
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If you email me with any information for Derick, I'll pass on your message to him. Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: March 6, 2008 |
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17. Message from Kathleen Honan |
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Kathleen wrote: "Does anyone ever ask about Owen Carey who lived in Prospect Street. It would be nice to know what happened to him." Kathleen Honan, Slateford, Edinburgh |
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18. Message from Jan Birnie |
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Jan Birnie wrote Boroughmuir School "My mother, Dorothy Booth (now Dorothy Birnie), went to Boroughmuir School from 1938 until 1942 and is hoping to say a hello to her old school mates. Mum grew up at 20 Upper Viewcraig Row in Edinburgh and also attended Milton House School. Her father was Albert E. Booth, mother was Barbara Cunningham Booth, brothers John and Albert and sister Barbara - and of course, Nip the dog. Sadly Upper Viewcraig Row has been torn down. I have heard so much of the goings on in this tenement building I would love to see a picture of it hopefully with some of the occupants! In the early 1930's someone came to take a picture of all the children in the 'low road'. If anyone has a copy of this picture, we would love to see it!" Jan Birnie, Muskoka, Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada: March 8, 2008 |
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1930s Photograph If you know of where a copy of the photo that Jan mentions can be found, please email me, then I'll pass on the news to Jan. Here is a photo of the tenements at Upper Viewcraig Row, but unfortunately, without the residents: - Peter Stubbs: March 14, 2008 |
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Reply |
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Thank you to George T Smith, British Columbia, Canada, who wrote: "I have met up with my contemporaries at Boroughmuir through the Boroughmuir High School web site. Your correspondent might find this link useful." George T Smith, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada Thanks George. I've passed on your reply to Jan - Peter Stubbs: April 26, 2008 |
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19. Message from George Clements Manchester, NW England |
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George Clements wrote: Clements Family "My great grandfather George Joseph Clements lived in Prospect Terrace until about 1896. He was a gas works stoker. He died about 1910, aged 42. His wife, Mary Clements, lived in 9 Prospect Street until 1910 Does anyone know of this family. They had two daughters and five sons." George Clements, Manchester, NW England: October 15, 2008 |
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20. Message from Brian Geoffrey Pirrie
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Brian Geoffrey Pirrie wrote: Pirrie Family "I' like to know if any one has any information on George Pirrie who lived in east Arthur place and Jean Sillers who lived in pleasance and who where married in 1830" Brian Geoffrey Pirrie, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: February 3 + 4, 2009 |
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21. Message from Eleanor McIntyre Portobello, Edinburgh |
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Eleanor who left message 1 above has also posted this message in the EdinPhoto guest book. Eleanor wrote: "I'm wondering if any of the following names are familiar to anyone from around the Dumbiedykes and High Street areas: - Lily Low, from Dunbar Close. - Theresa Cassidy - Duncan Raeburn - Donald Macintyre - Myles Rafferty - Theresa Callaghan/Raeburn." Eleanor McIntyre, Portobello, Edinburgh: February 13, 2009 Eleanor has asked people to contact her if they recognise any of the names above. She has included her email contact address in the message that she left in the EdinPhoto guest book on February 13, 2009. |
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Update June 2011 Thank you to Miles Rafferty, mentioned by Eleanor above, for replying. Miles tells me that he lived at 3 North St James Street with his father in the 1930s and 1940s. I have forwarded Eleanor's email address to Miles, so hope they will be able to make contact with each other. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: July 25, 2011 |
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22. Message from Russell Taylor Borders, Scotland |
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Russell Taylor wrote: "I'm trying to trace the history of my father's maternal family who lived in 4 Middle Arthur Place until the demolition of the Dumbiedykes. They were Gideon McAlpine and his wife. Her name is not known. They lived at this address for over 30 years until ithe building was demolished." |
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Russell Taylor, Borders, Scotland: April 13, 2009 |
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23. Message from Elaine Marshall |
