RootsChat.Com
Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Angus (Forfarshire) => Topic started by: adee7 on Tuesday 13 March 07 22:02 GMT (UK)
-
Hello,
My Great Uncle, John Johnston was founder of a chain of grocery stores (Johnston Stores Ltd.) in Dundee. In 1967 those stores were sold to a conglomerate named 'Spillers'.
Can anyone tell me where I could get a picture of one of the old stores?
Thank you Adee7 (Kathleen)
-
Hi kathleen.
I remember johnston stores as a child. My mother used to send me there with a note and money in a purse for the "messages" ha ha.
May I suggest you contact Dundee City council - they have a website. They may have some or be able to point you in the right direction.
I have some pictures of "Auld Dundee" but unfortunately not what you are looking for.
I will have a browse around and if I come across anything I will let you know.
Lorraine
-
Hi Lorraine,
Ah, yes, the secret purchase.
Thanks for the idea. How long since you lived in Dundee?
Regards, Kathleen
-
Hi kathleen
Only been in Australia a couple of years but was brought up in Fintry Dundee.
I still read the Tully and courier on line and occasinally go on the dundee web cam.
Are you from Dundee too.
Is it Spillers you are more interested in or Johnson Stores.
Lorraine
-
Hi Lorraine,
I live in Ontario, Canada. My father and his many siblings were born in St. Vigeans Parish. Several, including my father who came to Canada in the 1920's, learned the grocery business in their uncles' stores.
I am putting together a family history of sorts, and thought a picture of Johnston's Stores would be interesting.
Regards, Kathleen
-
Hi Kathleen
i will have a look and see what I can come up with. All my family are back in Dundee and i will ask them if they come across anything to let me know.
There used to be a Johnsons store in the Fintry area of Dundee where i was brought up. I am planning on going back to dundee later in the year for a holiday and will keep you in mind. Maybe the dundee library could help.
Kind Regards
Lorraine
-
Hi Lorraine,
Thanks for your kind offer. So far, I haven't found anything on line. All of my relatives from Dundee are gone now, sadly.
Regards, Kathleen
-
Hi again Lorraine,
A note that may interest you -- As mentioned, John Johnston founded those stores. His brother George Anderson Johnston (also a grocer), was Lord Provost of Dundee, 1929-1932.
Regards, Kathleen
-
Wow you really do have a lot of history in Dundee !!!!
-
Hi Kathleen
have a look at this web page. It gives the history of the Lord provost and chambers in Dundee. George is mentioned in the list. Looks like a good little booklet you can print of and add to your history.
www.dundeecity.gov.uk/publications/heraldic.pdf
ps it takes a minute or 2 to load.
Lorraine
-
Hi Lorraine,
Thanks for that. It's all very grand, isn't it? According to my cousin, G.A. had several specialty high class grocery shops in Dundee and area.
I notice that you are searching for Andersons. I have one -- Isabella, b. Aug 27, 1842, d. June 22, 1919. Would that interest you?
Regards, Kathleen
-
Hi kathleen,
I remember Johnstone Stores very well, did you know they had vans which went around the expanding housing estates that opened up about early to mid 1950's in Dundee. I can't however remember where their shop was, do you have any idea which area of the town it was.
Also forgot to mention did you know you could buy good on "Tick" as they called it. In otherwords buy your shopping during the week and pay them when it was payday.
Elizabeth
-
Hello Elizabeth,
As I understand it, there were many stores and a warehouse in Dundee, but I don't know actual locations. These were the Johnston Stores founded by John Johnston. Thanks for the extra interesting info.
His older brother George Anderson had 4 'high class' shops, to quote my cousin.
Regards, Kathleen
-
Hi again Lorraine,
Just found out one of the stores was Johnston's Stores in Allan Street Dundee.
Also found the reference to 1929 - 32 George Anderson Johnston was lord provost of Dundee.
Elizabeth
-
Hi Elizabeth
I thank you for telling me of the vans and the 'tick' method of purchasing. As I understand it, John, who owned the chain of stores apprenticed with his older brother G.A., then went out on his own to establish Johnston Stores.
Where did you find the info about location?
Regards, Kathleen
-
Hi Kathleen,
On the Dundee City Council website, there is a section where people who are elderly and remember Old Dundee talk about their childhood days in Dundee.
They also mention their first jobs and one of the gentlemen said his first job was in Johnston's Stores in Allan Street Dundee.
Elizabeth
-
Hi again,
I looked at the site last night, but didn't see that section. I'll go back and take another look. (It was late in the day, and I think I'd had enough by that time, so wasn't as observant as I may have been earlier in the day.)
