Recollections

9.

Alex

Thank you to Alex for writing about some of the people he remembers from East Thomas Street.

 Alex wrote:

The Bottom of the Street

 "It's grand to read the nostalgic thoughts of so many who lived in the now-gone East Thomas Street.  Many writers seem to have come from the other end of the street, 1 to 8 and 16 to 20.

But what of the Russell boys, Archie and James (No 8)  -  both in their seventies today?

There was also my chum Christopher Laidlaw, from around No 18, who joined the Royal Navy. His step-dad, Joe, had a hairdressers in Newhaven I think."

Families

"I made contact with Richard Martin of No 13 and of  course, his 'wee brother' today runs the Edina Home Brew Shop in what used to be the Learmonth Dairy / Melrose Dairy that looked down East Thomas Street.

I look for word of some of the other people at our end of the street.  I lived at the top of the street (No 11). Is there any word of any of these?:

-  Chisholm family (No 9) or the Doyle sisters (No10).

-  Cockburns, Scotts, Mahoneys, Robertsons, Blacks (No 11).

-  Mackay boys (No 12).

-  Mulvey family or Jimmy Lorette (spelling) (No 13).
Jimmy became a  councilor in the city?

-  Colin Cushley  (spelling?), the very, very bright boy (No 15,
ground floor).  He'll be in his early-seventies now.

-  Norrie Adams, who lived on the landing above the Cushley family (No 15).  He was a very good footballer.

Shops

"I remember:

- Nan Adams, a classmate at Leith Walk Primary School.  She lived in a corner 'close' that had a Brunswick Road number.

-  Mr Caddenstill had the wee corner shop at the top of the street.  He wore shirts without collars and a flat cap, and had a white, downturned moustache as seen so often in pictures of First World War veterans.

He also wore a waistcoat with a chain and Albert across his midriff with a pocket watch.

Thanks Alex for answering the question that I asked you by email.  i.e.: An Albert was a second short chain, usually gold or gold-plated, that was attached to a pocket watch chain.

-   still had the wee corner shop at the top of the street.

-  Mrs Nisbet(t) and her daughter Emma in their little corner-shop-style-house, across the street from Mr Cadden's shop.

-  Milne’s chip Shop up the street from Hutton the Cobbler (which is still there, run by his grandson)  and just before Easter Road.

-  Croala’s across the street in Easter Road, Miele’s cafes and chip shops of the day, all either closed or changed hands."

Sentiment and School

"It’s odd that when we all lived there, life was tough and other than lots of family love, we didn’t have much. Yet, we are sentimental, aren’t we?

I’d like to think that it helped to make us.  The street, its conditions and people like the Leith Walk Primary’s headmaster, Mr Douglas, and the wonderful Miss Turner, our teacher and even the Jannie who lived in the house beside the school entrance.

His house is all boarded up now but I can still see him standing there, at one minute past nine, catching late-comers, and handing out two, three and four of the belt.      Hey ho!  That’s nostalgia for you, from more than sixty years ago."

 Alex:  February 13, 2008

Recollections

10.

Babs McNeill

Edinburgh

Thank you to Babs McNeill, Edinburgh who left a message in the EdinPhoto guest book about some of the residents of East Thomas Street in earlier times.

Babs says she cannot believe that she has stumbled upon the East Thomas Street page on the EdinPhoto web site.  Babs writes:

No 12

"I have been doing my family tree for over 5 years and have struggled to find info on East Thomas Street.

In the 1891 Census my GR GR Grandad lived at number 12 with my GR GR Grandmother Elizabeth and also my GR GR GR Grandmother Catherine and my GR GR Uncle Alexander.

If anyone doing their family tree can supply more info it would be greatly appreciated.  It is great to hear how so many people had such great times through such hard times in East Thomas Street"

Babs McNeill, Edinburgh:  June 28, 2008

Recollections

11.

Frances Brown (nee Barnum)

New Bern, North Carolina, USA

Thank you to Frances who wrote

Millan Family

"Earlier, I sent some recollections on East Williams Street.  I used to live at 3 East William Street.

Now, I'm looking  for Raymond and Edmund Milne. ***

Raymond and Edmund,  along with their mother, Dolly, are mentioned in Davie Martin's recollections on this page. 

I knew them  both very well.  Their mother and my mother were best friends.  I always wondered what  happened to them.  Is there  anyone who has any knowledge of how I could contact them by email or phone?  I think Davie Martin mentioned them on recollections.  I hope you can help with this quest.  Thank you in advance.  Frances Barnum Brown, 3 East William Street.  Now located in North Carolina, USA."

Frances Brown (nee Barnum), New Bern, North Carolina, USA:  August 6, 2008

If you would like to contact Frances, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to her.

            Thank you.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh:  August 7, 2008

*** Update

Thank you to Raymond Milne for contacting me today.  I've now forwarded your message to Frances Brown.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh:  November 28, 2011

Recollections

12.

Carolyn

Dorset, England

Carolyn is trying to trace one of her neighbours from the East Thomas Street area.  She writes:

6 Elgin Street

"I'm searching for an Alexander Johnson (or Johnston) whose address was 6 Elgin St, Edinburgh in 1947.  Does anyone remember him or his family? Was this address a business address in 1947 or a residential address?

It is a long story, but all I know is that he was in Egypt in 1947, just before he returned to Edinburgh.  His trade was photography / lithographer.

