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| Cowcaddens is a district beside Garnethill and Townhead, and has some cracking buildings, like this, the old New City Rd Savings Bank See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowcaddens |
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| A marvellous vision of the old Cowcaddens can be found by googling 'Cowcaddens, Alasdair Gray' |
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| Glasgow's Chinatown |
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| The Scottish Piping Centre |
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| Heading into Townhead |
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| Housing Association flats |
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| The Sunday Post building: an outpost of the Dundee DC Thompson empire |
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| This building appeals to me. No idea about the pub, but the union jack in the middle suggests a Rangers pub. . . |
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| The pedestrian/cyclist underpass behind Chinatown. It is usually manky and in the summer the sides may be tenanted, but this day, for some reason, it was relatively clean and empty except for a large and mysterious concrete ball |
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| The underpass from Cowcaddens Undergound to city centre right-hand side. . |
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| Underpass left-hand side |
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| West Renfrew St, facing west: Garnethill on left, Cowcaddens on right |
Great site. I was born and brought up in The Cowcaddens 1946-1954 with a few Visits in between the years. Never knew about China Town?? I lives opposite The Gushet Pub and above the Loughswilly. I attended Dundas Vale, I think it was quite a Normal School ??
ReplyDeleteGreat Photos. Were you a native of Cowcaddens yourself? W Eversley
winstone46@hotmail.co.uk
Hi, my family came from Stow St and we all went to Dundas Vale (The Normal). My sister was born in 1946 so may well have been your classmate. Her name is Elizabeth (Betty) Thomson. Does the name ring any bells? Do you happen to have any school photos from your time there? We never got them and I would love to find one for her. Have tried all avenues I can think of over the last several years with no joy. Just found this site while trying again as she was talking about it last night. Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2014 to you and yours.
DeleteHi, my family came from Stow St and we all went to Dundas Vale (The Normal). My sister was born in 1946 so may well have been your classmate. Her name is Elizabeth (Betty) Thomson. Does the name ring any bells? Do you happen to have any school photos from your time there? We never got them and I would love to find one for her. Have tried all avenues I can think of over the last several years with no joy. Just found this site while trying again as she was talking about it last night. Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2014 to you and yours.
Deletehi Ellen there are some Dundas vale pics here -
Deletehttp://www.friendsreunited.co.uk/dundas-vale/b/45e3380c-ae67-43f6-9b95-c43a2d6d668b
Thanks very much for that info. I've already been through all those posted on friendsreunited, again last night just to double check. I even posted my own, which I got from an old school friend I had got in contact several years ago. I only found this site by searching for 'dundas vale school photos'. I know it is a long shot but at least it's a shot! I appreciate you help. Thanks again.
DeleteWas born in ferguson St in 47 went to the normal the Stobo clan
DeleteMy family came from 26 stow street cowcaddens family name is ohagan
DeleteI remember the O'Hagans. Ellen was the mother I think. A long time ago. 😊
DeleteHi Winstone! I was a Toonheid boy brought up in Collins St (next to the Baths) went to City Public, left in 63.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the kind words. I started the blog last October as a way of recording a changing Glasgow from my bike!
My dad was born and raised in Cowcaddens in 1946 and he talks about the normal school! lol his name is Eddie Crossan - wonder if any of you remember him? winstone46 - you were most likely in the same class......
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I remember him. Came from Ferguson St.
DeleteI went to Dundas Vale - ie the Normal and so did my brother who was more your dad's age.
DeleteHi carolineOfScots, my sister, Betty Thomson, was born and raised in Cowcaddens, well we all were, but she was born in 1946 and may well be a former classmate of your father. Eddie Crossan rings a bell for her. I may be being cheeky but does your dad happen to have any old school photos? I would love to be able to get a copy of one for her as we never got them bought for us at the time.
DeleteI certainly do remember EddieCrossan, the name anyway, what street was he on, I lived on Wemyss Street. beside the arcade, Name is Margaret McGregor.
DeleteHi Margaret, my dad lived on Wemyss street, above the joiners shop. My mums name was Lizzie Crossan and I had an older brother called Dougie Crossan. My cousin, who was at school with me was Davie Stobo. At dundas vale my headmaster was mr Alexander and I remember a Mr Wright who told me he didn't know what was gonna become of me haha.