Regards, Kathleen
-
Hi Kathleen
Unfortunately Isabel Anderson does not fit into my tree. Thanks for that anyway
Lorraine
-
Hi Kathleen,
I remember Johnston Stores when I was a lad, but that was a long time ago, so I asked my father. My father was a message boy for Johnston Stores in the shop at the top of the Hilltown (opposite the clock). My mother worked in the Allen St store, this was the head office. My Aunts and Uncles also worked in the various stores. My father seems to recall a store in Cleppington Rd, by the park (just past the round about that comes up from Coldside). My Great Aunt took my sister and I there when we were kids for sweets.
My father seems to think there were branches in Downfield, Charleston and the Perth Rd. He also said there was a store in Kirriemuir (where my mother was born and brought up). He is going to aske around the family to see if anyone has any photographs from when they worked there.
Regards,
Ore Dragon
-
Hello,
Thank you for your interest in this. According to my cousin who provided me with much of the story of my late father's family and history, there were many Johnston Stores and the central warehouse was located in Dundee.
I truly enjoy and appreciate the responses to my query and hope that somewhere there is a picture of one of the Stores.
Again, I thank you and your family members for this.
Kathleen
-
Hi Kathleen,
My grandfather was Charles Johnston and was one of George.A.Johnstons and as such your great uncles brother.
They were from a family of fifteen.
There parents were William Johnston and his first wife Isabella Kidd and his second wife Isabella Anderson.
My grandfather also had a Grocers business and I have a photograph of it, but as my father passed away several years ago I cant locate it in Dundee
I was brought up in the sixties in Dundee and can remember one of Johnstons stores in Arbroath Road at the bottom end of the Kingsway.
I have a small amount of Johnston family history information and would be interested in any information you may have.
Cheers
Gordon
-
Hello Gordon,
Nice to meet you. My Great-Grandparents were William Johnston and Isabella Kidd.
My Father's parents were William Johnston and Elizabeth Ramsay Dorward.
My Father, Gilbert, died in Dundee in 1974 and had not given much of his family history. Some years ago I wrote to the one Scottish cousin I had met here in Canada and he and his brother provided me with quite a lot of information.
If we share our info on this board it could be helpful for others as well.
Regards, Kathleen
-
Hi Kathleen,
Sorry for not replying sooner....things have been a little hectic here recently.
Now regarding Johnston Stores, I have got myself a copy of the Dundee Directory for 1972 and in it are the following locations for Johnston Stores
It looks like the main store was at 5/19 Douglas Street, and had supermarkets at 116 Whitfield Drive, 219 Perth Road, 189-191 Blackness Road, 81 Fintry Road, 133 Pitkerro Road, 40 Dundonald Street, 65 Provost Road, 168 Arbroath Road, (the one I remember)
20 St Giles Terrace, 24 Harefield Road, 9 Orleans Place, ........and butchers at 25 Overgate, 32/34 Strathmartine Road, 22 St Giles Terrace, 26 Harefield Road, 7 Orleans Place, 46 High Street, Newport, and Station Road Carnoustie.
I also have a picture of one of the Stores (address unknown) but have tried unsuccessfully to attach it (why things have been a bit hectic), but I will not let it beat me.
As my late father was the only Johnston I could ask about the family, it looks like the trail from my side has gone cold, and was wondering if you could tell me about your Grandfather, William (was he born in 1857 ??) and his older sister Mary was born (c1854) but I cant find her birth records.
I would also be any other information you have.
Regards
Gordon
-
Hi Gordon,
When was there a Johnston Stores at the bottom of the Kingsway in Dundee. I know they went out of business in the late 1960's but can't remember that shop although I lived nearby.
Elizabeth
p.s. Do you need help attaching the picture?
-
Hi Gordon,
Tomorrow I'll put some info together and post it here for you. What is the starting point that you need -- my Grandfather William and his sister?
Regarding the stores -- According to family records, JOHN JOHNSTON'S stores were many, and were sold to a conglomerate in 1967. After John died several family members who worked in John's stores took over management at board level. GEORGE ANDERSON JOHNSTON'S stores were apparently a few high end stores.
According to a previous post here, the main store of JOHN'S was located on Allen Street. A store on Cleppington was also mentioned.
Is it possible that the addresses you have include George's stores?
Regards, Kathleen
-
Elizabeth1,
The store 'at the bottom of the Kingsway' was actually on Arbroath Road ........next to Scot Fyffe Garage, at the eastern end of the Kingsway, and having been brought up in Craigiebank it was how we, as a family, used to locate it
Regarding the picture I hope to have my new printer/fax/scanner up and running soon (computer dinosaur) but thanks for the help offered.
Kathleen,
Yes please, William and Mary's information would be excellent please.
Regarding the stores locations I don't know whether they included G.A. Johnstons or not.
I was always under the impression that the stores were taken over by William Low &Co., but as I say it was only an impression and has no factual evidence.
The following is a copy of an e-mail sent to me by the Dundee City Achives Dept. regarding George A. Johnston and might be of interest.