Any help would be appreciated, as I live in Dorset and do not know where to start looking but I fell across the East Thomas Street pages on the EdinPhoto web site and realised that the street was so close that someone may know of him and if he is still alive etc.

He would be around 89 now but it is important that I find him or his descendents."

Carolyn:  Dorset, England:  August 5, 2008

Tracing Alexander Johnson

If you think you may be able to help Carolyn to trace Alexander Johnson (or Johnston), please email me, then I'll pass your message on to her.

Thank you.    -  Peter Stubbs:  August 9, 2008

Answer

Tracing Alexander Johnson

Thank you to Neil Johnston, son of Alexander Johnston for contacting me.

Neil told me that, unfortunately, his dad had died earlier this year (2009).  Neil added that his dad had continued printing, photography, etc. until the end and had always had an interest in new things.

I've passed on Neil's message to Carolyn (above).

 -  Peter Stubbs:  May 15, 2009

Recollections

13.

John Welsh

Gracemount, Edinburgh

Thank you to John Welsh who wrote:

Neighbours

"I was born at East Thomas Street, and left when I was ten.

I was friends with:

-  Stuart, Kathleen, Charles McManus, number 21

-  Kenny McKay, Number 21

-  John Hogg, Number 20, same as me

-  Alex Patterson, Number 8

-  Fay McKenzie, Number 3, my childhood girlfriend

-  Sandra McGregor, number 17, another childhood girlfriend

-  Eddie and Raymond Milne and mum Dolly, number 5

-  Rab, Chic Bruce and family, number 5"

I still recall many more, too many to put down."

Bonfires

"I remember the bonfires at the bottom of the street.  They were great.  Us kids collected for weeks.

There was always some rivalry between us kids from Chinatown and East William Street but mainly during bonfire collection time."

Schools

"I went to Leith Walk Primary School from 1958 to 1963, before leaving for Southhouse at the age of ten."  

East William Street

"I remember from East William Street  the Gilmours and Brian Kinnear.  I had a good friend in the same street but cant recall his name, he moved to Northfield. I am more than sure he was Ronnie Williamson."

Picture Houses

"Saturday afternoons were great, we either went to the Eastway Picture House or the Regent, mostly the Regent.  But, if you wanted to watch a Western it was up to the Salon."

Holidays

"Holidays were great times.  We played for hours in the Dobies (Regent Park) or the Lundies (London Road Park).  I think we climbed every rock on the crags at some point or other.

What we called fishing, at that young age, was going to Puddockie (a section at the Water of Leith, just over the bridge and near the old allotments) with our nets and jars for sticklebacks."

Keeping in Touch

"I recognise most names who have posted here.  Quite a few are relatives.  I hope one or two old friends will get in touch with me."

John Welsh, Gracemount, Edinburgh:  September 5, 2008

Contacting John

If you'd like to contact John Welsh, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to him.

Thank you.    -  Peter Stubbs:  September 5, 2008

Recollections

14.

Bob Kinghorn

Thank you to Bob Kinghorn who wrote:

Kinghorn Grandparents

"I enjoyed the information and photographs of East Thomas Street.  My grandparents on my father's side lived at 3 East Thomas Street, I think in the top flat. 

My grandparents were John and Marion Kinghorn.  They had three sons:

-  my father, John (Jack), the eldest brother, born in Granton,

-  his two brothers, Bill and Dave, both born at 3 East Thomas Street.

My grandparents moved to Bothwell Street before 1945.  My Grandfather came to live with us when my Grandmother died in about 1953/54. 

I can just remember the house as I was just about seven or so at my last visit."

Bob Kinghorn:  November 2 + 3, 2008

Recollections

15.

Maureen Standing

Thank you to Maureen Standing who wrote:

The Sweeney Family

"My Mum was born at 11 East Thomas Street in August 1917.  Her name was Maggie Sweeney.  Her parents were George and Jean Sweeney.

I wonder if there is anyone still around that may remember the family."

Maureen Standing:  February 27, 2009

If you would like to contact Maureen, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to her.

Thank you.

Peter Stubbs:  March 8, 2009

Recollections

16.

Ken Crosbie

Hillside, Edinburgh

Ken Crosbie wrote:

Margaret Crosbie

"I grew up at 12 East Thomas Street, from 1959 until 1972.  I don't remember many of the neighbours, although I recognise one or two of the names.

However, I have just one living relative, Margaret Crosbie, who was born at 12 East Thomas Street.  Does anyone recognise that name?  She may be able to supply more information than I can."

Ken Crosbie, Hillside, Edinburgh

If you would like to contact Ken, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to her.

Thank you.

Peter Stubbs:  March 16, 2009

Recollections

17.

Ian Traynor  (Scotty)

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Scotty wrote:

No 18

"I lived at 18 East Thomas Street until I joined the navy in 1957.

As I ran down your site, the names came back to me, like everyone that I went to Leith Walk school with.

I now live in Winnipeg, Canada.  The last person that I saw was Margaret Whiteside.  I ran into her in Malta.  She, too, had joined the navy.

If anyone from the old street wants to get in touch, please contact me."  (Please see below for how to contact Scotty.)

Ian Traynor (Scotty), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:  April 14, 2009

If you'd like to contact Ian Traynor, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to him.

Thank you.

Peter Stubbs:  April 14, 2009

Recollections

18.

Lawson Imrie

Edinburgh

Lawson Imrie wrote:

Looking for George Williamson

East Thomas Street

"I have been through all the sites I could find trying to discover what happened to George Williamson, known as Georgie.

