Old Thirsa Piccys

[hell raizer]

hi plasticjock, im sure no 6 is billy, no 2 looks like jack findlater hubby thought it was him to but having looked again i'm not sure. whoever it is he looks very like jack :confused

[plasticjock]

hi plasticjock, im sure no 6 is billy, no 2 looks like jack findlater hubby thought it was him to but having looked again i'm not sure. whoever it is he looks very like jack :confused

Thanks for that info, hell raizer.
I seem to have a feeling that No.4 might be a Rosie, but it's only a feeling.
Of interest, both Andrew Bryson and Donnie Gunn were wounded and evacuated from Normandy in July 1944. Andrew (serving with the 6th Airborne) was injured by shrapnel in the knee at Ranville and Donnie (serving with the Royal Ulster Rifles) lost a foot at Cambes-en-Plaine.
Donnie was the caretaker at Thurso High School when I was a pupil there and a very nice man he was, always cheerful.

[booragtoon]

Hello Plasticjock, hope to add another name to the lists you have for the Committee. I have been told by the nephew of Jack Findlater that it is Jack in the front row, 2nd left. Good luck.

[ian.in.germany]

The man in the front row furthest right (next to W. Swanson) is my father Colin Thompson. He was manager of Lindsays Ironmongers from 1963 to about 1971 & served as Legion treasurer for a number of years. He died in November 1993, aged 80.
Best wishes from Germany,
Ian Thompson

[plasticjock]

Hello Plasticjock, hope to add another name to the lists you have for the Committee. I have been told by the nephew of Jack Findlater that it is Jack in the front row, 2nd left. Good luck.

Hi booragton, thanks for the update. Just to clarify, before I update, are you saying that Jack Findlater is where we've got D K Sutherland?
Cheers.

[plasticjock]

The man in the front row furthest right (next to W. Swanson) is my father Colin Thompson. He was manager of Lindsays Ironmongers from 1963 to about 1971 & served as Legion treasurer for a number of years. He died in November 1993, aged 80.
Best wishes from Germany,
Ian Thompson

Thanks Ian, much appreciated.

[Sporran]

I recognised Willian "Flappy" Swanson right away, and also remembered his nickname at the same time! :)

I do not think that the man at the far right, back row (number 6) is Donald Dyer. He was taller and thinner, with darker hair. The man standing next to him looks familiar. Could he be a Mr Leslie? The bearded gent also looks familiar, but I can't put a name to him, I'm afraid.

[Scunner]

Is the gentleman 2nd right back row - a Mr Dundas

[booragtoon]

Hi Plasticjock, firstly thanks for the many lovely photos you have put into Caithness.Org.

To answer your question, yes, the man thought to be D K Sutherland was, according to his nephew, Jack Findlater.

You seem to be having a lot of success in naming the Committee.

Good luck.

[plasticjock]

I recognised Willian "Flappy" Swanson right away, and also remembered his nickname at the same time! :)

I do not think that the man at the far right, back row (number 6) is Donald Dyer. He was taller and thinner, with darker hair. The man standing next to him looks familiar. Could he be a Mr Leslie? The bearded gent also looks familiar, but I can't put a name to him, I'm afraid.

It's still open. I thought it may have been him (Donald Dyer) because of 1) The size and angle of the eyebrows, 2) The lugs and 3) the receding hairline. The nose and mouth are difficult because of the angle of the pics and he is smiling in one and not the other.
The same man appears in the Legion Opening picture, in the doorway just behind the lady with spectacles, who may be the wife.

[plasticjock]

Is the gentleman 2nd right back row - a Mr Dundas

Thanks Scunner. I've added the name to the posting but not as confirmed yet.
Thanks again.

[plasticjock]

Hi Plasticjock, firstly thanks for the many lovely photos you have put into Caithness.Org.

To answer your question, yes, the man thought to be D K Sutherland was, according to his nephew, Jack Findlater.

You seem to be having a lot of success in naming the Committee.

Good luck.

Thanks booragtoon, I certainly didn't expect this response when I posted the picture but....it's not me naming the committee, it's you and the other .orgers who are shaking the dust from the old grey cells and sparking memories off.
Thanks very much for your input.

[plasticjock]

Thanks hell raizer. I did pick out Davie Oag, Don Gunn and Wm Swanson but it's front right, and back 2nd right that I'm really puzzling over. :confused

Buttercup, can you confirm the Davie Oag identification, please?
Appreciate your input.

[hell raizer]

hi plasticjock, billy angus was a friend of the family and the lady in the other legion picture is billy's wife neen. don gunn was also the janitor of the miller academy i was never out their house when i was a bairn :) next time i see davie oag i'll ask him if he remembers the photo, maybe he can throw some light on it

[plasticjock]

hi plasticjock, billy angus was a friend of the family and the lady in the other legion picture is billy's wife neen. don gunn was also the janitor of the miller academy i was never out their house when i was a bairn :) next time i see davie oag i'll ask him if he remembers the photo, maybe he can throw some light on it

Thanks for the confirmation, hell raizer. I've adjusted the posting.
Cheers.

[hell raizer]

the 2nd one in the back row is definately davie oag, he used to stay in digs with the lady next door to our house. davie was my husbands boss for 20yrs. hope that helps a bit :)

[plasticjock]

the 2nd one in the back row is definately davie oag, he used to stay in digs with the lady next door to our house. davie was my husbands boss for 20yrs. hope that helps a bit :)

Thanks hell raizer, Post 750 has been updated. Cheers.

[plasticjock]

More pics from Caithness 1925-1926.
The first one IS Thurso but exactly where is not identified in the book. (Now identified as the Old Mill, thanks to the 'orgers)

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-1925-Unidentified.jpg

Looking down High Street towards Town Hall Square.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-1925-HighStreettowardsTraill.jpg

from Herbert Sinclair's book 'Caithness 1925-1926'

[Buttercup]

Just catching up ........ Definately Davie Oag ~ he's never changed.
The first of your 1925/1926 photos is the Mill if I'm not mistaken. Now turned into The Mill Theatre with the Youth Club in the background.