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Elaine Marshall wrote: Middle Arthur Place "I'm just starting to research my mother's family. They were Robert and Flora Fotheringham. They were not born in Edinburgh but their first child, a boy named Robert, died at 24 Middle Arthur Place, aged only 10 months, on May 2nd 1928. Is there any chance that anyone out there may know any of their history? My mother is the youngest and by the time she was born thefamily was living in Montrose." |
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Elaine Marshall: June 2, 2009 |
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24. Message from Kathleen Honan |
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Kathleen Honan wrote: Maureen Farrell "I'm looking for a long-lost cousin who left Edinburgh many years ago, and moved to Somerset. Her name was Maureen Farrell. I don't know her married name. Her father was Peter Farrell. Our gran lived in Lower Viewcraig Row. It would be great to get an email from her." |
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Elaine Marshall: June 2, 2009 |
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25. Message from Lorraine Drysdale Canada |
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Lorraine Drysdale wrote: Maureen McFarlane "I'd like to know if anyone remembers Maureen McFarlane. She lived in Arthur Street around 1930-38. Her father and mother were James McFarlane and Mary McFarlane, née McEwen. Her brothers and sisters were Tommy, Jimmy, John, Patricia and Margaret. Maureen was on my mum's bike going down Arthur Street but the bike would not stop. She died at the bottom of Arthur Street. She was about 13 yr old. She would have been my Aunt. Thanks, if any one remembers this." Lorraine Drysdale, Canada: September 4, 2009 |
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Please see 'Reply' below |
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Reply 1. to 25. Bob Henderson Burdiehouse, Edinburgh |
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Bob Henderson replied with more information about Maureen McFarlane and the cycle accident. Bob wrote: |
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Maureen McFarlane - Cycle Accident "Maureen McFarlane must have died in this cycling accident some time in the early to mid 1940s. I remember the story well, and I think at first hand. It was told that the bicycle was her brother's, and that when she tried to brake to turn into Middle Arthur Place the brakes failed and she could not make the turn. It was also said that someone threw themself in front of her in an attempt to stop, her but failed to do so, and that she continued to the bottom of the brae where she ran into the park wall." Maureen and Brothers "I also remember playing with her brothers so they must have been about the same age as me. Maureen was, I think, older than me. I have a vague memory of a girl with longish wavy golden hair." |
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Bob Henderson, Burdiehouse, Edinburgh: September 5, 2009 |
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Reply 2. to 25.
Ken Matthews Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland |
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Ken Matthews wrote about a cycle accident that he remembers at Arthur Street. It may have been the same accident as above. Ken wrote: "Arthur Street was very dangerous. But, having said that, the whole area is more of a ghetto now than it was then. I digress - I remember when hanging out of the window watching life go by. A cycle with a young lass came hurtling down Arthur street and crashed into the wall. The girl, and the bicycle, looped over the wall and the girl landed on her face with her body going over her head, alas." |
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Ken Matthews, formerly Ken Egerton, Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland February 12, 2010 |
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26. Message from George Muir Yarm |
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George Muir wrote
George Peace Muir "Does anyone have any information about
- George Peace
Muir and his wife Mary Armstrong? - any other members of the Armstrong family?" George Muir, Yarm: Message posted in EdinPhoto guest book: September 25, 2009 |
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27. Message from Robert Gunther Kabul, Afghanistan |
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Robert Gunther, now stationed with the US troops in Kabul. Afghanistan. wrote: Gibson and Hairs Families "I'm trying to find anyone who knew the Gibson and Hairs families that lived in Brown Street. My mother is Flora Gibson. Her parents are Robert Gibson and Eveline Hairs. My mother's grandmother, Flora Jane Grey Hairs, had a flat above my grandparents' flat for a number of years." Robert Gunther, Kabul, Afghanistan: January 27, 2010 |
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28. Message from Tom Aithie Dumbiedykes Road, Edinburgh |
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Tom Aithie who lived in Dumbiedykes Road from 1945 to 1962 wrote: Gibson and Hairs Families "I'm trying to contact anyone who recognises the name, or knows the whereabouts of: - Davie Tuff - Danny Frazer - James Frazer or pupils of Moray House 1945-1956."