He lived in East Thomas Street, certainly from 1958 until early 1965.  His friend John Hunter became an engineer and left our street, off Easter Road, in 1962, when I was ten.

East Thomas Street was called Chinatown because they all lived packed together. I am still obsessed with walking through that area."

Piershill

"I last saw Georgie in January 1966 near the launderette.  By that time he lived in Piershill.

Wasn't there a small hall, over from the shops, where one night in 1962 we crammed in with the expectation of biscuits and lemonade?"

Leith Walk School

"I attended Leith Walk school with him until Monday, March 2, 1959. The rail line was opposite the school and there were shops facing the gates to which we'd go in playtime.

If anyone could give me information about the boy who'd been the bane of my life for so many years I would be pleased."

Lawson Imrie, Edinburgh:  April 15, 2009

If you'd like to contact Lawson Imrie, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to him.

Thank you.

Peter Stubbs:  April 15, 2009

Recollections

19.

Jim Ruxton

West End, Edinburgh

Jim Ruxton wrote:

3 East Thomas Street

"There were 9 houses in 3 East Thomas Street."

Top Floor

"On the top floor there were:

-  Mr Webster and his daughter Geraldine

-  Mr and Mrs Miller and their daughter Dorothy

-  Mrs Bain.

Mr Webster was one of the few people in the street who had a car."

Middle Floor

"On the middle floor were:

-  the Thomson family

-  the Parrs

-  myself, Jim Ruxton, and my mum and dad, Jean and Frank.

 My dad worked at Redpath Brown, Engineers."

Ground Floor

"On the ground floor were:

-  the McGhees, the daughters being Ina and Mary

-  Winnie and Doris Hendry

-  the Nelson family which included David and his big sister Janet. 

Mr Nelson had a motorbike and sidecar.  I am still friendly with David and we still see each other about once a week."

Brunswick Road

"Number 23 Brunswick Road was at the bottom of East Thomas Street.  Living there were:

-   the Allans, Sandra, Nan and Ian

-  the Smiths;, Tom, Betty and Billy, who was one of the original members of the Corries Folk Group.

Other Neighbours

Gina Harkness and Mrs Jennings are other names I recall.

Frank Shaw, who lived at number 18, chummed around with us and once went to Butlins with my mum, dad and me."

Shops

"The shops at the end of our street were:

-  Jimmy Bruce, the newsagent at number 2, in between two stairs, where we bought most of our sweets.   In the 1940s, of course, we had coupons to go with our pennies.   I can still see Jimmy making a 'poke' out of the paper and pouring in the sweeties.

-  Scobies, which was between the stairs 4 and 5 and sold virtually everything.  My abiding memory of Scobies was buying a pennyworth of peas and vinegar in a saucer, or, if you were flush 2d worth. 

-  Smiths on the opposite side of the street was a general grocer."

Jim Ruxton, West End, Edinburgh:  June 26, 2009.

Recollections

20.

Alex Macdonald

Peffermill, Edinburgh

Thank you to Alex Macdonald who wrote

Visiting East Thomas Street

"Although I did not live in East Thomas Street at the time, I used to visit the street to see Rhona Howarth whom i met at Bellvue secondary school.  This would be about 1954.

I remember her sister, Irene, and some of the Robertson family, and also the chap with the ponies.  I think his name was Eddie.

Rhona and I drifted apart and I joined the Merchant Navy in 1956.  I had 15 wonderful years before coming ashore to settle down with wife and family."

Home at No 15

"By the way our first home was 18 East Thomas Street, top flat.

Alex Macdonald, Peffermill, Edinburgh:  August 23, 2009

Recollections

21.

Rhona Adams  (nee Howarth)

St Catharine's Ontario, Canada

Thank you to Rhona who replied to Alex Macdonald's message (20 above).

Rhona wrote:

5 East Thomas Street

"I am amazed that someone finally remembers me from East Thomas street.  I lived at No 5 until 1957.

Actually my father was killed in an accident while we were living in that street  in 1949.

I went to Belleview secondary school until 1956.  That's when we immigrated to Canada."

Rhona Adams (nee Howarth), St Catharine's Ontario Canada:  August 25, 2009

Update

Rhona:  Alex is not the only person to remember you!  I got an email message today from Irene Day (nee Shamrock), now living in Wigan, Lancashire.  She says she believes she was in the same class as your brother, Frank, at Leith Walk school.

Peter Stubbs:  August 28, 2009

Recollections

22.

Bob Smith

Edinburgh

Thank you to Bob Smith who wrote:

4 East Thomas Street

"I lived in 4 East William Street, where Mr Yeoman, stayed.  He was the local bookie.  He stood on the corner opposite Hutton the Cobblers.

The folk in my stair that I can remember are:

-   McColys

-   McDonalds

-   Clarks"

School Camp

"I went to school camp and only two of us had clean hair - me and Rose Robertson.  Our mothers would have been affronted if wee had nits.  My mother went nuts when I came home and had them."

Bob Smith, Edinburgh:  November 16, 2009

Recollections

23.

Pat Doyle

Australia

Thank you to Pat Doyle who wrote:

10 East Thomas Street

"I have just found your site, and I can't believe it. I thought East Thomas Street was gone from me for ever. I was born in number 10 in 1938 and lived there till I went to Australia in 1954.

I remember many families that have written and some that haven't been mentioned like:

-  Moirs.