[Buttercup]

Is the gentleman 2nd right back row - a Mr Dundas
I thought that it could be Bill Dundas, but need it confirmed. :confused

[hell raizer]

i agree with you buttercup definately the old mill

[Scunner]

I thought that it could be Bill Dundas, but need it confirmed. :confused

I couldn't remember his first name, I think he worked/ managed the garage opposite Ashley Ann showroom

[gollach]

i agree with you buttercup definately the old mill

Another vote for the Mill. Love that photo!

[ian.in.germany]

This may be mentioned somewhere else, but these excellent photos are the work of George Washington Wilson (GWW) who was the leading commercial photographer of his day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Wilson). You can still find his original glass lantern slides from time to time on eBay.
Greetings from Germany,
Ian

[thirsaloon]

More pics from Caithness 1925-1926.
The first one IS Thurso but exactly where is not identified in the book.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-1925-Unidentified.jpg

Looking down High Street towards Town Hall Square.



from Herbert Sinclair's book 'Caithness 1925-1926'

That is Thurso Mill there are another two photographs that I know featuring the same children who are Sinclair Houstan and his sisters.

Sinclair told me when I showed him a selection of Mill and Foundry interior and exterior photographs that he remembers another photograph being taken of one of his sisters wading through the river, but he doesn’t have a copy and I have never seen it.

The arch way had a wooden hatch in the roof for loading grain onto carts below. I could ramble on a bit more about the photo but time is getting the better of me at the moment so have to dash!

[plasticjock]

This may be mentioned somewhere else, but these excellent photos are the work of George Washington Wilson (GWW) who was the leading commercial photographer of his day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Wilson). You can still find his original glass lantern slides from time to time on eBay.
Greetings from Germany,
Ian


Hi Ian, are you referring to the Herbert Sinclair pictures from the Caithness 1925-1926 book?
He states that all the pictures in the book were taken by himself and developed in Johnstone's the Photographers of Market Street, Wick's dark room.

[plasticjock]

That is Thurso Mill there are another two photographs that I know featuring the same children who are Sinclair Houstan and his sisters.

Sinclair told me when I showed him a selection of Mill and Foundry interior and exterior photographs that he remembers another photograph being taken of one of his sisters wading through the river, but he doesn’t have a copy and I have never seen it.

The arch way had a wooden hatch in the roof for loading grain onto carts below. I could ramble on a bit more about the photo but time is getting the better of me at the moment so have to dash!


Here is the other Mill picture from the book. Sinclair married Joe Cardosi's daughter Norma, if memory serves.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-1925-Millbank.jpg

from Herbert Sinclair's book 'Caithness 1925-1926'

[plasticjock]

I couldn't remember his first name, I think he worked/ managed the garage opposite Ashley Ann showroom

Thanks for your help. Post 750 has now been updated. Eight identified, three to go.
Cheers.

[thirsaloon]

Here is the other Mill picture from the book. Sinclair married Joe Cardosi's daughter Norma, if memory serves.

from Herbert Sinclair's book 'Caithness 1925-1926'


Thats right, Sinclair has been a great source of information to me and has an amazing memory, its never a problem for him and he always passes on any information he can to me.

[Sporran]

Is the photo looking down High Street towards Town Hall Square taken from the Shore Street end of town, or the Rotterdam side?

Does the water still run alongside the Old Mill today, or is it a footpath that exists there now?

[thirsaloon]

Is the photo looking down High Street towards Town Hall Square taken from the Shore Street end of town, or the Rotterdam side?

Does the water still run alongside the Old Mill today, or is it a footpath that exists there now?


Its from the Shore Street end of the town!

:D

[plasticjock]

Is the photo looking down High Street towards Town Hall Square taken from the Shore Street end of town, or the Rotterdam side?


Thanks thirsaloon. Using an OS map from 1879 I've starred where I believe the picture was taken from.
You can just make out the Town Hall 'pinnacles' left of centre.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoOrdnance1879.jpg

[Sporran]

Thanks for that, thirsaloon and plasticjock! I thought it was probably taken from the Shore Street end, and from about the same spot you marked on the map, plasticjock. :) That would be about where MacGregor's (Betty Riddle's) toy and fancy goods shop was (I know it's a different shop now), followed by Tollemache House and the Arcade. How that section of town has changed!

[Sporran]

Plasticjock, I think your new arrows are in the wrong place. Those houses would have been north of Wilson Street, not south of it. The Town Hall and former library next to it are just north of Wilson Street, and the houses were further north than that. Which leads me to believe that your star should be moved up a bit to above the junction, just up from where it is now.

[plasticjock]

Plasticjock, I think your new arrows are in the wrong place. Those houses would have been north of Wilson Street, not south of it. The Town Hall and former library next to it are just north of Wilson Street, and the houses were further north than that. Which leads me to believe that your star should be moved up a bit to above the junction, just up from where it is now.

Hi Sporran.
I hadn't adjusted the arrows, just added the star to where I reckoned the picture was taken from, which is either just north or on a par with Wilson Lane and not, <cough>, Wilson Street.

[Sporran]

Mea culpa, plasticjock! :o I forgot there was a Wilson Lane as well as a Wilson Street, and when I saw the segment of the map you posted, I assumed "Wilson" meant Wilson Street. I have since found a full copy of the map, and after zooming in on that, everything is now clarified! :)

http://www.nls.uk/maps/towns/detail.cfm?id=1923

[ian.in.germany]

Hi Ian, are you referring to the Herbert Sinclair pictures from the Caithness 1925-1926 book?
He states that all the pictures in the book were taken by himself and developed in Johnstone's the Photographers of Market Street, Wick's dark room.
No, sorry, I mean the ones which form a series elsewhere in this forum. I think they are from about 1900 and they all have the letters GWW next to the title along the bottom. I didn't know how to add my post into that section.

[plasticjock]

No, sorry, I mean the ones which form a series elsewhere in this forum. I think they are from about 1900 and they all have the letters GWW next to the title along the bottom. I didn't know how to add my post into that section.

No problem, Ian.