Tom Aithie, Dumbiedykes Road:
Message + email address |
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Reply 2012 Gordon Christie replied "Five Christies went to Moray House between 1945 and 1961, Leslie, James, Wilma, Meston and myself Gordon. We immigrated to Canada in 1956 and did not return to Edinburgh, but did return to Scotland." Gordon Christie, Canada: April 4, 2012 |
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Thank you for your reply, Gordon. I've now passed on your email to Tom, so you may hear from him. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: April 8, 2012 |
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29. Message from Ronnie Coats Lochend, Edinburgh |
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Ronnie Coates wrote: Alex Coats and Evelyn Allan "I've read about Frankie Connor, whose dad Norrie was my mum's cousin. I also recognise some other names mentioned in the EdinPhoto web site. Does anyone remember my parents, Alex Coats or Evelyn Allan? Both were Southsiders, born and bred." Ronnie Coats, Lochend, Edinburgh Message posted in EdinPhoto guest book: March 19, 2010 |
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30. Message from John Wilson Hayes, Middlesex, England |
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John Wilson has asked a few questions about his family from Dumbiedykes. John wrote: |
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The Wilson Family "I have a few family connections with Dumbiedykes. My mother Leah Wilson was born there in 1914. Her parents were Christina and William Wilson who lived at 11 Prospect Street. William died aged 36 in 1918 at the Royal Asylum for the Industrious Blind in Nicholson Street. I believe widowed Christina did different jobs to support her family." |
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Move to Luton "My mother had a brother, William, and sisters Ann, Margaret and Jean. William was a cooper. He moved to Luton, Bedfordshire in 1938 or thereabouts. Leah fell pregnant in 1942, aged about 28, and went to Luton to give birth to me. I was illegitimate and was adopted by William in early 1943. This i found out in 1998." |
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Visits to Edinburgh "As a child, I visited Edinburgh, staying at my parents' friends at the Inch. We used to travel from London to Edinburgh on the night train which was called the Starlight Special. I visited my grandmother Christina Wilson about 3 times, as a child, and remember the very steep road, Arthur Street, leading down to her home." Arthur Street She lived a few floors up at 11 Prospect Street. Prospect Street Before my grandmother married William Wilson in 1907, she lived at 29 Dumbiedykes Road, with her sisters and brothers Margaret, Jeanie, Alexander, William and their parents, Margaret and Alexander Dickson." Dumbiedykes Road |
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1901 Census "In the 1901 census: - my grandmother, Christina Wilson (aged 17), and her sister Jeanie (aged 19) are listed as indian rubber shoe makers. Their father, Alexander Dickson (aged 59) is listed as a fruiterer and confectioner (own account). I think my grandmother moved to England sometime in the 1950s. - my grandfather, William Wilson (aged 19) was listed as a grocer's apprentice, living at 7 Henry Street with his sister Leah (aged 26) and widowed father William Wilson (aged 57) He was a joiner. He died the following year at 17 Arthur Street." |
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Questions 1. Did Alexander Dickson run a fruit and confection shop at 29 Dumbiedykes Road? 2. Was 29 Dumbiedykes Road a shop or did Alexander run a shop elsewhere? 3. Which brewery might William Wilson have worked at as a cooper? 4. Which factory might Christina and Jeanie have worked at as rubber shoe workers? 5. Does anyone recollect anything about the Wilsons or the Dicksons? |
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John Wilson, Hayes, Middlesex, England: March 24, 2010 |
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Reply to John? If you have any answers or comments for John, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to him. Thank you. Peter Stubbs: April 1, 2010 |
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Thank you to Margaret Archibald or Shiels, now living in Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland for sending this reply. Margaret wrote: "I think Christina and Jeanie would have worked at the North British Rubber Mill at Viewforth. My mother, Peggy Archibald, worked there for several years making fishermen's waders and ladies' overshoes which were black with fur fabric around the seams from the front. My mother is still living and will be 90 this year. We lived in 78 The Pleasance at this time."
Margaret Archibald or Shiels, Livingston, West
Lothian, Scotland |
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31. Message from Jim Robertson Berlin, Germany |
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Jim Robertson posted this message in the EdinPhoto guest book: Thomas Ferguson (d.1971) "This is a bit of a long shot, but I hope someone will recognize the name. I am looking for information on an ex WII Soldier (Royal Scots Regiment), Dunkirk survivor. He was born in the Dumbiedykes, Edinburgh. His name was Thomas Ferguson, He passed away in 1971. Does anyone remember him? Any information would be a great help." Jim Robertson, Berlin, Germany: Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook: June 12, 2010 |
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32. Message from Alan Falkirk, West Lothian, Scotland |
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Alan posted this message in the EdinPhoto guest book: Agnes Mercer Renton "Does anybody mind Agnes Mercer Renton who lived at 34 Rankeillor Street in 1960?" Alan, Falkirk, West Lothian, Scotland: Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook: July 6, 2010 |
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33. Message from Susan Limbrick Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England |
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Susan Limbrick wrote, asking if anybody could help him solve a family mystery. Susan wrote: |