-  Bowies.

-  Murphys at 10.

-  Murdocks at 11.

-  Fiskens at 12."

Games

It certainly brings back my childhood when I read about the games we played (rounders, kick the can) and about the bonfires, the air raid shelters and the back greens.  I have tears while writing this."

Pat Doyle, Australia:  March 27, 2010

Recollections

24.

Irene Kirkwood (nee Bryce)

Livingston Village, West Lothian, Scotland

Thank you to Irene Kirkwood who replied to Pat Doyle's comments (23 above).

Pat wrote:

10 East Thomas Street

"I remember going to visit Irene's mum (who we knew as Auntie Ena) and Pat and Vivian and her little sister, Helen, at East Thomas Street, with my mum, my sister Catherine and brothers Jim and Douglas. 

They also came to see us in Crewe Road North.  We also went to see them off at the Waverley Station on the train to London, when they left for Australia. 

We still think about them from time to time.   I would be pleased to hear how they are faring"

Irene Kirkwood (nee Bryce), Livingston Village, West Lothian, Scotland:  March 30, 2010

Recollections

25.

Julie Roderick

Bunbury, Western Australia

Julie Roderick wrote:

5 East Thomas Street

"I am trying someone who may have known my grandfather, Thomas Clark Cruickshank. He was born to Isabella Cruickshank in 1892 and lived at 5 East Thomas Street."

Julie Roderick, Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia:  June 4, 2010

Reply to Julie

If you have any news for Julie, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to her.    Thank you.

Peter Stubbs  June 4, 2010

Recollections

26.

George Scott

Thank you to George Scott who wrote:

18 East Thomas Street

"I was born in 1957.  I have just read the recollections of 'Chinatown' from Linda Robertson and Rosalind Patons memories.

I stayed, most weekends, from the late 1960s, on the middle floor of No 18 East Thomas Street with my granny and grandad, Mary and Jock Hay.  Then I lived there, mostly full-time, with my grandad, after my granny passed away in 1969.

If my memory serves me right we were the last ones to be moved out prior to demolition, at which point we moved to Spey Terrace."

Mary Hay

"Most people would have remembered my granny as a happy old soul, as she was always looking out the window, speaking to everyone that passed by."

John Scott

"My older brother John stayed at No 18 during most of the 1960s.  He had a Mods' scooter with big eyes on the front of it.  He had a good pal called Nimmo."

Quinn's

"I remember going to Quinn's for a penny lolly.  She had a penny tray and lucky bags.  I also went to buy a single Woodbine for my grandad."

Learmonth's

"I went to Learmonths for a fourpit of tatties and, to my eternal shame, me and my pals used to follow the oldest paperboy in the world (from Bruce's) and knock his bunnet off, when he walked down the street."

Backgreen

"Linda and Roz were good pals.  I  remember plays and shows in the the backgreen, near to Linda's house, when everybody would dress up, sing songs and do 'plays'."

Halloween

"One of our highlights was Halloween.  Granny would put soot on my face, turn my school blazer inside out, put soot on my legs, and 2 or 3 of us would go 'guising'.

We would stand outside Middletons', singing Al Jolson songs, trying to get pennies from the drunkards inside. There were no child protection issues in these days!"

Bucket Day

"I was also good at going round the buckets on bucket day, trying to retrieve comics, which I would later swap at Bobbie's Bookshops.  That's where Linda and Roz probably got their 'scraps', including the coloured cherubs and fairies, girlie things that they used to keep in a book and also swap."

Woollen Jumpers

"My granny would try and pick up old woolen jumpers, which she would pull apart, then knit squares from them which she would make into big woollen blankets.  She was one of the first recyclers!"

Closing Time

"After closing time at 10pm my granny and I, and later on my grandad and I, would watch the drinkers coming home from Middleton's. One of them was always singing. He was nicknamed 'Cowboy' 'cos of his bandy legs, and he was always a happy drunk.

Other drunks were not so happy, and there were always loud domestic arguments taking place as their wives shouted at them from the open windows as they staggered home."

Fire

"Like Roz, I also remember the fire within the stair and the blistered paintwork on the walls that was never fixed.  I also remember frequently going into the 'burnt' house, just for a look.

Gramophone

"The summers highlight was always Nan Grant and her wind up record player / gramophone which she brought out onto the street when the sun shone.  We would all dance about or just sit and play marbles whilst listening to the music."

Pals

"Danny and Frankie Smith stayed on the ground floor.  Although Danny was older than me, he was a good pal.

I also remember 'Welshy'.  He must be the younger brother of an earlier contributor as this 'Welshy' was ages with me.  I still remember the day his family left the street."

Games

"Welshy and I would get a shoebox, cut small square holes in it, write numbers above these cut-outs, then try and outscore one another by firing marbles through the holes.

Another favourite game was 'Soldiers', You made a line of shoes and slippers and put your soldiers in front of, and on top of, the shoes.  You then had a small cannon which fired matchsticks, and you tried to knock over your opponent's troops.  You could also use marbles if you ran out of matches.

When it rained, I would get a Swan Vesta or Regal matchbox and make a small boat which we raced down the gutter to the Siver.

I also used to gather up wooden lolly sticks which I would use to make a flying 'fan' or 'box'. It took ages to put together, and when it landed it fell to bits!!!."