Dear Mr Johnston,
I have looked through Dundee street directories and property valuation
rolls
and have picked up some information about his business. The earliest
directory
I have found him in is the one for 1884/5 where he is described as a
grocer and
tea dealer with a shop at 19 Stirling Street and living at 68 James
Street. By
1891, he is living at Flowerdale Cottage, Downfield (at that time just
outside
Dundee's northern boundary). His business expands over the years. By
1900,
the directories record him as having five shops. By 1910, he has
moved to
"Bellavista", Adelaide Terrace. Around 1922/3, the business is
re-formed as
George A. Johnston Ltd.
George A. Johnston Ltd. continues in business for a few years after
George
Johnston's death. About 1946/7, a Wm. Johnston and Co. appears as
proprietors
of one or two of the former George A. Johnston shops and this business
lasts
till c.1950 (the directory for 1942/3 shows a Wm. Johnston of G. A.
Johnston
Ltd. living at 6 Adelaide Terrace). In the years after George
Johnston's death,
the business gradually disposes of its various shops.
Johnston's Stores Ltd. appears from the directories to be a totally
separate
business with its own portfolio of shops. The directories indicate
that it
originated with a John Johnston, grocer and wine merchant who,
c.1918/19 is
living at Sunnyknowe, 14 & 16 Lawside Road. By the late 1920s, this
business
has been formed into Johnston's Stores. Although there appears to be
no direct
connection between the two businesses, Johnston's Stores acquires a
couple of
George Johnston's shops on the breakup of that business in the late
1940s.
I can send you copies of a selection of pages from the directories
showing the
main developments. If you wish to find out more about the family
members, you
might check the entry for George Johnston's Downfield address in the
census
records for 1891 and 1901. The 1881 census shows him as lodging with
the
family of Peter Cook, coachman, at Barkers Lane, Dundee. He is
described as
"grocer - manager". Microfilm copies of the census records are held
by the
Local Studies section of Dundee Central Library, email <local.
studies@dundeecity.gov.uk>
Yours sincerely
Richard Cullen
Regards
Gordon
-
Hi Gordon,
The story of the stores, as written for me by a cousin.
George (G.A.) Johnston, b.1862, d.1937, was the first to in his family to leave home and become a grocer in Dundee. He was successful and eventually had five very high-end shops in the city.
John Johnston (G.A.'s brother), b.1872, d. 1919) left home to work for G.A. in Dundee. They eventually had a falling out when John wanted to establish his own business and sought financial help from G.A. The business that John established on a third party loan of 2000 pounds was Johnston's Stores Limited. These stores, where many young family members worked and trained were the ones I asked about initially because my Father also trained there.
The business flourished with many shops and a large central warehouse in Dundee. Johnston Stores Limited was sold to a conglomerate in 1967.
William Johnston, b. 1892, my Father's brother, also trained with John then became his partner. John's four sons, Harry, John, Alexander, and Peter were all Directors of the Stores, with Alexander being Managing Director.
John Jr.'s son John was the last Managing Director of the Johnston Stores Limited.
It's because my Father trained there that I would like a picture of one of Johnston Stores Ltd. if possible.
Regards,
Kathleen
-
Hi,
To answer some questions about Johnston genealogy, I'll start a new topic on this board.
Kathleen
-
Hi
Johnston Stores were taken over by William Low & Sons, which is now part of Tesco.
Kathleen
-
Hi all
Yet another branch of Johnstone's Stores was located on the corner of Ellen Street and Alexander Street. I remember this from the 50's. Alas, long gone now, demolished in the early 60's to make way for the inevitable multi story blocks. :( Jenc
-
Jenc,
Thanks for the information. It's been an interesting search regarding this branch of the family and their stores.
Regards, Kathleen
-
Hi Kathleen
Just had another thought about where you might locate a photo of one of the stores. The local paper 'Dundee Courier' has a column which often features memories of old Dundee and roundabout, the e-mail address is craigie[at]thecourier.co.uk. (replace [at] with @) Their archives might have something interesting. No doubt many Dundonians of a ' certain age ' would be happy to be reminded of their popular Johnston's Stores.
Jenc
-
Hi Jenc,
Thanks for your idea which I will check into. On another of my postings -- Johnston, Rae, Ramsay, etc., someone posted a picture of one of the stores, but I'm interested in learning more, so will continue.
Are you, by chance, a member of the Johnston family?
Regards, Kathleen
-
Hi Kathleen
Not a family member i'm afraid, just got caught up in your story, which stirred up happy memories of a Dundee long past :'( Good luck with your research.
Regards Jenni.
