Location of the Rosemary Cafe Belfast 1945

[densavage]

Could some kind person locate the name of the street that the Rosemary Cafe was situated in Belfast, I seem to recollect it was near a bomb site that was used as a fair ground in the winter of 1945/6.
Information needed purely for sentimental reasons.
Thanking you   Dennis

[Christopher]

Hello Dennis,

The bomb site was in High Street. I think the Rosemary may have been in Rosemary Street (this runs from Bridge Street to Royal Avenue. It is like a staggered cross roads. It faces Waring Street. The other streets forming the cross are Bridge Street, coming from High Street and Lower Donegall Street running to Royal Avenue).  Was the cafe a large building? There is a lovely old building at the corner of Waring Street / Lower Donegal Street. It used to be a Cafe. It is looking very sad for itself. It is across the street from the Northern Whig which has had a face lift and is now a licensed premises.
I will ask around and see if I can find more about the Rosemary. The Lombard Cafe used to be in that area too. You may be interested in a bit of history on the area.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/yourplaceandmine/belfast/ub_waringst_replies.shtml

I note your surname is Savage.
Are you related to a Savage who was in the insurance business in Belfast ?

All the Best Chris.

[densavage]

Thanks Chris, All I can remember about the cafe in addition to the previous message is that it was there at about 7 pm on the 21st Feb 1946 because this was the date I met my future wife there and we are still together.
As regards my Savage family my first connection is in Lambeth London in 1809 and I have not a clue from whence they came, The family had this tradition of naming the first born William and in turn they had this phobia that they had to marry a Mary !!
Dennis

[Christopher]

Dennis,

It is pleasant in this day and age to hear of couples who have stayed together for almost sixty years. I am sure you have had many ups and downs as well as a few of life's hard knocks during that period. I imagine you and your wife have also had the odd tiff but you obviously managed to kiss and make up again.

Would you like some help tracing your Irish ancestors?

Best Wishes, Chris

[densavage]

Hi Chris,
               Are they fish depicted on your jumper? have spent the last twelve days trying to outwit those creatures, without a lot of success I might add, Tis very complicated trying to follow up the wifes family, is there any chance of direct contact as I know if I put my e mail address on Roots Chat it does not work, All this electronic stuff has me baffled, 400 years ago if you said you could contact someone the other side of the world instantaneous one would finish up being the main participant at a barbecue as a witch.
Dennis

[saz1401]

Hi Den
His jumper has been fascinating me too!

Hope he replies soon - although fear he may be busy acting as one of Father Christmases Helpers for a few weeks!

saz

[teap78]

I agree with you Saz was just thinking the same about Christopher and the santa job   


wondering if his Full Name is Christopher kringle.


teap

[densavage]

Hi Chris,
               You were spot on, the Rosemary Coffee bar was located at # 23 Rosemary Street, in 1945 and 1946.
The site you suggested was a good one, the only trouble is that at this time of the year us exiles in Australia long for a nice cold Christmas Day, well at least we do, so have a good one yourself and a very good 2006.
Thank you      Dennis