Football

"I was very pally with the older Billy Stevenson.  We all played football with:

-  the McManus boys

-  Jimmy Young

-  Gavin Davey

-  Billy Forbes

-  Colin and Billy McDonald.

George Scott:  August 11, 2010

Recollections

27.

Leonie

Australia

Thank you to Leonie for posting a message in the EdinPhoto guest book.

Leonie wrote:

5 East Thomas Street

Around 1900

"I am searching for any family connections of my late great grandfather, Thomas Clark Cruickshank(s). He was born at No. 5 East Thomas St and was the son of an unmarried (perhaps very young) Isabella Cruickshank, listed as a domestic servant at 19 Eglinton Street, Edinburgh.

I have read the recollections above, but it seems that they have been written about people that might have moved in after my g g grandmother had moved on/passed away.

Very little is known about my g grandfather's life.  He was born 1892 and by 1916 had already moved to Australia and married Harriet Bailey of which there were 4 children - 3 boys and 1 girl (my grandmother).

I have little understanding of East Thomas Street or the surrounding areas of Edinburgh and would appreciate any information, in terms of pointing me in the right direction as to land records etc. to find out who has lived at No. 5 East Thomas Street since 1860/1870."

Leonie, Australia:  Message and email address posted in EdinPhoto guestbook. November 13, 2010

Reply to Leonie

If you have any information or advice for Leonie, please, please email me, then I'll pass it on to her.    Thank you.

Peter Stubbs  June 4, 2010

Recollections

28.

Donald Davidson

Inverness, Inverness-shire, Scotland

Thank you to Donald Davidson who wrote:

Edina Street

"I was born and lived at No 4 Edina St (part of the 'Chinatown Triangle') from 1945 until approx 1964.  I knew and went to school with the majority of people mentioned above.

My friends, when I lived at Edina Street, were:

- Gordon and Douglas Pride

-  big Finlay Wallbanks

-  Sandy Gordon, Easter Road

-  Angus Dunlop

-  Robert Moffat

to name a few."

School Reunions

"In fact,  in fact my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting up with Frank Morton (Howarth) and his sister, Rhona, in Niagara, Canada in September.

Irene Day (Sharrock) managed to trace me about 6 years ago and I try to make a point of going to the school reunions where old school friends from Leith Walk and Norton park meet up.

I remember was Douglas Boyd.  I believe his father was an artist.  Was he John F Boyd who specialised in transport pictures of Edinburgh circa 1950-56.  I have them adorning the walls of my house would be interesting to know if he was."

My Haunts

"My haunts were:

-  The Eastway

-  The Regent

-  The Salon

-  The Palais de Dance, when I got older.  (I met my wife there.)

 I remember the fishwife outside Middleton's pub, selling her mussels and buckies.  There used to be a fish and chip shop opposite Middleton's where you could get a bag of potato fritters for 2p.

Pig Bins

"I remember the 'figure 8' of concrete where the pig bins used to sit.  I think they survived til the late 1950s.  The bins were situated more or less opposite the wall that separated Middleton's from No 4 Edina Street."

Lemonade Bottles

"On a Saturday, I would get a hessian sack and go to the Hibs ground to get lemonade bottles to sell.  This would get us into the pictures and pay for sweets etc through the week.

Back Green Concerts

"Back green concerts were held through the summer.  I'm glad that there were people like Jackie Dennis and his sister.  They could sing but I certainly could not.  The concerts were a source of entertainment,  although I preferred the pictures.

JackieDennis went on to a little bit of fame, but it was short-lived I think his auntie lived in Elgin Terrace and he lived in Abbeyhill."

East Thomas Street

"It was nice to read about some of the people from East Thomas Street:

-  Chic, Rab and Linda Robertson

-  George and John Russell

-  the Martins

-  Terry Mulvey, who i will never forget

-  Theresa, who i believe still lives in Edinburgh

-  Terry and Arthur Jones"

Shops

"I remember:

-  Willie Hutton's shoe repair shop on the corner of Edina Street

-  MacIntyre's Dairy

- Learmonths Dairy

Church

"I remember going  to the Bandy on a Friday at Abbeyhill Baptist church.  My father, who was an engineer, made the railings at the front of the church.  They are still there to this day, I believe."

My Gran, who lived at No 25 Elgin Terrace, used to make the non-alcoholic blackcurrant wine for the Communion.  When I knew she was making it, I would make a point of being there to get my bottle  -  delicious!"

Donald Davidson, Inverness, Inverness-shire, Scotland:  November 13+19, 2010

Recollections

29.

Donald Davidson

Inverness, Inverness-shire, Scotland

Thank you to Donald Davidson for writing again.

Donald wrote:

Bucket Day

"As a kid, I used to deliver the milk for Leith Provident Co-op.

On bucket day I managed to rummage in the buckets for comics, rags, bottles, anything that could be read or sold.  The rags went to Bruce Laird, down the lane off Easter Road.

Pocket money?  What was that?  All of us kids, back then, had very little."

Question

"Was it Davy McEwan who had the junk shop in Brunswick Road?"

Memories

"As you read other people's memories on the web site, more memories keep coming back.  I'd like to hear from anyone who would like to contact me."

Donald Davidson, Inverness, Inverness-shire, Scotland:  November 19, 2010

Reply to Donald?

If you'd like to send a reply to Donald, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to him.   Thank you.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh:  November 20, 2010

Recollections

30.

Christine Anderson (nee Keith)

Duddingston, Edinburgh

Thank you to Christine Anderson (nee Christine Keith of East William Street) for responding to Donald Davidson's comments above.