-
Hi Kathleen,
I'm hoping that you're still researching the Johnston family of Dundee Angus( Scotland )
I've read all the messages that were sent to you, but didn't come across one with Catherine Johnston who married John Drummond . They were born in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
Their children were :
William Drummond. b. about 1820s
John Drummond. b. about 1830s
Jane Drummond. b. about 1833
George Drummond b. about 1845
Would greatly appreciate any help from you or anyone who has information on this family.
Thank you,
Dru.
-
Hello Dru,
I hope there was some helpful information in the Johnston threads on here.
I do not have any records related to the Drummond family.
Do you know who Catherine's parents were?
Kathleen
-
Hi Kathleen,
Great to see that you're still on the site. Are you from Ontario, Canada ?
My husband's family are Drummonds who migrated to Toronto, Ontario, in the early 1900s. They moved to Nova Scotia in the late 1900s.
I haven't got a clue who Catherine's parents are. That's why I'm trying to find a connection on Rootschat. I have a strong feeling that she might have been the daughter of one of the Johnston brothers or maybe a close relative......John was born in England and I'm sure she's from Dundee, Angus.
Thank you for your prompt reply....Dru
-
Hi Dru,
Yes, I'm in Ontario, Canada. Where are you?
There is still much to do on the Johnston family, and if I find more that could be helpful, I'll post it here.
Kathleen
-
Hello Kathleen,
In reply to your question ; I'm a Cape Bretoner !! I married a Drummond and we live on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Where do you live in Ontario ?
We are researching my husband's Scottish roots which begins in Aberdeen with his grandfather.
Have to leave for town..... Contac later. Dru.
-
Hi Dru,
I'm in Eastern Ontario -- Laurentian Hills area.
I thoroughly enjoyed a trip to eastern Canada some years ago, especially Cape Breton.
Kathleen
-
Hi Kathleen,
Sorry for not replying sooner. We just got in from town.
So you were in Cape Breton. Did you go around the Cabot trail ? We are surrounded by the Bras'Dor Lake, and live quite close to the Dundee Golf Resort.
I see you live in the Laurentian Hills. It must be lovely there also. My husband and I travelled as far as Sarnia Ontario. ( When we were younger )
Hope someone can help us with our Drummond- Johnston Family.... Take care. Dru.
-
Hi Dru,
Yes, we travelled the Cabot Trail. Beautiful, but I probably wouldn't do it again. There are a few places along the way that made me a bit nervous. I did enjoy most of it, though.
Are you aware of the Scotland's People website?
http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/
Hope you find more about the family.
Kathleen
-
Hi Kathleen,
Went around the Trail also, and although it's beautiful, I agree, it's very scary !!
Yes ,I know about the Scotland's people. Are you a member ? How much would it cost " Canadian " to use it for a year or less ?
Thank you....Dru.
-
Hi Dru,
I bought some credits on there some time ago. There is a FAQ page that is helpful when it comes to deciding how much you want to spend.
Kathleen
-
:)
HI Kathleen;
I'm another 'Canuck-Northern Ontario' I've been reading with interest your
family-research and although I am not related to 'Johnston' I do have a
name I see you also have in your 'list',,,,
'Dorward', Ramsay,',,(Elizabeth Ramsay(m) James Dorward;
"Betsy Dorwood Blair" died Kirkton,Forfar,age 84yrs;widow of Andrew;
'Andrew Blair',(toll-collector) married 'Betsy Dorward',,20Oct/1821.Kirkden
Angus. their daughter 'Mary Blair' (b) 1845 later a domestic/servant in "Leith/Edinb/Midd' (mar) "Thomas Hume" 1864;Newhaven,Leith/Edinb
their daughter, "Mary Blair Hume" (mar) my cousin "John Kirkwood
Thomson" 7 Sept/1893;Glas/Lanark,,,,I have not found any Thomson
children;
In 1901 "Mary B.H.Thomson" becomes a widow, she visits a relative in
'Arbroath' Mrs Betsy Littlejohn' Tobacconist/Shopkeeper,also a widow;
Mary meets 'Edward Mills Petrie' 27yrs, 'Master/Grocer' they marry in
Maryhill,Glas,minister 'John Anderson,Kelvinside Ch. witness; Mgt Anderson
& Thomas Spencer Laird Petrie;
"Edward M.Petrie residence was 55 Tichlandstown St,Arbroath,,,,,
Just wondering if you or any of your contacts have heard these names,,??
Kind regards;
Janey;
-
Hello Janey,
Pleased to meet you.
Do you have a date for Elizabeth Ramsay married to James Dorward?
I have an Elizabeth, born 1840 Guthrie, Angus, daughter of John Ramsay and Mary Balla, but no marriage for her.
I don't have listings for the other names you listed, but have not completed the searches.
(Are they ever completed -- probably not. Who knows, I may find those names in the family.)