[plasticjock]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-1900-UnitedFreeChurch.jpg

Plus last couple of pics from Caithness 1925-1926.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-1925-WarMemorial.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-1925-TraillStreet.jpg

from Herbert Sinclair's book 'Caithness 1925-1926'

[Grovelaner]

I have been looking at the Caithness.org site for a number of years now and the other night was the first time I looked through the forum. The old pictures were great, pity some seem to have been removed as I would have liked to have seen them. A lot of the old names rung bells. Thirsaloon had one in particular of the crew of Primula. My uncle worked on the Primula. I also remember seeing one of the old Mill. My grandfather used to work there when it was a working mill. I used to go to the Youth Club there and I seem to remember that the Amateur Dramatics club used the building on the other side of the arch. I used to do a paper round for Tommy Souter in the arcade and also do some ushering at the Town Hall with my mates when the likes of Calum Kennedy etc were booked. Spent a lot of time in Gunns Garage, next to the Picture House when I was young. Went to the West Public, then the Miller Academy (Donald Dallas with the Head), the High School and finally the tech college. My mates uncle used to use the old tin hall at the West Public as a gym and myself and my mates used to do some weight training there in our teens. Big changes when you see a modern gym now.
Anyway I must look through some more.
Keep the photos coming it's been great to see them all.

[thirsaloon]

A lot of the old names rung bells. Thirsaloon had one in particular of the crew of Primula. My uncle worked on the Primula. I also remember seeing one of the old Mill. My grandfather used to work there when it was a working mill.

Depending who your grandfather is (and guessing I think I know who it is) I may have a photograph of him in the Mill. :Razz

[Grovelaner]

Thirsaloon, it would be good to see a photo if you have one.

Cheers

[Dynamic Sounds]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-1900-UnitedFreeChurch.jpg

from Herbert Sinclair's book 'Caithness 1925-1926'


Was wondering does anyone know when this church closed?

I always remember it as the funeral parlour, and no one I've asked can actually remember it as a place of worship.

[Sporran]

Was wondering does anyone know when this church closed?

I always remember it as the funeral parlour, and no one I've asked can actually remember it as a place of worship.

St Andrew's was still a place of worship until 1968. Although it wasn't the church I usually attended, I did go to some services there when I was in primary school, in the 60s. If you click on the link below, then scroll down, you will be able to read some of the history of the church.

http://users.ecosse.net/spandsacos/allnew/Church.htm

[plasticjock]

I don't think this has been posted before.....

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso01.jpg

[Sporran]

Do you have any idea when that photo of Sir John's Square was taken, plasticjock? I'm guessing maybe the 1950s or 60s.

[plasticjock]

Do you have any idea when that photo of Sir John's Square was taken, plasticjock? I'm guessing maybe the 1950s or 60s.

Judging by the globe streetlamps, and in comparison with other photos of the same location, I would say it has to be the from the 50's. By 1960 the lighting had changed to the ubiquitous sodium lighting.

[Kodiak]

Train at Thurso Station 1930.


http://i34.tinypic.com/1z2ezd0.jpg

[Kodiak]

Old Photograph of Royal Hotel Thurso


http://i38.tinypic.com/2m2i2o5.jpg

[fingalmacool]

(believed to be) Thurso Royal British Legion Club Commitee 1966

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoLegionCommitee1967.jpg

(believed to be) Thurso Royal British Legion Club Official Opening 1967



http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoLegionOpening1967.jpg
I might be wrong but i think the minister in this picture was from Halkirk, can't remember his name but he used to read us stories from the bible in the late 60s in Halkirk school that I used to enjoy, the guy behind him reminds me of another Halkirk man, but I could be wrong again, Macdonald was his last name, and i believe his nickname was Gogs???? might be way off the mark but its worth a punt?:confused

[Scunner]

The minister is Rev Fergus Andrew and the man behind him is Donnie Macdonald (gog).

[fingalmacool]

The minister is Rev Fergus Andrew and the man behind him is Donnie Macdonald (gog).


Cheers Scunner,

fond memories of Rev Andrew's and his stories:confused

[plasticjock]

Spotted this one on eBay...taken from high on St Peter's Church...an unusual angle. I think it's around the 1900's.
There are no buildings as yet on the corner of East Church Street and Princes Street.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/princess.jpg

[wifie]

Hi plasticjock have seen this pic recently and was wondering what was the shop that became the Post Office? Did not notice that those buildings were not there - thanks for pointing it out.

[thirsaloon]

Hi plasticjock have seen this pic recently and was wondering what was the shop that became the Post Office? Did not notice that those buildings were not there - thanks for pointing it out.


This is one of five photographs which were taken from the roof of St Peters and St Andrews church, 140 feet up.

This particular view is looking across Sir John Square and the road bridge, the others were taken from the other sides of the church. Though one view was taken twice at slightly different angles.

The shop which was later taken over by the Post Office was A & M Fraser, Baker and Confectioner.

[Sporran]

That's a fabulous photo, plasticjock! Well found! :) I have seen one taken in the last ten years or so, from the same vantage point. If I ever come across it again, I'll post it here. It would be interesting to compare the two photos.

Thirsaloon, do you have an exact year for the photo?

[thirsaloon]

That's a fabulous photo, plasticjock! Well found! :) I have seen one taken in the last ten years or so, from the same vantage point. If I ever come across it again, I'll post it here. It would be interesting to compare the two photos.

Thirsaloon, do you have an exact year for the photo?

Don’t have an exact date I’m afraid but its between 1906 and the 22nd September 1922. I did shots from the same position in 2000 and then some more a bit later.

[Sporran]

Don’t have an exact date I’m afraid but its between 1906 and the 22nd September 1922. I did shots from the same position in 2000 and then some more a bit later.

Thank you, thirsaloon. Would it be possible to post some of the shots you took, please? It would be interesting to see a "Then and Now" of the same view! :cool:

[Buttercup]

Spotted this one on eBay...taken from high on St Peter's Church...an unusual angle. I think it's around the 1900's.
There are no buildings as yet on the corner of East Church Street and Princes Street.


Think you must mean the corner of Sir John's Square and Traill Street (Princes Street isn't in the picture).

[plasticjock]

Think you must mean the corner of Sir John's Square and Traill Street (Princes Street isn't in the picture).

You think right....humble apologies! 8^(

[The Pepsi Challenge]

Spotted this one on eBay...taken from high on St Peter's Church...an unusual angle. I think it's around the 1900's.
There are no buildings as yet on the corner of East Church Street and Princes Street.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/princess.jpg

I'd say this photograph was definitely taken before 1922. Thurso Picture House was built in 1922, and, as can be seen from the picture, there is no cinema built when this was snapped.