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1937 David Wright 5 Middle Arthur Place My father was born 25th July 1937 in Edinburgh and his birth certificate names him David Wright. His parents are Jane Simpson Liddle of Tennant Street Leith, and David Wright a builder's labourer of 5 Middle Arthur Place, Edinburgh when the birth was registered on October 5th 1937. My dad had always believed that Robert Luke Main was his father. My grandmother had married Robert on 5th August 1938, and it would appear that dad went by the name David Main from that point on. My grandmother never mentioned David and everybody involved, including my dad, has now died. So, I'm wondering whether anyone knew a David Wright of 5 Middle Arthur Place, Edinburgh in 1937 or what became of him. I went through the Voters' Rolls for 1937 and the year either side but there was no-one named David Wright at Middle Arthur Place, and I have no further information Can anybody help me solve this family mystery? Susan Limbrick, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England: October 2, 2010 |
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Reply to Susan Limbrick? If you remember anything about a David Wright from Middle Arthur Place, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to Susan. Thank you. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: October 2, 2010 |
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Reply to message 33. Joe Jordan Liberton, Edinburgh |
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Thank you to Joe Jordan for leaving a message in the EdinPhoto guest book. Joe wrote: |
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Valuation Rolls "I'm at present going through the Valuation Rolls for part of Edinburgh 8 and have access from 1914 to 1950 at the Central Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. My Initial intentions were to just summarise the shops in the Arthur Street vicinity but, like all my other projects, this has escalated out of all proportion. I am now covering the area from East Crosscauseway, down the Pleasance and part of the Dumbiedykes. During my research I have decided to include a sample of the people who lived in the tenements and naturally chose names that I can associate with. " |
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The Wright Family "Susan Limbrick (above) asks if anyone knew the Wright family from Middlie. The 1932 Roll shows: - Thos. Wright, a cooper - Mrs Jane Wright Living at No.3 I remember Jane's father, Davie Wright, although he was a lot younger than me. There was an older David Wright, probably his father, who stayed in Middlie. In later life, some time in the 1950s, he stayed at No11 Arthur Street. David and his wife were friendly with my Aunt Louis who stayed in the same stair. When Arthur Street was demolished in the 1960s, my Aunt moved out to Whitson and the Wrights moved down to Leith but they remained friends up until my Aunt died and they were at my aunts funeral. This would be the late 1970s." |
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Joe Jordan, Liberton, Edinburgh: Message posted in EdinPhoto guest book: October 24, 2010 |
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34. Message from Sandra Meyers Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
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Thank you, Sandra, for posting a message in the EdinPhoto guest book. Sandra wrote: |
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Betty and Bob Gibb "I was born in Heriot Mount in 1956 to Elizabeth & Bob Gibb. My father was a coal miner and is no longer with us. My mother has lost most of her memory and I am just trying to find out where we stayed in Heriot Mount and what year we moved to 'The Inch'. Does anyone remember Betty and Bob Gibb with two children Sandra and Gary, could you please let me know." Sandra Meyer, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook, Oct 26, 2010 |
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Reply to Sandra? Unfortunately, I don't have an email address for Sandra, so if you'd like to send her a message, please add it as a reply to the question that she posted in the EdinPhoto guest book on October 26, 2010 - or else email your message to me, then I'll pass it as a reply in the guest book. Thank you. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: October 26, 2010 |
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35. Message from Linda Johnson |
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Linda Johnson wrote: |
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William Weir "I understand that my late Grandfather William Weir lived in Arthur Street, and I wondered if you knew of any way of finding out or confirming that information. We believe he was born in 1882 **. His parents may have been James Weir and Jessie Clyde. He later moved to Lambeth, London, where he married Jane Elmer and had four children. ** UPDATE Actually 1872. See 'Reply 3' below. In or around 1967, I travelled with my Mother from the south of England to visit Arthur Street in Edinburgh, only to find the buildings had recently been demolished." Linda Johnson: February 20, 2011 |
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Reply 1. to message 35. Bob Henderson Burdiehouse, Edinburgh |
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Thank you to Bob Henderson who wrote: |
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William Weir "Here is a possible candidate for William and his family:
** The building number and street name ('Pl' or 'St') are indistinct, but as you can see, William is about the right age, and it is a big coincidence that there is also a Jessie involved. |
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Bob added: I suggest that William's family, above, would have been related to these two:
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Bob Henderson: Burdiehouse, Edinburgh: February 21, 2011 |
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Reply 2. to message 35. Bob Henderson Burdiehouse, Edinburgh |
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Thank you to Bob Henderson who wrote again, adding: |
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William Weir "It should be possible to prove or disprove any link to the Weirs that I found in the 1891 census with a little more searching on the Scotland's People web site. The Scotland's Poeple records are held at Register House in Edinburgh. This is a fantastic genealogical resource if you are looking for Scottish records. It is also relatively cheap to do the searches if you can do them yourself, or if you can get a friendly amateur residing in the city to help. |