Regards,
Kathleen
-
I am also interested in the story of Johnstons grocers.My Greatgrandmothers sister Isabella Millar, married George Anderson Johnston, one of the grocers in the story. Does anyone have their family ancestry i know they had William married Minnie, Robert, George Married Elizabeth with 2 daughters,Margaret, & Charles married with children. the four boys went over & returned from the first world war, and their parents donated a gift a manse church Bell to dunhope church.They were provost s of Dundee for 6 years. In her 70s Isabella travelled to New zealand to meet up with her sister Jeannie who married James Imrie Carr who she hadn't seen for over 50 years. If anyone has any info I would be glad of anything
Carol
-
I worked for Johnston's Stores from 1960 to 1966 in various shops throughout eastern Scotland. If memory serves me correctly, I worked in the Alyth and Blairgowrie Shops (Perthshire) Rankin Street, Arbroath Road, Sinderins-Perth Road, Provost Road and Dundonald Street (all Dundee) also briefly in the Newport and Cowdenbeath (Fife) Shops with a short stop in Erroll (near Dundee).
I spent a few weeks in the warehouse at Allan Street Dundee as well.
I knew Mr A.K. , Mr P.A. , Mr Jack Johnston ....and Mr Ian Johnston, the youngest member of the family involved in the business.
The last shop I worked in was at 40 Dundonald Street, Dundee, which I managed, in 1966 just before I left to move to Vancouver Canada.
I have attached a photograph of this store and also a piece of letterhead from my reference.
The reference was written and signed by Mr George Taylor who was a popular director of the firm at that time.
I hope this has been a help to you
Images resized to prevent screen stretching - ev[/blue]
-
Hi
thanks so much for that great photo its a beauty. glad to hear from you
Caroldawn
-
Hello Arthur,
Thanks very much for the photo and the additional information.
Regards,
Kathleen
-
Carol,
Here is the information I have:
George Anderson Johnston Sr.
Born: May 9, 1862, Newton, Airlie, Angus
Died: Jan. 15, 1937, Dundee
Married: April 6, 1886, Dundee
Isabella Waddell Millar
Born: Jan. 20, 1861, Flowerdale, Collace, Perthshire
Died: Sept. 24, 1946, Arbroath Road, Dundee
Children:
l. William Johnston
Born: 1886
Died: June 14, 1950, Dundee
Married: Jan. 25, 1922, London, England
Margaret Mary (Daisy) Third
Born: Apr. 7, 1892, Angus
Died: June 25, 1974, Montrose
2. Margaret Anderson Johnston
Born: Apr. 13, 1888, Dundee
Died: Dec. 22, 1954, Dundee
Married: Oct. 7, 1925, Dundee
William Johnston IV
Born: Jan. 17, 1892, The Guynd, Carmyllie, Scotland
Died: Nov. 15, 1966, Dundee
3. Robert Miller Johnston
Born: 1891
Died: Aug. 26, 1967, Dundee
Married: Apr. 20, 1930
Janet Smith
Born: 1886
Died: Aug. 26, 1967, Dundee
(I don't have info re children)
4. George Anderson Johnston Jr.
Born: Apr. 29, 1893, Downfield, Scotland
Died: May 2, 1966, Dundee
Married: Aug. 14, 1929, Dundee
Elizabeth Dorward Johnston
Born: Nov. 30, 1895, The Guynd, Carmyllie, Scotland
Died: June 20, 1985, Dundee
5. Charles Miller Johnston
Born: Oct. 24, 1896
Died: Feb. 18, 1970, Montifieth, Angus
Married: Jan. 25, 1925, Dundee
Jeannie Douglas Arthur
Born: 1899
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Kathleen
-
Hi kathleen
Thanks so much for that info I will send mine to your home email
Caroldawn
-
One more picture for you of the Sinderins/Perth Road (Dundee) shop that was originally operated by G.A. Johnston (as seen above the door).
This was one of the stores that later became part of the Johnston's Stores group and in which I worked as a relief manager for a few weeks.
I'm really sorry that the resolution is not that great but this is a very old photo. It is at least readable if you magnify your image viewer a wee bit. I think this picture was from the 1920s or 30s.
Also attached an advert from a local paper in Alyth, Perthshire from the early 1960s which is self explanatory.
During the time that I worked for Johnston's Stores I believe they were a subsidiary of Rank Hovis-McDougall, the food conglomerate but still run like a family business.
Regards and best wishes.
Image resized to prevent screen stretching - ev[/blue]
-
Carol,
You are very welcome. Glad I could help. Please let me know if you need more info.
Arthur,
Many thanks. Wonderful picture and advert.
Regards,
Kathleen
-
arthur,
so thrilled to get your photos,its really made my day, it will help to illustrate my family tree when I finish.
Did you ever work up Brechin way I am trying to find out some history of Blackies mill there. I heard it was a saw mill poweredby a water wheel, two of my relations a charlie, and john Millar were there.