Christine wrote:

Edina Street

"Here are my memories of Edina Street:

-  There was a small shop there you could buy Penny Vantas  (diluted juice).

-  Further along on the next corner there would be  a  Musselburgh fishwife, every Saturday.   My Father  would buy me a threepenny saucer of mussels, while he went to Middletons Pub for his 'medicine'.

-  Across the road was a fish and chip shop where you could get a 'penny poke of scraps'    This was mostly batter off the fish and a few broken chips.  After a while, it closed and became a ladies hairdresser owned by Irene Baptie.

-  At the other corner was Hutton's, the Cobblers.  They  have passed the shop through generations and is still there.

Hutton's

    ©

-   Around the corner, in Elgin Terrace,  was Learmonth's Dairy,  shared by two sisters.

-  Across into East Thomas Street   Mrs Cunnison had her shop ."

Christine added:

Donald Davidson

"I wonder if Donald Davidson remembers a Violet Plain.  I think she stayed on the same side of the street as the 'Vanta' shop.

I met Donald and his wife at one of the Norton Park School reunions, but we never discussed where we stayed."

Christine Anderson (nee Keith), Duddingston, Edinburgh  November 25, 2010

Recollections

31.

Anne McDonald (nee Burns)

Thank you to Anne McDonald who wrote:

Family

"I was born at 17 East Thomas Street in 1959 and lived there with my parents, Helen and Charlie, and my younger brother Charles until 1969.

My Auntie Katie and Uncle Archie Ashby lived at No 9.  My Auntie  Maisie Gerrity also lived at No 9, on the same floor.

Neighbours

"At No17 there lived:

-  Paddy and Sally Carr with two daughters Margo and Trishia.

-  Maudie and Hugh McDonald with her dog Butch.

-  Derek Melrose and his parents.

-  Jean and George Clarke with son George and daughter Jean.

-  Granny Hunter.

-  Nan and Bob Grant with there sons Ross and Raymond.

-  Ellen and Johnny Keighran with daughters Helen and Mary.

-  Mr and Mrs Mackay.

-  The Rosies.

Friends

"I had a lot of good friends who stayed at East Thomas Street some of them went to Leith Walk primary school with me there, including:

-  Jemby Mcgregor , who had an older sister Sandra.

-  Janet Dickson.

-  Janet Croback.

-  Janette Macintosh.

-  Derek  Melrose.

-  Maggie Smith..

We were good friends with Sadie and Bill Mcgeehan and there two daughters Margaret and Jean"

Backgreen Concerts

"I remember  a lot of the people who have been mentioned on your website with a lot of happy memories. I was one of the kids that was in one of the Backgreen Concerts with Linda Robertson and Rozland  Paton."

Anne McDonald (nee Burns):  December 31, 2010

Recollections

32.

Anne McDonald (nee Burns)

Leith, Edinburgh

Thank you to Anne McDonald for writing again.

Anne wrote:

Neighbours

"I have spoken to my mother, Helen Burns, and she has given me some other names of people that have also lived in East Thomas Street.  We are not sure of the stair numbers, but these are the names:

-  Nettie and Jimmy Malone with their son and daughter, Jim and  Janet.

-  Davina and Ronnie Trotter with their sons, David and Keith.irre mother.

-  Nellie and Lackie McLean with their two daughters, Wilma and Sandra

-  Wilma and Billy Jones, who were brother and sister. I'm not sure of their parents' names

-  Alan Young

-  Kim Liddle.  She had a brother called George

I hope someone else will remember the above names.

Rag Man

"I  wonder if anyone remembers the Rag Man who came round the street, blowing a trumpet, looking for old clothes.  He use to give us a balloon in place of the clothes.

Pirriers Toy Shop

"I also remember my mother going to Pirriers Toy shop, which was in Easter Road near the opening for the Hibernian football stadium, to get me a cowgirl outfit so that I could play cowboys and Indians with my friends."

Anne McDonald (nee Burns). Leith, Edinburgh:  January 3, 2011

Recollections

33.

Carole Bathgate

Linlithgow, West Lothian

Carole Bathgate wrote:

The Leslie Family

"I have found a birth certificate for my aunt, Georgina Leslie.  She was born on April 18, 1900 at 7 East Thomas Street.

Her dad was Peter, a stableman (with the Co-op, I think)  and her mother was Jeanie.  She had a brother, John, and possibly another brother, Alexander.

I know it's a long time ago, but it would be nice to hear from  anyone who remembers any of the Leslie family."

Carole Bathgate, Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland (formerly Peffermill Road, Edinburgh):
email February 22, 2011 + message posted in EdinPhoto guest book, February 22, 20aa

Recollections

34.

Tam McLuskey

Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada

Thank you to Tam McLuskey who wrote:

Growing up in Chinatown

"I was born in 1942 at 13 East Thomas Street.  I lived there, along with my parents,  brother David, sister Sheila for many years and have great memories."

Schools

"I went to Leith Walk Primary school then Norton Park Secondary school. I was pals with:

-   Pat Tait, 15 East Thomas Street

-  Rab and Chic Robertson,  5 East Thomas Street

-  Linda Smith, 4 East Thomas Street who I always had a childhood crush for

-  Michael Fraser and Billy Douglas"

Work

"I went at fifteen to the whaling with Salvesen, then into the Merchant Navy.  I immigrated to Canada in 1969 and made my home at Shannon Lake Westbank British Columbia.