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Bob Henderson: Burdiehouse, Edinburgh: February 22, 2011 |
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Reply 3. to message 35. Message from Linda Johnson |
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Linda Johnson replied: |
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William Weir "I was so pleased to see the response to my recent enquiry regarding William Weir, but to my regret my brother pointed out I had typed the wrong date. William Weir was in fact born in 1872." Linda Johnson: February 28, 2011 |
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Reply 4. to message 35. Bob Henderson Burdiehouse, Edinburgh |
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Thank you to Bob Henderson for responding to 'Reply 3' above. Bob wrote: |
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William Weir "The 1872 Register shows two William Weirs born in Edinburgh in 1872, William Weir and William Leslie Weir. |
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Bob Henderson: Burdiehouse, Edinburgh: March 3, 2011 |
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Recollections 36. John Lawson |
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John Lawson wrote about: - his grandfather's family who lived at Canongate - his own family (below) who lived at Middle Arthur Place, then Niddrie. John wrote |
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The Lawson Family Middle Arthur Place "Can anyone recall any of my family? My Dad (John Lawson) and Mum (Sarah, née McManus) raised their family in Middle Arthur Place (late-1930's to 1954) then moved to Niddrie. I was the only one born in Niddrie." Our names were: - Jean - George - Elizabeth - Richard and Roger, twins who died when they were months old - Wilma - John (me)." John Lawson: July 11, 2011 |
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Reply to John If you'd like to send a reply to John, please email me, then I'll pass your message on to him. Thank you. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: July 11, 2011 |
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Recollections 37. Willona and Ian Blanche |
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Thank you to Willona and Ian Blanche for posting two messages in the EdinPhoto Guestbook on behalf of herself and her husband, Ian. Willona wrote: |
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The Blanche Family Greengrocer at Arthur Street "My husband's father, Henry Blanche and his brother, Graham Blanche, were born on Arthur Street and lived there about a hundred years ago. Their father, Henry Blanche senior, owned a greengrocer shop. He was married to Hanna. Henry senior was also married to somebody else before and had two or three daughters with her. We know nothing of this family since Hanna brought the children to Canada when Henry senior died. We'd love to know more about the family. We have some artefacts such as wooden golf clubs, golf awards, a school cap and a certificate from 1890, indicating that he, as a grocer and wine merchant of East Richmond Street, was a Burger and Guild Brother. This, we don't understand. After his grocer and wine merchant shop at East Richmond Street, Henry senior had a greengrocer shop at Arthur Street. Anyone who can fill in any blanks would be much appreciated. We'd also be very interested to reach anybody from these families to learn more of the history of Henry Senior and his family. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!"
Willona Blanche, Canada: 2 replies posted
in EdinPhoto Guestbook, November 3, 2013. |
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Reply to Willona and Ian If you'd like to send a reply to Willona and Ian, please email me, then I'll pass your their email address to you. Thank you. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: November 3, 2013 |
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Recollections 38. Joe Jordan Gracemount, Edinburgh |
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Thank you to Joe Jordan for replying Willona and Ian Blanche's comments in Recollections 37 above, Ian wrote: |
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Grocers at Arthur Street Robert Blanche "Robert T Blanche was a grocer and wine merchant 45 Arthur Street. He wasn't there in 1914, but he appears in the Valuation Rolls 1919-27. Alexander McIntosh "The grocer who took over 1932 Valuation Roll was Alexander McIntosh Taylor. The name Blanche must have been left up on the shop front because we called it Blanche's. I always thought that there were two Blanche shops in the old Southside. Incidentally Robert T Blanche resided a 11 Roxburgh Street."
Joe Jordan, Gracemount, Edinburgh: 2
replies posted in Edinphoto Guestbook on Nov 8, 2013 |
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Recollections 39. Norrie Gray Baberton Mains, Edinburgh |
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Thank you to Norrie Gray who wrote: |
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Grant Ferguson "I lived in Saughton Mains Loan and attended Stenhouse School. Then I moved to Dumbiedykes and lived there until 1976. I'd like to get in touch with a guy called Grant Ferguson who lived in Dumbiedykes in the late-1960s and early-1970s. Does anybody know how I might be able to contact him?" Norrie Gray, Baberton Mains, Edinburgh: 4+5 December, 2015 |
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Reply to Norrie? If you remember Norrie from Dumbiedykes, or can suggest how he might be able to contact Grant Ferguson, please email me to let me know. Then I'll give you Norrie's email so that you'll be able to send an email message direct to him. Thank you. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: December 5, 2015 |
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Answers Please email me if you can help to trace any of the people mentioned on this page, or if you would like to contact any of the people who have left messages on this page. Thank you. - Peter Stubbs |
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