Regards
Caroldawn
-
Carol,
There is a lot more Johnston info on this RootsChat thread.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,224486.0.html
There is a picture with Charles Johnston (third from left) who was brother of George Anderson Johnston Sr. (Sorry for delay on this note, but thought you may have seen it that thread.)
Kathleen
-
Carol,
I'm wondering if a new thread on this board titled for Brechin Blackies Mill would bring you some good results. Look at what I accomplished with a question about the stores?
Worth a try.
Kathleen
-
Hi,
My grandfather was John Johnston of Johnston stores and my father was Mr Jack Johnston. Good to see the photographs of the stores. I have one of the staff outside Sinderins shop.
Regards
Jenanne
-
Hello Jenanne,
Happy to 'meet' you. Was your father b. 1922?
I don't have any information about your father's marriage or family. Perhaps we could communicate by message?
Would it be possible for you to post the store photo on here?
Regards,
Kathleen
-
Hello Kathleen
Glad you have made contact and I hope that I can be of some help.
My father John Johnston but known as Jack was born in Dundee on 09 March1922. He married my mother Nancy Leitch in September 1948 in Dundee. I have two younger brothers. We left Dundee in 1967 when the business was sold to Rank Organisation and moved to Australia where my mother and brother still live. I now live back in the UK.
My grandfather was John Johnston and if I am right with my dates he was born in 1897 in Dundee. He married Isabella (Bella) Craik. His father my great grandfather was also a John and I think he might be your great uncle. I am still doing my home work in this one.
Johnston Stores had its head office and warehouse in Allan street and there were 42 shops and several mobile vans which visited outlying areas and some of the larger housing estates. The shops included two shops in Glasgow one in Paisley and one in East Kilbride.
Unfortunately, I cannot lay my hands on the photo right now but when I find it I will see what I can do.
Best Wishes
Jenanne
-
Hi Jenanne,
Thanks for replying. I'll check through my family tree info and see where we may be able to help each other fill in some blanks.
Regards,
Kathleen
-
Hello
This is of great interest - does anyone know where in Dundonald St this shop was.
I know the area is much changed but I was wondering if it was on the corner of Wolseley St =
Can any one help please.
-
Hi Andydundee11,
The shop was on the corner of Court Street ...tenements above...all demolished now with new housing built.
See attached before and after pictures.
Cheers
Image resized to prevent screen stretching - ev[/blue]
-
Another wonderful piece of family history. Thanks arthurstoneladdie.
-
Thankyou arthurstoneladdie
for the new pic showing the corner of Court St and Dundonald St.
Do you have any pics or info regarding my other posting - THis is the tenement above and around the 4Js Bar at number 10 - 14 Dundonald St.
I always thought the back court of this Building was very small and thought it may have been bigger at some point. Maybe some of it was taken away to form the Large car park that now sits at the Dundonald St / Wolseley St junction.
A local man says that he can remember ther was a big outbuilding to the side that served as a bin shed about 20 years ago,
But any info or pics would be a great start.
Andy
-
Hi Kathleen
Just seen your post of 2007 and hope you are still well.
I worked in one of the stores for several years as a schoolgirl in the late 60s early 70s. This was in Carnoustie at the top of Station Road. The shop is still there but was closed when I last passed earlier this year. You can see it on Google earth. I also later worked from the butchery dept and delivered to stores in Strathmartine Road Dundee, Errol and Arbroath.
Best wishes
Irene
-
Hello. Ive just been looking through old family pictures and came across a puc of johnston stores. Id never heard of it so i googled and your post came up! I know its from years ago but hope youre still on here! I can scan it but not sure how to get it to.you!
-
Tuppence24...Thanks for the information.
Morag Bathgate...Interesting. I could pick up a copy of the scanned photo if you post it here.
-
Hi....i tried to attach it but failed...ill give it another go! ......failed again! Not sure what im doing!!
-
Perhaps the moderator could direct you to someone who could help you.
-
Hi Katheleen,
I see you are researching the surname Rae. I am looking for any information on family of Margaret Cook, married to
James Rae, born 1832, Dalmellington, son of James Rae and Margaret Gregg. Margaret Cook and James Rae had 7
children. And at least one Grandson, William. I descend from the Cook line and live in New Zealand.
Thanks in advance, Regards, Brenda McLeish
-
Alexander Cook
18011845
Birth ABT 1801 Scotland
Death C 1845
Occupation, fisherman
Marriage 06 Apr 1833 South Knapdale, Argyll, Scotland
Mary Steel -- birth Abt 1811 Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland
(Parents unknown)
Children
Margaret Cook(18341919)
Aug 1834 Lochgilphead, Argyll, Scotland
William Cook(18361919)
14 Feb 1836 Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland
2 Jun 1919 Waimate North, New Zealand
Mary Cook (1838)
Abt 1838 Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland
Matilda Cook (1840)
Abt 1840 Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland
Donald Cook (1844)
abt 1844 Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland
Alexander Cook, Death c 1845
On the back of a family photo - William was 9 when his father drowned.