"I also knew the Martins and the Mulveys.  I would love to hear from people from Chinatown."

Tam McLuskey, Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada::  March 14, 2011

Reply to Tam

If you remember Tam and would like to send a reply to him, please email me, than I'll pass your message on to him.  Thank you.

Peter Stubbs:  March 16, 2011

Recollections

35.

Tam McLuskey

Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada

Thank you to Tam McLuskey for posting a message in the EdinPhoto guestbook.

Tam wrote:

Growing up in Chinatown

"Because there were seven of us in a room and kitchen in 13 East Thomas Street, my sister Sheila and I spent a lot of time living with my our grandmother at 2 Bothwell Street.  Her name was Edwards.

Holidays at Port Seton

In the summer, my father's mother, granny McLuskey from Clydebank Glasgow, had a caravan at Port Seton.  We would spend most of our summer holidays down there and although it was only about 12 miles from Edinburgh we used to send postcards to our friends in Chinatown telling them how great the weather was and wished that they were here.

Those were fantastic days and great memories. My nickname to a lot of people was 'Tom the atom bomb'."

Tam McLuskey, Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada:
Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook, March 18, 2011

Recollections

36.

Tam McLuskey

Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada

Thank you to Tam McLuskey for posting another message in the EdinPhoto guestbook.

Tam wrote:

Chinatown Friends

"My friends when I lived in Chinatown, at 13 East Thomas Street were:

-   Melvyn Cowe

-  Ronnie Innes, also known as Tarzan

-  Pat Tait

-  John Carr

-  Hammy Townsely

-  Jimmy Divot

-  Rab and Chic Robertson

-  Michael Fraser

-  Billy Douglas

-  Jimmy Hartley

We were a great bunch of friends who stood by each other through all the hard times and good times.  I miss them and love them.  It seems like just yesterday that we were all together hanging around."

Tam McLuskey, Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada:
Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook, March 20, 2011

Recollections

37.

Tam McLuskey

Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada

Tam McLuskey added:

4  East Thomas Street

Tom and Linda Smith

"I would love to hear from either Lynda or Tommy Smith.  They lived at 4 East Thomas Street in the 1950s.

-  I know that Tommy went into the Royal Navy as a boy entrant.

-  Lynda was a good friend of mine and my sister..

So if anyone has any information on them, I would be thankful to hear."

Tam McLuskey, Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada:
Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook, March 20, 2011

Recollections

38.

Tam McLuskey

Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada

Thank you to Tam, who lived at  Chinatown -  No 13 East Thomas Street  -  , for sending more of his memories below.

Tam,  wrote:

5  East Thomas Street

"I remember well Irene and Rhona Howarth from 5 East Thomas Street.  I wonder if they remember Norma Jackson who also lived at No 5, in middle flat.  In the evening, we would all play 'Kick the Can'

Afterwards, we would all sit around on someone's windowsill and just talk.  I remember sitting for hours outside No 5 with - Rab Robbie Robertson) and laying traps to catch doos (pigeons).  Very seldom did we ever catch one."

Nelson's Hall

"Then later, along with Pat Tait and some others, we would all head to Nelson's Hall, part of Macdonald Road Library, and play draughts along with all the old guys"

Tam McLuskey, Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada:
Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook, April 16, 2011

Recollections

39.

Tam McLuskey

Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada

Thank you to Tam for leaving a message in the EdinPhoto guest book.

Tam,  wrote:

Chinatown

"Hi All,

You know I am so proud to have lived and had my youth in Chinatown*.   I have spoken so many times to my kids, grandkids and many Canadian friends about being a part of something special, a street where we basically had nothing.

We had no fancy cars, no fancy homes, no fancy clothes but we had something else.  We had friendship and a will to get ahead in life.

The number of people from Chinatown who are now spread all over the world, and of course Scotland, and who have done great in life through the experience of growing up in Chinatown is really fantastic.

Although I've been away from Chinatown since around 1960, it will always be a major part of my life."

Tam McLuskey, Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada:
Formerly 13 East Thomas Street, top flat first door, right above the Martins.

Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook, April 19, 2011

*  Chinatown = East Thomas Street, Edinburgh (now demolished)

Recollections

40.

Tam McLuskey

Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada

Thank you to Tam for posting a reply in the EdinPhoto guest book.

Tam,  wrote:

Chinatown

"My sister, Sheila McLuskey, and I lived at 13 East Thomas Street (Chinatown) from 1942 to 1960.  I was pals with Pat Tait and Robbie and all the guys that were around at that time."

Schools

"I went to Leith Walk Primary School.  Mrs Ingles was my teacher.  Then, I went to Norton Park and 'ding dong' Bell was my home teacher."

Tam McLuskey, Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada:
Reply posted in EdinPhoto guestbook, June 14, 2011
in response to a posting by Jim Muir, June 9, 2011.

*  Chinatown = East Thomas Street, Edinburgh (now demolished)

Recollections

41.

Eleanor Mcintyre

Portobello, Edinburgh

Thank you to Eleanor Macintyre who wrote:

14 East Thomas Street

"Can anybody tell me if there was a No.14 East Thomas Street, and a family called Henderson living there?

I can't seem to find out anything about No.14."

Eleanor Macintyre, Portobello, Edinburgh:  October 6, 2011

Recollections

42.

Tam McLuskey

Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada

Thank you to Tam Mcluskey for posting messages in the EdinPhoto guest book.