[Bazeye]

Incidentally, when did Spring Park 'spring up' ,was it the same time as the Atomics?

[Swannie]

Springpark was before the Atomics! Can't remember exact dates but early 1950s.

[Torvaig]

Wasn't Dounreay either built or became operational about 1955?

[Kenn]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i316/kenliz/WhalesThurso-1.jpg

[Kenn]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i316/kenliz/Thursocastle.jpg

[Kenn]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i316/kenliz/Dounreay.jpg

[booragtoon]

Don’t have an exact date I’m afraid but its between 1906 and the 22nd September 1922. I did shots from the same position in 2000 and then some more a bit later.
This is a lovely view of the gardens, which was later named Sir John's Square gardens. We always called the front of the gardens 'The Fountain' and never questioned this (the fountain was later moved to the back of the gardens when the War Memorial was erected); we were used to hearing it called by that name. You can see the small shops next to the Royal Hotel. One was a shoemakers and the other was 'Jeck Mackay' - J Mackay moved down to beyond Johnston's the bakers. Down from J Mackay, on the corner, was The Empire Tearooms (H Munro had an antique shop there later). I can just remember the shops, when going to and from the school. Shows I am a very 'mature' person (I hope)! Remember that the 'Pieshop' had another shop in High Street (where G Begg is now), next to the Bank (now Council offices).

[AngieMac]

Hi Thirsloon

Followed the link for Old Thirsa Piccies this morning and am thouroughly enjoying the old photos, unfortunately after the first page am getting no photos only a message saying that photos have been moved or deleted. This is incredibly frustrating as further on there should be some photos of Gunn the Jewellers which was my dad's shop . I would really love to see these and all the others, any ideas??
Dad died 32 years ago in 1977 and I have lots of fond memories of working with him in the shop on Saturdays and school holidays. I used to do the post office run and fetch Coffee from Danny Craig's (best in Thurso)
Was wondering if there are any pictures of his first shop on Princes street?
Thanks, hope you can help
Angie Mackay

[darkie@dreamtilt.com.au]

Just a quick one for you I have 251 of your Old Thurso pics on my computer,if you want I can put them on a disk and shoot it over to you,when are you going to the Rockwell again? Regards Robin http://forum.caithness.org/images/icons/icon7.gif

[joxville]

Spotted this one on eBay...taken from high on St Peter's Church...an unusual angle. I think it's around the 1900's.
There are no buildings as yet on the corner of East Church Street and Princes Street.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/princess.jpg

The Pepsi Challenge said the picture house was built in 1922, but isn't that the war memorial in the pic so it would date the pic between 1918 and 1922?

[gleeber]

Its got to be before 1916 because thats when the post office was built.
The memorial in the picture is one to Sir John Sinclair which was moved to the back of the square in front of the church.

[plasticjock]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-RobertDicksHousec1900.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-1950s.jpg

[plasticjock]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd001-1.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd002-1.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd003-1.jpg

[plasticjock]

From the 50's
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Castle1950s.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-FromtheAir1950s.jpg

[plasticjock]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd004-1.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd005-1.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd006-1.jpg

[plasticjock]

Used to be at the funfairs on the Riverside. Died in 1973 at the age of 52.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/TommyJacobsen.jpg

[plasticjock]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TrailStlate50s.jpg

[plasticjock]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd007-1.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd008-1.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd009-1.jpg

[plasticjock]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSquareposslate20s.jpg

[plasticjock]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd010-1.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd011-1.jpg

[plasticjock]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd012-1.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ThursoAd014-1.jpg

[Kenn]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i316/kenliz/Thursoriver.jpg

Came across this and it looks like there are no buildings to the east of the bridge, any one any idea when it would date from?

[thirsaloon]

Its got to be before 1916 because thats when the post office was built.
The memorial in the picture is one to Sir John Sinclair which was moved to the back of the square in front of the church.


The building that the Post Office is in was built before 1916. The date was added to the side of the building to show when they moved here from their previous location in Traill Street.

A & M Fraser were the previous tenants.

;)

[thirsaloon]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i316/kenliz/Thursoriver.jpg

Came across this and it looks like there are no buildings to the east of the bridge, any one any idea when it would date from?

This photograph I think would date from 1887 onwards.

[booragtoon]

Thank you for the new items. I am just back after a week in Edinburgh and was delighted to see the photos, etc. My granny lived in a cottage (in old Wilson Street) over from Robert Dick's house. It was lovely to see the photo of the old street.

[Buttercup]

Thanks for posting the "new" photos plasticjock. I'd never seen that one of Robert Dick house before. :)

[The Pepsi Challenge]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSquareposslate20s.jpg

Funnily enough, I have a colour, framed picture of this in my house.

[plasticjock]

Thanks for posting the "new" photos plasticjock. I'd never seen that one of Robert Dick house before. :)

Anybody spot the 'ghostly head' peering over the wall where it abuts the house?
Probably just a simulacrum....whooo-hooo!!

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Clipboard01.jpg

[plasticjock]

Found this one on eBay....don't think it's been posted before.
View of Thurso from Oldfield from the early twentieth-century I should think.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Springpark1905.jpg

[thirsaloon]

Ok, I know its not piccys, but a bit of random information from my notes.

When electricity came to Thirsa!

On December 20, 1934, the Thurso supply was switched on by Provost Peter Campbell, who was accompanied by the Magistrates and Councillors of the town.

When Provost Campbell switched on the supply in December, 1934, the current flowed to as few as 20 consumers. Within a year, the increased load necessitated the installation of two additional diesel generating sets totalling 115 k.w. 209 consumers were on supply at the end of 1935.

Throughout the war years, development was put on hold, due to various restrictions, but by December, 1943, there were 745 customers in Thurso, Castletown and Halkirk.

Set on the corner of Traill Street and Manson’s Lane, the site of the Hydro Board’s showroom had seen many changes during the last century.

A saddler once occupied the shop, Years passed by and then a cycle agent put in an appearance, to be succeeded by a motor engineer. Mrs Tom Morgan carried on a drapery business there. Mr Swanson, the saddler, came next, followed by Captain Paterson, green grocer.

[thirsaloon]

And another bitty of info!