DeleteDoes anyone recall Mrs McGuigan from Ferguson street who owned the fruit and veg shop? I used to clean up for her, put fruit away etc. she was a girlfriend of Johnny Crossan, my uncle. Mt wife Cathy Crossan nee McDonald used to work in Dallas if anyone remembers her.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteEddie Crossan was my brothers pal ( jim Donnelly) we stayed in burnside buildings, got a pic of them in their "biker" gear taken in phoenix park.....did he have a really bad motorbike accident ?
DeleteHi yes he did! when he was about 21 and going out with my mum they both came flying off the bike at Springburn. my mum ended up in hospital. thankfully it never put her off him lol id love to see the photo. I wonder if you could email me a copy. Your brother was best man at my mum and dads wedding in Paisley. Hope hes keeping well. I know he had trouble with his back...
DeleteI remember the Crossan family. Walter was in my class.
DeleteMy uncle married Maureen McGuigan after her mother died. They went with each other for over 20 years.
DeleteSandreas was your brother Jim sometimes called Jamesy Donnelly? I lived at 7 Burnside Buildings in the early fifties. In 57 we emigrated to Canada. I remember Jack Kelly, Arthur Gregg, Joe Boy Reilly. My cousins Bertie and John Wilson lived at 20 Burnside Street.
DeleteBeen trying to reply but kept getting put somewhere else 🤪yes my younger brother Benny still pals w'Tom Kerr and Brian Moore,. Our ma's were good pals Annie used to iron our dresses ,my most vivid memory of your mum was when she did the stairs and I fell down 1st lot stood up then fell down the rest 🤭often think about her with much love .
DeleteHi Caroline - name rings a bell our paths may well have crossed!
ReplyDeleteHi fellow CooCaddiennes if there are such people we are them I was born in Oakbank Hospital April 16th 1946 I lived above the LoughSwilly but it was not called that then.
ReplyDeleteMCCormacks the Music shop people were at one side of my close and a Fruit and veg shop the other.
mr. Rome had a Leather Shop across the road he made brief cases and other Leather goods. He was a great wee polite man. my favourite Chip shop was the Thistle in Renfield Street always spotless and First Class fresh clean Fish and Chips (Joe's)
I remember it as Joe's and The Best Ice Cream in The World was sold at the Top of Hope Street / Maitland Street in the Cowcaddens very distinctive taste. Morte later.
my Email is:
winstone46@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks for the response and replies.
I lived in Cowcaddens from 1946 until 1954.
My dear Mother died when i was only 3 years old in 1949 and my Granny died in 1954.
I saw Roy Rogers Live at the Glasgow Empire
I went to the Grand Cinema to watch The Coronation in June 1953 when I attended Dundas Vale (The normal) School Morte later.
Winston Fae Coocadenns. Blessings to All
I remember you Winston. You were in my class. :)
DeleteI worked in McCormacks music shops in cowcaddens st.There were some characters like Mrs Shannon,Lockie Ingram had the barber shop,Jimmy and Billy worked for him.Jock Henderson and his sons ran the Variety bar,other pubs the Loughswilly,Vincent McNulty,s the Squirrel,an elderly highlandman John had the Angus,davie was his barman.The Thistle was agreat chippie,run by Joe,Jim ,Robin ,Isa and Kate,I think they were all family.
DeleteHi, all
DeleteI lived in McPhater Street from 1953 (birth) to 1965. My uncle & aunt lived above the Loughswilly (Bill & Mamie Lindsay ). Have lots of fond memories (and some not so fond) of life in the Coocaddens.
My parents Billy & Isabel McKellar, myself Pauline (born 1960) and my Nana Maggie Grant all lived at 33 McPhater Street until 1966 when we were shipped out to Easterhouse. I remember the park, the shared toilet on each landing and the little shop next door to our close.
DeleteHi pauline aye we got shipped from ferguson St to easterhouse Conisbrough Rd
DeleteHi david your brother was tommy stobo your sister was betty tommy flew pidgeons from outside window next close to were you lived at 11 ferguson st Dougie Crossan was a friend of mine now live in CANADA
DeleteMy mum Mary Hamilton was born 11 Ferguson St 1934 above SooCosy pub. There is a street pic of her 1943 "Welcome Home Jimmie" welcoming come a local from war.