Mattia Cook (1849) Kintyre, Argyleshire, Scotland
Daniel Cook
Unknown Cook
Unknown Cook
Margaret Cook (1834-1919)
Marriage 13 Apr 1858 Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland
James Rae Birth 7 JAN 1832 Dalmellington, Ayrshire, Scotland, Son of James Rae and Margaret Gregg
Death AFT. 1891
Occupation journeyman baker
Children
Mary Rae(1859)
13 Feb 1859 Dalmellington, Ayrshire, Scotland
James Rae(1860)
6 Nov 1860 Waterside, Ayrshire, Scotland
Jane Rae(18621911)
24 Jun 1862 Waterside, Dunbartonshire, Scotland
Alexander Rae(1864)
26 Jun 1864 Dalmellington, Ayrshire, Scotland
Robert Burns Rae(18661945)
29 Jul 1866 Kirkintilloch, Dunbarton, Scotland
William Cowper Rae(18691919)
25 Mar 1869 Kirkintilloch, Dunbarton, Scotland
Margaret (Maggie) Rae(18711935)
20 Oct 1871 Kirkintilloch, Dunbarton, Scotland
Residence
1871 Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire, Scotland
Relation to Head of House: Head
Residence
1881 Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire, Scotland
Relation to Head of House: Head
Residence
1891 Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire, Scotland
Relation to Head of House: Head
Age 59 Death
Aft. 1891
Sibling Jean Rae 1836 -
Brenda, I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you need more information.
-
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for all that information. We have some of that - a few things we have not been able to find..
I am descended from William Cook born 1835 died New Zealand 1919. Three of my cousins and I have been
searching for information for some time now.
Alexander Cook possibly drowned Kilbrannan Sound on way home to Campbeltown from Isle of Arran,
along with his brother. Cannot find any information on this any where.. Did find a William Cook and one other
man drowning found in the Edinburgh Evening News 19 January 1877, but this seems too late, as we think Alexander
died about 1845.
William Cook's sisters Mary and Matilda appear not to have married - that we can find, and we cannot find any
further information on his brother Donald. And we have no record of the two unknown Cook that you have at the
bottom of that family. Do you have any information on them?
We am trying to find any details on William Cook, (b 19 Feb 1866, Sadell and Skipness, Argyll)
son of Mary Cook d/o Alexander and Mary. (b 1838). Mary supposedly married a Mr Couper - can not find any record of the marriage, and he is not named
as father to William.
Similarly, Margaret Rae, (b 20 Oct 1871 Kirkintilloch) daughter of Margaret Cook and James Rae
supposedly married a Mr McBeth (possibly John McBeth) and had a daughter (Peggy) Margaret Cook Rae
McBeth who was born about 1902 and died 1970s. Again we cannot find any records..
The sibling Jean (b 1836) is that a sibling to James Rae (b 1832). And is that James Rae the son of a Minister?
We also have information that James Rae (b 1860) had a son (no name, but his son is David) and two daughters
Jean (married a Mr Stewart) and Marj.
Are you related to the Rae family?
Thanks again, Brenda
-
Brenda, your Rea family and mine don't seem to be connected, though as we know, somewhere in the past they could be.
I will see what further information I can find re your Cook family, etc.
-
Brenda, these photos may interest you
http://person.ancestry.ca/tree/1586494/person/-1916199915/gallery
-
William Cook
Birth 14 Feb 1836 Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland
Place of birth inscribed on his headstone at the church in Waimate North.
4 Sources
Death 2 Jun 1919 Waimate North, New Zealand
Burial Waimate North, New Zealand St John the Baptist Church grounds
Occupation bef 1860
Ship's carpenter. Sailor. Later a builder.
Emigration early 1860's Emigrated from England to New Zealand
Marriage
21 Mar 1865 St Matthew's Church, Hobson Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland District, 20th March 1865. William COOK, Bachelor, Carpenter, aged 24, usually living in Kennedy's Bay, Auckland, Resided in Auckland 3 days Rose Ann KENYON, Spinster, aged 22, usually living in Kennedy's Bay, Auckland, Resided in Auckland 3 days.