Rescue at Scrabster Harbour in September 1940

In September of 1940 a woman fell off Scrabster Pier into the water. Private – Totterdall of the A.M.P.C. who was standing on the quay at the time, promptly jumped into the water without waiting to take any of his clothes off. He swam to the woman and got hold of her as she was sinking, and go her to the quay, where he held her up till help came.

Mr Wm Mackay, driver of the Royal Hotel bus, threw off his jacket and slid down a rope to the Private’s assistance.

The two men kept the woman above water until the arrival of the Admiralty boat, which took her ashore.

But for the prompt action of the gallant Private, the woman would certainly have been drowned.The prompt assistance afforded by Mr Mackay is also worthy of commendation.

By the way this is the second time Mr Mackay has assisted in the saving of life, the first occasion being gallant service rendered when a passenger aeroplane caught fire. He was then instrumental in saving the life of a woman passenger.

[thirsaloon]

Some 1970s footage of Caithness on youtube! :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhrYsA6gOSc

[Buttercup]

Thanks for that thirsaloon. Brought back memories of going down to Scrabster to watch the cars being lifted onto the Ola, which really fascinated us as bairns.:lol:
(Looks more like 60's than 70's though)

[poppett]

Brilliant clip. Also found one of "The Coasters" on the same page. Golden memories indeed.

[Scunner]

Also one of Archie Sinclair yodelling - memories ---- memories

[gleeber]

<a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/?action=view&current=img002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/img002.jpg" border="0" alt="Smith Terrace"></a>

[Metalattakk]

Tried to fix that for you gleeber:

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/img002.jpg

Ye cannae use HTML in the posts here. Got to be [ IMG] tags. ;)

[golach]

I can see my grannys hoose, well just about, Thanks Metalattakk and Gleeber

[plasticjock]

Tried to fix that for you gleeber:

Great picture.
Glad to see a new posting.

Here is a picture of Springpark from 1953 when the estate was still under construction.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Springpark1953-1.jpg

[gleeber]

http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/?action=view&current=img001.jpg#comments

Cheers MA here's another one for you to fix.

[wifie]

http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/?action=view&current=img001.jpg#comments

Cheers MA here's another one for you to fix.

Is that not looking down Bayview Terrace showing the top end of Holburn Avenue?

[gleeber]

Aye it is...

[Sporran]

Thank you gleeber, Metalattakk and plasticjock! I enjoyed looking at those photos, and nice to see some additions to this thread! :cool:

[Metalattakk]

http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/?action=view&current=img001.jpg#comments

Cheers MA here's another one for you to fix.

it's easy enough to do, gleeber. On your Photobucket album page each image has an 'IMG Code' link which can be simply copied and pasted into a reply here:

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/img001.jpg

[gleeber]

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/img003.jpg

[wifie]

Wow no stoppin you now gleeber! ;) Much nicer to see a pic than a link! Good stuff!

[Sporran]

Well done gleeber, and thanks for another great pic! :cool:

[poppett]

On my driving test in 1971 my "reverse round a corner" was off Bayview Terrace onto Holborn Avenue. Funny corner, camber and rolling down a hill, but I made it. Thanks for the memory.

[gleeber]

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/img004.jpg

[gleeber]

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/img005.jpg

[gleeber]

If you have the technology those last 3 pictures can come together to make the one picture. Zoom it as well, good fun fond memories.

[booragtoon]

:) I would like to say thanks for the new photos posted. It's really lovely to see these old photos and the messages. booragtoon

[plasticjock]

Beach Rd Playing Field - early 50s. Putting Green in background.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/BeachRoadPlayingFieldsearly50s.jpg

[plasticjock]

Scrabster Lighthouse - early 60s.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/ScrabsterLighthouse64.jpg

[plasticjock]

http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/?action=view&current=img001.jpg#comments

Cheers MA here's another one for you to fix.

Tidied it up a bit...hope you don't mind, Gleeber?

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/img001aa.jpg

[Sporran]

I'm especially interested in the two aerial photos below. I find it quite fascinating to see how Thurso looked before the "atomic" housing estate was built! It does appear, though, that the beginnings of it are emerging behind Bay View Terrace, in the first photo. There are already houses visible in Thorfinn Terrace. I would say these two photos were taken prior to 1958, as Thurso High School (which opened that year), is nowhere to be seen on the left of the second photo. Also absent are the houses along Heathfield, Brownhill, Sweyn and Castlegreen Roads, and they were certainly there by 1958. Pennyland Drive, etc., was added in the very early 1960s.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/img003.jpg


http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/img005.jpg

[feegilmour]

thanx plasticjock ur pic of beach rd playin field brought bak lots of memories i played there all the time as lived 30 seconds away

[plasticjock]

thanx plasticjock ur pic of beach rd playin field brought bak lots of memories i played there all the time as lived 30 seconds away

Aye...I imagine the height of the steps on the slide would fall foul of the Health & Safety precautions today:
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/BeachRoad.jpg

[Sporran]

Yikes!!! I had forgotten how high that slide was! I wonder if it's still there?

I used to enjoy playing there too, when I was a bairn.

[feegilmour]

no sporran that slide got took away years ago much 2 my disgust when i wiz a bairn got replaced by a blue twisting 1

[feegilmour]

hey plasticjock luv the pic of the slide can just about c the house i grew up in thank u again

[Sairheed]

I believe the Mr William Mackay referred to earlier in connection with the rescue of a woman from Scrabster harbour was non other than 'Punch' who was well known to all who frequented the Viewfirth dances. Remember the cry 'Homes to go to'.

[plasticjock]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/Misc/Thurso1953.jpg

[poppett]

There was a lovely huge high slide at the playpark beside the caravan park on Smith Terrace until quite recently. I loved it as a child, but am so scared of heights now it`s hard to believe I even got past the third rung of the ladder. My great nephew loved it too and will be so sad to see it gone on his next trip north.

[Grovelaner]

Aye...I imagine the height of the steps on the slide would fall foul of the Health & Safety precautions today:
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/BeachRoad.jpg

Great to see the photos of the playing fields in Beach Road. I spent most of my childhood days there. The putting green and tennis courts. I remember they had a flagstone table tennis table inside. I remember the chute especially as I fell from the top while trying to slide down one of the supports. Great memories.