DeleteMy mother is on the left with my brother and cousin in the middle. I have that photo of what we think was my uncle coming back from the war. He served in the middle east
DeleteI was late to Coocaddens (1961)however it was the epicentre of our family. My Gran /Grampa, Mary and Joseph Kerr lived in Garscube Road, facing the Bear's Paw. I loved Phoenix Park, the Grand and the Cambridge. One of my early jobs was to clean Mrs Gizzi's motor, right outside the cafe, Who remembers waiting for their/change to come whizzing doon the pipes in Dallas's? What about Jimmy Milligan's in Shamrock Street. Always open late to sell you tea, even though the law said you could not do that after 7 o'clock ( I think!) also did my bookie's runner to New City road. A tanner on Lester Picket, the old ones luvved him. Fitba in Gayfield street with Pat Thomas, Sassa Brannan Fudd McPherson, the Grove Street boys. Happy happy days
ReplyDeleteWalter George fudd Mcpherson here you sure brought back memories of great days I hope your well
DeleteWalter its fudd George Mcpherson here what memories of a great time in my life hope your well
DeleteMy old Infants Schoolteacher came from New City Road. She was born in 1894 and described as a 'scholar' in the 1901 Census! The family lived at 988 New City Rd if I recall rightly. I wonder if she was a pupil at the Normal School, if the whole of New City Rd was in the catchment for the Normal?
ReplyDeleteHer father was a stone mason, a George Ferrier. She had a younger brother, George and sister, Violet. Her name was Elizabeth. In later life she lived in the more 'upmarket' Southpark Ave. Wonder if she trained as a teacher herself at the Normal, or if it was all done at Jordanhill by then .
She ended up teaching for years at Garrowhill Primary.
Ewan Wilson
I love all your stories about the Grand Cinema and my favourite sweet shop next door. Trams trundling past Dallas'sThe smell of the toffees been made near Pheonix Park. Do you remember the walking through Woolworths and coming out on Sauchiehall St. I'm John and I was born in Oakbank Hospital 7th July 1946, went to St Theresa's. Eventually worked in Dobbies loan (Federated Paints)
ReplyDeleteBecame a Bus Conductor and then a Driver at Possilpark Depot for GCT from 1965. I was not into football as I preferred the dancing at the Barras. My brother Owen Worked at Shaw & McInnes, Firhill before leaving to go up North.
I was born under the kitchen table during an air raid in 1941 at 21 Ferguson Street, I worked in Showcard Service (in the back shop of the Rex Rcord Salon) in Cambridge Street and done the show cards for Dallas' (by hand) and also the cinema posters for the Rex in Garscube Road and the Hillhead Salon. My eldest brother worked for Samuel Craig Painters in Ferguson Street before becoming a bus driver out of Possil garage.
ReplyDeleteHI Bob, I was born in Ferguson Street in 1940, Do you remember Sdidie McCafferty I was not there long then my Mom and Dad move round the corner to Wemyss Street. Was it you who put the gum in my hair at the Camridge? I am now in the States, but have such fond memories of Tony;s Café, great ice cream, I went to Garnetbank school. I remember everything about the cowcaddens like it was yesterday, We did;nt have much but somehow we were always happy.
DeleteHi Anonymous,
DeleteI wouldn't put chewing gum in your hair although I'd had it done to me in that same cinema) as us 3 boys had a fairly strict upbringing both in Milton Parish Church and in the Baptist Church's "Band of Hope" in Cambridge street, and even though I'm in my mid 70's I still remember the minister preaching to us weans that "GOD WAS WATCHING YOU!!"
You must still remember the Fish and Chip shop in Cambridge Street run by Tony and Big Emma
Deleteemmas the chip shop was born round the corner 17 ferguson st the stobos eddie crossan is my cousin
Deleteemmas the chip shop was born round the corner 17 ferguson st the stobos eddie crossan is my cousin
DeleteHi Bob , My dad worked at Sam Craigs as a painter and decorator. His name is Donald Nicolson (Nicky) other names that worked with him were Matt Byrne, Robert Sweeney and Charlie Grieve.