Rose Ann Kenyon
Birth 13 SEP 1841 Skircoat, Halifax, Yorkshire, England, daughter of John Kenyon 1814-1885 and Sarah Harvey 1812-1848
Death 11 SEP 1891 Waimate North, New Zealand
----------------------
Children
John Alexander Cook(18661930) 11 Jan 1866 Kennedys Bay, New Zealand, Death 1 Jun 1930 Rawene, Hokianga, New Zealand Rawene Hospital
Daniel Hoyes Cook(18681868) 28 Jan 1868 New Caledonia, Death 1868 New Caledonia
Sarah EMILY (Emmy) Cook(18691924) 4 Apr 1869 Coromandel, New Zealand, Death 22 OCT 1924 Okaihau, New Zealand
Mary Anne JULIA Cook(18711943) 11 Aug 1871 Waimate North, New Zealand, Death 2 JUN 1943 Papatoetoe, Auckland, New Zealand
Matilda Cook(18741941) 9 Jul 1874 Waimate North, New Zealand, Death 14 AUG 1941 Auckland, New Zealand
Rose Edith Cook(18761947) 26 Jul 1876 Waimate North, New Zealand, Death 31 AUG 1947
Margaret (Maggie) Steel Cook(18791972) 17 Dec 1879 Waimate North, New Zealand, Death 2 FEB 1972 Northland, New Zealand
William (Kenny) Kenyon Cook(18851975) 12 May 1885 Waimate North, New Zealand, Death 31 MAR 1975 Auckland New Zealand
-------------------------
Mary Cook -Birth ABT 1838 Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland, Age 33 Residence 1871 Springburn, Glasgow, Scotland, Servant in the Lamberton household
Marriage Aft. 1881 a man named Cooper (no further details)
Son William Cook(1866) 19 Feb 1866 Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland
----------------------------
Matilda Cook (1840) Abt 1840 Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland
Donald Cook Birth abt 1844 Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Residence1851 Saddell and Skipness, Argyll, Scotland
Mattia Cook Birth abt 1849 Kintyre, Argyleshire, Scotland, Residence 1871 Govan, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland
At this time I have no further information on the unknown people listed as children of Alexander Cook, but will check further when time permits.
Margaret (Maggie) Rae
Birth 20 OCT 1871 Kirkintilloch, Dunbarton, Scotland, Death AFT 1935
Marriage Aft. 1891
John McBeth Birth ABT 1870 Glasgow, Scotland Death BEF. 1911
Their daughter Margaret (Peggy) Cook Rae Macbeth
Birth ABT. 1902 Glasgow, Scotland, Death C 1970 Glasgow, Scotland
She was a schoolteacher
-
Hey there,
Thanks for all of your replies. I do not belong to Ancestry, so cannot access that page.
I can (and will) access it next time I am the Library in Whangarei. (and there is a computer free!).
I am familiar with the Cook Headstones. Most of the Cook family are buried at St Johns Waimate North Churchyard. My Grandparents,
Great Grandparents, and William and Rose Ann Cook my Great Great Grandparents. My Mum and her siblings,
and myself and my siblings were all baptised there.
It is really the early Cook generations we are looking for. We think Alexander must have had a brother, because
we have one of his and Mary's daughters, Matilda in the 1851 census, as a niece of Margaret Cook, widow, at
Shore Street, Campbeltown. It would fit in with another family story that we have not proved/or found information
on, that there were 4 sons and 1 daughter in that generation.
Why was I not interested in genealogy when I was younger, and could have asked more people.
Peggy McBeth/MacBeth was apparently, very interested in genealogy, and had lots of family information.
It would be so nice to know what has happened to her information. I was wondering if it would be worth emailing a
library near where she lived, to see if she had left it with them for safe keeping.
Thanks again for your help. Where abouts in the world are you? Can I look for any information for you in New Zealand?
Brenda
-
You're very welcome. When I can, I'll look for more information on the Cook family.
I am in Ontario, Canada, and so far I haven't discovered any ancestors of mine who went to New Zealand, but thanks for the offer.
-
Hello,
Happy New Year. Just to update you on further information I have found.
I went onto Scotlands People and found a death for Mary Steel
Death Certificate.
Mary Cook, widow of Alexander Cook, fisherman. 1883. June eleventh. 10 hr 1m A.M. Kempock Street, Gourock.
F 75 years. Father - James Steel, Carpenter,deceased. Mother - Margaret Steel M.S. Munro, deceased.
Apoplexy as certified by A. Leith M.B.C.M. Informant: Mary Cook, daughter. 1883 June 11th at Gourock, John Macmillan, Registrar.
From that I have been able to find information James Steel and Margaret Munro and family.
I also found a death for Alexander Cook died 1 October 1849 buried Kilsyth 4 October 1849, aged 47, of "water on the chest" . This is not the correct man, as I have found other records for this one. Including a headstone with his wife inscribed on it, as Elizabeth Wilson.
One step forward and two backwards. Regards, Brenda
-
Re Dundonald Street shop, I was a message boy in early 60's, perhaps using the message bike shown in earlier post.
One of my worst times there was when the Carnival came to he waste ground at the end of Tannadice Street (now occupied by Dundee United training ground) they ordered numerous bags of sugar for the Candy Floss machine, these came in 1cwt bags - not an easy thing to balance on message bike.