Cheers

[ivan p]

I believe the Mr William Mackay referred to earlier in connection with the rescue of a woman from Scrabster harbour was non other than 'Punch' who was well known to all who frequented the Viewfirth dances. Remember the cry 'Homes to go to'.


Aye Sairheed I remember at well!

[new driver]

This links with Gleeber's aerial 856. These are the back of the houses in Thorfinn Terrace from possibly what is now the garage area which is accessed from Thorkel Road.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3866119398_f41e3856d6.jpg

Also noticed the prefab bungalows which were built in Granville Crescent have not been built in the aerial photo although there may be one just going up at the top of Clarence Street where George Crescent is now.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3865335485_a71c31cae7_b.jpg
Taken on Howburn Road in 1958. Shows how few cars there were when we could go out and sledge on the frozen roads without a gritter coming and spoiling our fun.

[Sporran]

Great to see those photos, new driver! :) That second one brings back a lot of memories. I remember sledging from the top of Pennyland Drive and Rockwell Crescent in the 60's. My Dad had our sledges made by Riddle the joiners next to Tollemache House.

[Ricco]

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/gleeber_album/img005.jpg

Terrific photo, Gleeber. Interesting to see Ormlie Lodge and Millar Academy, but nothing beyond up Castle Green Hill.

[plasticjock]

Early 60's
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso64a.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso64b.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso64c.jpg

[Sporran]

The second photo above is looking down St Magnus Road, and the third is on Duncan Street.

[poppett]

St Magnus Road phone box was a regular haunt for my mum and I in the early 1960`s. Mum used to save up the change for the phone all week, then use the box to phone her sister at work the day her boss was out at womens guild meeting.

Almost positive it is my late mum in the box and I am sitting patiently on the wall waiting for her with (probably Adele Gold or Margaret Green) and Lawrence Money (in the wellie boots) and William Lush (walking towards the phone box)

My OH recognised mum right away and dad is pretty certain he recognised my pigtails and baldy bit.

We got the phone at home about 1965 hence the early 1960`s timeline.

[kimmie]

These are fabulous photos!!
But on Thirsaloons...all i am getting instead of his wonderful photos is

This image or video has been moved or deleted Photobucket :(

[Lavenderblue2]

These are fabulous photos!!
But on Thirsaloons...all i am getting instead of his wonderful photos is
:(


That is because Thirsaloon had a disaster last year and accidentaly lost lots of his photos - such a shame there were some fantastic photos.

[darkie@dreamtilt.com.au]

That is because Thirsaloon had a disaster last year and accidentaly lost lots of his photos - such a shame there were some fantastic photos.
http://forum.caithness.org/images/icons/icon6.gif I still have 288 pics on my computer,cant get enough of looking at them,brings back the memories Robin

[kimmie]

That is because Thirsaloon had a disaster last year and accidentaly lost lots of his photos - such a shame there were some fantastic photos.

Oh what a pity :( ....i was showing the photos to my dad just before he lft to go home....they brought back lots of memories for him :D

[kimmie]

http://forum.caithness.org/images/icons/icon6.gif I still have 288 pics on my computer,cant get enough of looking at them,brings back the memories Robin


Would LOVE to see them :D

[thirsaloon]

This thread seems to have gone quiet these days :(

[Bazeye]

Yeah, come on. Someone must have more pics.

[plasticjock]

Yes, there must be loads. I expect there are some people with interesting pictures but haven't got access to a scanner.
If any one needs pictures scanned, pm me, I'll be happy to help. And no doubt there'll be others who will be glad to offer assistance to keep this thread going from strength to strength.

Noticed that this thread has passed the 100,000 views mark. Surely some kind of record? Wonder if Bill will put it on the front page?
There are probably quite a lot of site visitors who've never visited the forums and, hopefully, it may trigger a new batch of posters.

[plasticjock]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso53b.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso53a.jpg

[plasticjock]

Thurso Salvation Army Band 1933
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SalvationArmyBand1933.jpg

Thurso Salvation Army Band 1935
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SalvationArmyBand1935.jpg

[plasticjock]

Town Hall Sq c1900
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TownHallSq1900.jpg

Town Hall Sq c1903
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TownHallSq1903.jpg

[plasticjock]

Town Hall Sq c1910
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TownHallSq1910.jpg

Town Hall Sq c1970 (I think)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TownHallSq1970s.jpg

[Sporran]

What a wonderful batch of photos, plasticjock! You always come up with such good ones! :)

[thirsaloon]

Yes, there must be loads. I expect there are some people with interesting pictures but haven't got access to a scanner.
If any one needs pictures scanned, pm me, I'll be happy to help. And no doubt there'll be others who will be glad to offer assistance to keep this thread going from strength to strength.

Noticed that this thread has passed the 100,000 views mark. Surely some kind of record? Wonder if Bill will put it on the front page?
There are probably quite a lot of site visitors who've never visited the forums and, hopefully, it may trigger a new batch of posters.

Indeed, it must be a record plasticjock!!

Thats not bad going eh!

:D

[plasticjock]

Olrig St c1900
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-OlrigSt1900.jpg

Olrig St c1910
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-OlrigSt1910.jpg

Olrig St c1920
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-OlrigSt1920.jpg

[plasticjock]

Sir George's St c1910s
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirGeorgesSt1910s.jpg

Sir George's St c1930s
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirGeorgesSt1930s.jpg

Sir George's St c1950s
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirGeorgesSt1950s.jpg

[plasticjock]

Traill St c1900 (1 of 7)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TraillStc1900.jpg

Traill St c1910 (2 of 7)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TraillStc1910.jpg

Traill St c1932 (3 of 7)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TraillStc1932.jpg

[plasticjock]

Traill St c1939 (4 of 7)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/Thurso-TraillStc1939.jpg

Traill Street c1953 (5 of 7)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TraillStc1953.jpg

[plasticjock]

Traill St c1958 (6 of 7)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TraillStc1958.jpg

Traill St c1961 (7 of 7)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/Thurso-TraillStc1961.jpg

[cuddlepop]

Those are brilliant thank you for posting.

You can still recognise those streets.:)

[Bazeye]

Keep 'em coming.