DeleteI was born at Crossburn Street in 1928 and lived there until 1948 .Anyone stayed in the street during that time?
DeleteHi bob do you remember jimmy reid stayed up your close no 21 we stayed in no 17 the stobos
DeleteDo you know if Robert Sweeney ever lived in Gayfield Steet?
DeleteTeenybash61. Do you know if Richard Sweeney ever lived in Gayfield Street?
DeleteDoes anyone know a James Sweeney from Gayfield Street. He would maybe have had 2 sons. Maybe be number 11.
Deletei found my family from crossburn street, mcginley or byrne
DeleteAnyone lived in Crossburn Street between 1928 and 1948?
ReplyDeleteMy dad was born 8th nov 1928@26 crossburn street to Margaret Mc naught on widow of William McClymont
DeleteNice pic from the top of Renfrew St 1961 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=774381622673696
ReplyDeleteHi, I lived at number 44 weymss street, 1955 til 1960s my dad was Tommy Aitken, my Mum Was Ellen (Kane) . Does anyone know of them ? It would be amazing to hear from anyone who did.thanks, Tommy Jnr,.
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember your family and the Thomson family from Stow St!
DeleteHi Tommy. Although my memory isn't great I remember the Aitkens. Do you have a few big sisters and were you the first, maybe only boy?
ReplyDeleteEllen did you live in Stow St across and up from Healy's?
DeleteDid you have a sister in America and a brother called John, and lived next door to the Woods family
DeleteYes Marina. This is the third time I've tried to reply to this. Hopefully you'll see this one and get in touch. Below is the message I sent via my email then sent again to this forum.
DeleteYes Marina Bonini. I remember you, your wee sister Rita? Your Granny, Roseann? Wee Alec? who used to sell the newspapers outside C&A? Ferguson Street and the manky back courts we played happily in. 😁 How, and where, are you? 😀
I went to school with Marina St Aloysius Primary Port Dundas Rd.
DeleteHello, I'm tryi g to find Betty Mcgregor, she lived opposite the 'Cosmo' on Rose Street, thanks
DeleteYears ago, I got in touch with her. She lived in Canada. I have her on a school photo.
Deletenames Tom Hepburn used to live in Burnside St. attended DUNDAS Vale then Woodside then moved to Drumchapel lot of fond memories good people
ReplyDeleteI lived in burnside bldgs....went to st joseph's....1953-'62
ReplyDeleteMy sister mary McBride went to the same school
DeleteMary was in my class. I have an old school phot but she shook her head and made her all fuzzy. haha. She was quite a nervous wee soul.
DeleteSandra MacLean
Jim henderson…7 Burnside Buildings …51-57.. emigrated to Canada in 57. I left a post on your last entry about your brother.
DeleteI lived in burnside bldgs., went to st joseph's..'53-62
ReplyDeleteLived up 33McPhater street and knew Eddie Docherty and Mrs Grant. Isabel Grant was a wee bit older than me but I remember her husband Mr McKellar who was an electrician. I also lived at 88Cowcaddens street till 1969!
ReplyDeleteHi John. I remember you and your sister, Helen. She was my first kiss👍🙂.
DeleteBorn in 1960 at Oakbank, lived in the legendary corn St and was at Dundas vale (the Normal School)
ReplyDeleteHi Anon I lived in corn street and attended Dundas Vale might have knew you Mary K
DeleteHi I was born at oakbank hospital and lived in corn street cowcaddens from 1955 to 1969 went to The Normal School in 1960 till it closed to be a teacher training school, I was moved to Milton Street< does anyone remember Mrs Nicholson the head teacher she was a nightmare to me and followed on to Milton Street ?? Mary
ReplyDeleteShe was terrifying!Was gutted when she"followed"me to Milton St.Can't imagine her ever smiling,could you.Made lives a misery.x
DeleteDoes anyone remember Mrs Nicholson the head mistress at Dundas Vale Primary mid sixties Mary K
ReplyDeleteYes,she was a scary woman!I was born in 27 Stow St 1958.
Delete
ReplyDeleteYes Marina Bonini. I remember you, your wee sister Rita? Your Granny, Roseann? Wee Alec? who used to sell the newspapers outside C&A? Ferguson Street and the manky back courts we played happily in. 😁 How, and where, are you? 😀
I remember you, Marina. My family were the Murphy clan.