Tom wrote:

Bothwell Street

"I was raised in East Thomas Street (Chinatown) but spent many happy years growing up living in the Ground Floor at No.2 Bothwell Street with my grannie, Mrs Edwards."

Friends

"I had many friends  from these long ago and very happy times at Bothwell Street, including:

-  Terry and Bernie Reilly

-  Ian Gordon

-  Mattie Bowes

-  Ronnie Innes

-  Elizabeth Rennie

-  Donald Fisher

-  Dennis Finn

I've not heard from them for many years, and would really like to know how they are now, and to get back in touch, if possible.

Maybe someone out there would like to get in touch."

Tam McLuskey, Shannon Lake, Westbank, British Columbia, Canada
Message and email address posted in EdinPhoto guestbook:  November 7, 2011

Reply to Tam?

If you'd like to send a message to to Tam,  please email me, then I'll pass on your message to him.  Thank you.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh:  November 8, 2011

Recollections

43.

Charles Lowson

who was known as

Charles Horne

Fareham, Hampshire, England

Thank you to Charles Lowson, known as Charles Horne, for sending lots of memories of the time when he lived at East Thomas Street

Tom wrote:

Family

"I would have been known as Charlie Horne, born in 1942 at 15 East Thomas Street and leaving in 1962 to join the Royal Navy.

It brought back many memories reading through what has already been written. I lived on the top flat, next door to Pat Tait and Eddie Gray with my Mum and sisters Laura, Mary, Margaret and brother Alex."

The Baptist Church

"I think everyone who lived in East Thomas Street came into contact with The Baptist Church  -  Band of Hope, Life Boys, Cub Scouts

My sister Mary was married there and walked to and from the flat! The reception was held in the flat.  Two rooms were a little full."

Friends

"I recognised Tom McLuskie's name (Recollections 34-37 above) and remember his sister Sheila and her friend Margaret (Keirnan?). That was so long ago. Seeing where everyone has ended up is quite remarkable."

Coop Stables

"The Co-op's Stables were on the corner of Easter Road and Albert Street. You could see into the yard from Easter Road and watch the horses being unhitched and finding their own way to their stalls.

Eddie Gray's father had stables in the entry arch off Albert Street.  I used to help out."

Middleton Pub

"Does anyone remember wedging the door at Middleton's Pub n Edina Street, so you could watch the TV above the bar at that end for the children's programmes?  -  usually at 5pm when the pub opened."

Middleton Pub

"The buckie wife who sat outside on Saturdays had the best cockles and mussels. I still haven't found any that taste better than hers."

Middleton Pub

"I remember Crolla's ice cream shop, before it became The Tiffin. It had black and white decor, two separate rooms and great ice cream.  My wartime sweetie ration was got from there."

Fish Shops

"Next door, towards Miele's was a wet fish ship run by a Mrs Neighbour. She wore a thick brown apron and wellie boots.

Do Miele's still sell white mealy pudding suppers?  The fish and chip shop in Edina Street were, I think, the first to introduce potato fritters  -  just like thick crisps."

Co-op

"On the opposite corner of Edina Place was the Co-op. All together now - divi number

We used to queue on a Saturday to be served by the staff at the counter for the weekly 'messages'. When it became 'Self Service', customers were required to leave their shopping bags on shelves before shopping!"

Valvona & Crolla'

"Valvona & Crolla's store room was on the corner of Edina Street, next to McIntyre's Dairy.  It was all boarded up and painted green."

Learmonth's

"Learmonth's was the popular shop, but Cunningham's on the corner of East Thomas Street had regular shoppers. I seem to remember a strong rivalry between the Learmonth sisters and Cunningham's"

The Jones Family

"At No 12 were the Jones family, whose two boys apparently were the doubles of two boys who had died some years before. They were also the first family to have a TV."

Bonfires

"I seem to remember having bonfires twice a year - May for Queen Victoria's Birthday or Empire Day and 5 November.  The wood used to be kept in the backgreen of 17.  Where did we get all that firewood from?"

Leith Walk School

"My first teacher at Leith Walk School was Miss Brown who became Mrs Forsyth and emigrated to New Zealand.  The Headmaster was a Mr Walker, and another teacher was either Miss Pryde or Miss Reid - I can't remember which.

Does anyone remember waiting for Friday afternoons to see which class got The Banner and was therefore allowed home half an hour early?

I also remember a handwriting competition organised by 'The Children's Newspaper' using proper pen and ink.  Ballpoint pens were not allowed.

My Quali Dance was 16 Dec 1953, before leaving the school the following June. We had soft drinks and sandwiches/cakes in the classroom and dancing in the gymnasium.

We practicedPractising the Dashing White Sargent and Gay Gordons etc for days beforehand.  Who says discos are a new thing?"

Backgreen Concerts

"The backgreen concerts were held in No 16.  They were great shows. Jackie Dennis did a great impersonation of Al Jolson. He lived at the Easter Road end of Brunswick Road.

He went on to have a No 1 in the Hit Parade - 1959?  He appeared on 'The Six Five Special' dressed in full highland dress!"

Charles Lowson (a.k.a. Charles Horne), Fareham, Hampshire, England:  December 3, 2011

Leith Walk Primary School

Charles also sent brief recollections of the time when he attended Leith Walk Primary School.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh:  December 4, 2011

East Thomas Street  -  Recollections (and more neighbours)

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