[plasticjock]

Sir John's Sq c1900 (1 of 6)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/Thurso-SirJohnsSqc1900.jpg

Sir John's Sq c1904 (2 of 6)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/Thurso-SirJohnsSqc1904.jpg

Sir John's Sq c1908 (3 of 6)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/Thurso-SirJohnsSqc1908.jpg

[plasticjock]

Sir John's Sq c1954 (4 of 6)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSq1954.jpg

Sir John's Sq c1957 (5 of 6)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSq1957.jpg

Sir John's Sq c1960 (6 of 6)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSq1960.jpg

[plasticjock]

ALL dates are approximate....very approximate!

Thurso Beach & Esplanade c1920 1 pf 8
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Beachc1920.jpg

Thurso Beach & Esplanade c1922 2 of 8
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Beachc1924.jpg

Thurso Beach & Esplanade c1924 3 of 8
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Beachc1922.jpg

[plasticjock]

Thurso Beach & Esplanade c1947 4 of 8
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Beachc1947.jpg

Thurso Beach & Esplanade c1952 5 of 8
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Beachc1952.jpg

Thurso Beach c1953 6 of 8
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Beachc1953.jpg

[plasticjock]

Thurso Beach & Esplanade c1958 7 of 8
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Beachc1958.jpg

Thurso Beach & Esplanade c1961 8 of 8
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Beachc1961.jpg

[plasticjock]

Town Hall Square
c1900 1 of 2
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TownHallSqc1900.jpg

c1970 2 0f 2
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TownHallSqc1970s.jpg

[plasticjock]

Looking down Sir George's Street toward Springpark from Sir John's Square.

Dates are approximate;

c1900 1 of 4
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSqWarMemorial1900.jpg

c1925 2 of 4
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSqWarMemorial1925.jpg

c1961 3 of 4
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSqWarMemorial1961.jpg

[plasticjock]

Looking down Sir George's Street toward Springpark from Sir John's Square (contd).

c1964 4 of 4
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSq1964-1.jpg

Corner of Rotterdam Street
1983 1 of 2
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-RotterdamStreet-1983.jpg

2008 2 of 2
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-RotterdamStreet-2008.jpg

[plasticjock]

Princes Street looking down towards Olrig Street.

c1873 1 of 3
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-PrincesStsthc1873.jpg

c1930s 2 of 3
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-PrincesStsthc1930s.jpg

c1970s 3 of 3
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-PrincesStsthc1970s.jpg

[trinkie]

Wonderful pictures, many thanks .

Trinkie

[munron]

These photos are all amazing thanks so much for sharing.

I see in the earliest photo looking down from George Square that the house opposite tescos (a b&b now I think) is there. Is there any info on that, it is very gothic in appearance.

Also the one from the town hall square 1970, has the street been pedestrianised (sp?) already?

Thanks again for the photos, I have one old postcard from the castle 1910 that was used which i found even more interesting. My mum and family have some photos of the castle that I must check out to see if they are of any interest. My grandfather was the gardener there.

[gleeber]

http://yfrog.com/j3burnside5j

Notice the trawler below the Bishops castle. I was talking to a guy in his 70s and he remembers that trawler there. Also in view is the fever hospital.

[plasticjock]

Princes Street c1908 1 of 4
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-PrincesStc1908.jpg

Princes Street c1912 2 of 4
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-PrincesStc1912.jpg

Princes Street c1920 3 of 4
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-PrincesStc1920.jpg

[plasticjock]

Princes Street c1970 4 of 4
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-PrincesStc1975.jpg

Rotterdam Street looking towards High Street c1940s 1 of 2
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-HighStc1940s.jpg

Rotterdam Street looking towards High Street c1947 2 of 2
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-HighStc1947.jpg

[plasticjock]

High Street c1950s 1 of 2
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-HighStc1956.jpg

High Street c1960s 2 of 2
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-HighStc1962.jpg

[Kenn]

Any one know what the industrial buildings with the large chimney were to the left of the bridge, looking east?

[silversurfer]

Believe the area you are referring to was recently Bridgend Building Supplies.
Away back it was Crear's Sawmill which then came to be known as the Thurso Steam Sawmill so I am guessing the chimmney is associated with the steam engine that drove the machinery in the sawmill.
The mill was then owned by a Mr Munro (and family) - he was the father of Hettie Munro who ran the Ships Wheel antique shop with her brother Alistair (where the Bistro is now).
Many older people always referred to the area as Munro's Woodyard even after it passed into the ownership of Bobby Riddell.

[Kenn]

Thanks for the information.

[The Pepsi Challenge]

Looking down Sir George's Street toward Springpark from Sir John's Square.

Dates are approximate;

c1900 1 of 4
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSqWarMemorial1900.jpg

c1925 2 of 4
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSqWarMemorial1925.jpg

c1961 3 of 4
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-SirJohnsSqWarMemorial1961.jpg

I have the middle one in colour - will put it up when I find a good enough scanner.

[plasticjock]

Thurso Old Town from Springpark(-ish).
All dates are approximate.

c1875 1 of 5
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-FromSpringparkc1875.jpg

c1899 2 of 5
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-FromSpringparkc1899.jpg

c1900 3 of 5
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-FromSpringparkc1900.jpg

[plasticjock]

c1901 4 of 5
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-FromSpringparkc1901.jpg

c1926 5 of 5
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-FromSpringparkc1926.jpg

[kimmie]

Love the one numbered 4 of 5... i know my ancestors were there then, its nice to see how they might of lived.

[plasticjock]

Thurso River & Harbour c1905
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/NewThurso-Harbour1905.jpg

[inorg]

Is it just the angle of the picture or was the river wider then?

[Buttercup]

Is it just the angle of the picture or was the river wider then?

I would say that the tide was in at the time the photo was taken and that makes the river appear wider.

[plasticjock]

I would say that the tide was in at the time the photo was taken and that makes the river appear wider.

I would agree with you there Buttercup.
I have the impression the picture was taken from the deck of a boat.
It may even have been taken late 19th-century, judging by the predominance of masted vessels on view.

[plasticjock]

Sinclair Street c1940s.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/NewThurso-SinclairStreetc1940s.jpg

[plasticjock]

Thurso Harbour c1910-1920.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/NewThurso-Harbour1910.jpg

[The Pepsi Challenge]

Not sure if this has already been posted on this thread, but here goes...