Delete[I sent something but dose not appear so hope this is not a repetition ] I remember your mother and dog called Roy.. we made up a song...Rita lives in Edinburgh, I remain in Glasgow, Knightswood ..I hope you had a happy life Ellen
ReplyDeleteI'm in Knightswood, Marina. You'll remember my cousins Pat and Jean Taylor.
DeleteHello Marina. I just typed out a message then touched the mouse and the whole thing disappeared! My email is ellie120151@sky.com if you'd prefer contacting me there. Would love to hear about the song we made up. Also explain why you have a degree of fame, or maybe notoriety, in my family. Lol. Hope to hear from you. If I don't I hope that you are well and that your life was good.
ReplyDeleteHi, my mum told me she was born on Crossburn Street in 1938, her name is Margaret Macleod. She had 3 brothers, graham, Donald and John (although he goes by the name of Iain). I’m trying to find out any info about her brother John (Iain), he moved out to Winnipeg, Manitoba and want to know whether he is still alive.
ReplyDeleteMy gran lived 21 ferguson at she also played the piano at the so cosey pub Carrie verrecchia any one know her
ReplyDeleteYes, I lived with my grandmother above her and I think her sister, lovely lady.
DeleteDoes any on me remember the old millionaire who sat in a hair dressers for a heat ,at least that's what wee where told
ReplyDeleteI lived in Mary Street, up past Pheonix park, over the canal.Born 1947. Went to the Normal School. My Mum would take her pram with washing downhill to the Laundrette. And push the heavy pram back up the hill over the canal bridge and up towards Mary Street. The blavk & white whisky bond was in our street. I had a good School friend called Aileen, she lived in a big stone house near the canal.
ReplyDeleteI lived above Douglas the jeweler top floor 174 New City Road. corner house with St Peters Street. Lots of memories. Pictures collecting bottles for pennies to go to the Cambridge. Helped out at the pet shop below our tenement. I think Bairds TV shop was in our block too. Across was halfords and Woolies. Remember the Baths behind Grove street and Sadie who worked there. She used to let me swim longer.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI was born in the top flat at possil road anybody know it
ReplyDeleteI was born in the top flat at possil road anybody know possil
ReplyDeleteAnybody name the cafe just off stow stree
ReplyDeleteThe Luxor?
DeleteNo from coocaddens ! Born in Hopehill Road up the road a bit. Just to say the pub in the earlier picture is Annie Miller's, it's in Ropework Lane down off Stockwell Street and Clyde Street. Well away from the coocaddens.
ReplyDeleteMy sister mary McBride went st the same school
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother Peggy mcfarlane was manager fina garage cowcaddens my father brother sister lived stow street. all family emigrated to Australia late 70s except my da. sure they went normal school. anybody remember the.
ReplyDeletePeggy McFarlane was our next door neighbour. I called her Auntie Peggy because she was my Godmother. Sons were Alistair and Donnie if I remember correctly.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAnybody remember my pals Kenny Miller Davie Rutherford Jim McLaren John Rennie Matt Johnstone all Cowcaddens boys happy days
ReplyDeletelove all your comments dont come from the area but like Cowcaddens ..Bridgeton was torn apart.
ReplyDeleteMy gran stayed at 138 New City Rd. The close was between a cafe and a pub. Anyone remember the names of them.
ReplyDeleteI was born 1944 i lived in 38 Stow St. I lived until 1952. My name was Susan Mc Dernott. Love to hear a name of this.
ReplyDeleteMy dad Walter crossan stayed in 7 Ferguson street to 1955 his friend Alan stobo and he went to st alyoisuis primary school anyone remember him please let me know
ReplyDeleteHe was in my class!
DeleteSandra MacLean is my name.
Does anyone have any information on the Lang family who lived in Burnside Street in the 1940s/1950s.Some of the names, Clement Lang, Margaret Lang, mother wqs Jessie Lang?
ReplyDeleteTrying to reply to Jim Henderson's post, but this bit keeps coming up..HELP 🤪
ReplyDeleteFound how to do it 🤪
ReplyDelete