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/9886/thurcas.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/i/thurcas.jpg/)

[Even Chance]

Nice old pics.
Has anybody got a pic/ map of the old pond that was behind the fire station?
Thanks

[Even Chance]

Nice old pics.
Has anybody got a pic/ map of the old pond that was behind the fire station?
Thanks

Sorry, I meant the pond that was in the same place BEFORE the shallow concrete paddling pool was there.

[thirsaloon]

Sorry, I meant the pond that was in the same place BEFORE the shallow concrete paddling pool was there.

Think I have somewhere!!!

[The Oracle]

Came across this one recently, which I think dates to the early 60s

http://i44.tinypic.com/zkllwh.jpg

I've found another photo from later in the year.

http://i40.tinypic.com/2exvkn8.jpghttp://i40.tinypic.com/2exvkn8.jpg[/IMG]"] ("http://forum.caithness.org/[IMG)

[plasticjock]

Came across this one recently, which I think dates to the early 60s

Wonderful picture!
Reminding me of playing doon by 'e Maal on ma way home from the Miller.

[plasticjock]

Here's another one of the Mall and Bridge. c1930
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/NewThurso-Riversidec1930.jpg

[thirsaloon]

Here's another one of the Mall and Bridge. c1930

Nice picture plasticjock, great to see it.

[plasticjock]

Nice picture plasticjock, great to see it.

Thanks thirsaloon.
Here's an unusual curio.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/NewThurso-OldThursoc1820.jpg

[thirsaloon]

That is a painting called On The Spot plasticjock, I forget the artists name at the moment but it was painted between 1810 and 1830. I do have a colour version of this I photographed from the orginal.

[plasticjock]

That is a painting called On The Spot plasticjock, I forget the artists name at the moment but it was painted between 1810 and 1830. I do have a colour version of this I photographed from the orginal.

Mine came from a scan off a postcard I bought. I figured the drawing was pre-1860 as there is no lighthouse present.
Thanks for the info.

[thirsaloon]

Mine came from a scan off a postcard I bought. I figured the drawing was pre-1860 as there is no lighthouse present.
Thanks for the info.

No probs plasticjock, im sure the artists name is something like Alscot I will take a look and see if I can find out for you.

;)

[plasticjock]

Coronation march, Traill Street May 12 1937:
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/NewThurso-TraillStcoronationmarch19.jpg

[Sporran]

Amazing to see cows grazing down by the Mall and Thurso Bridge (in post 939), and I love the pastoral painting of Thurso, Scrabster and Holborn Head! :cool:

I'm also surprised to see that Hepworth's was in business as far back as 1937!!

[plasticjock]

Thurso Harbour circa1900
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/NewThurso-Harbourc1900.jpg

[thirsaloon]

Just to let those who are interested that the Thurso Heritage Society now has a website with some more photographs and videos on it.

http://www.thursoheritage.com/

[wifie]

The photo section is a bit eye twizzling and it's a shame there are no dates or narratives - some interesting pics tho!

[thirsaloon]

The photo section is a bit eye twizzling and it's a shame there are no dates or narratives - some interesting pics tho!

Thanks for that wifie, there will be discriptions of the photographs and dates being added soon. Its the 1st attempt at a website so there is certainly room for improvement here and there!

:)

[Bobinovich]

The photos on that site are totally spoiled by the "Not for reproduction" watermark - it's not as though they're high enough quality for anything else so it seems a shame to ruin them by having that through them all :confused

[thirsaloon]

The photos on that site are totally spoiled by the "Not for reproduction" watermark - it's not as though they're high enough quality for anything else so it seems a shame to ruin them by having that through them all :confused


Valid point Bobinovich

[plasticjock]

Barrock Street from lower right to upper left, with Rose Street running parallel. c1900-1905
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/NewThurso-BarrockStreetc1900.jpg

[wifie]

The photos on that site are totally spoiled by the "Not for reproduction" watermark - it's not as though they're high enough quality for anything else so it seems a shame to ruin them by having that through them all :confused

I thought that too!

[wifie]

Thanks for that wifie, there will be discriptions of the photographs and dates being added soon. Its the 1st attempt at a website so there is certainly room for improvement here and there!

:)


Cool look forward to the progress of the work in progress then! :)

[Sporran]

What a fantastic photo, plasticjock! :cool: Presumably taken from the spire of St Peter's church (now St Peter's and St Andrew's), across from Sir John's Square?

[Buttercup]

The photos on that site are totally spoiled by the "Not for reproduction" watermark - it's not as though they're high enough quality for anything else so it seems a shame to ruin them by having that through them all

Have to agree with you there Bob, found it really annoying when your trying to recognise faces [mad]. Look forward to info being added to them. But very interesting website ~ have bookmarked it and will keep droping in. Well done Alan. :)

[thirsaloon]

Have to agree with you there Bob, found it really annoying when your trying to recognise faces [mad]. Look forward to info being added to them. But very interesting website ~ have bookmarked it and will keep droping in. Well done Alan. :)

Thanks for your comments Buttercup!

Its all trial and error at the moment with the website but we will get there and there is a few new pages going to be added in the near future. Also thanks to everyone who has looked at the site. Our hits have gone up by 1,500% so far.

Remember please take a little time to drop us an email of support regarding Old St. Peters church. It's really appreciated!

[booragtoon]

It was lovely seeing these old photos. Thanks for sharing.

Old St Peter's Church is a very important place in the history of Thurso. It should be looked after.

When we were young it was open and we went into it and looked at the different gravestones. I don't remember there being any damage carried out then. Of course when you are young you don't realise that it is a very important place - and still is. Hope that you receive many replies regarding this.

[thirsaloon]

It was lovely seeing these old photos. Thanks for sharing.

Old St Peter's Church is a very important place in the history of Thurso. It should be looked after.

When we were young it was open and we went into it and looked at the different gravestones. I don't remember there being any damage carried out then. Of course when you are young you don't realise that it is a very important place - and still is. Hope that you receive many replies regarding this.

Thanks for that booragtoon.........a good Thurso name as well :)

Visit the site to give us your support

http://www.thursoheritage.com/

[plasticjock]

Burnside. Date unknown, possibly turn of the 20th century.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/NewThurso-Burnsidec1900.jpg

[plasticjock]

Last mail-coach leaving the Royal Hotel in Traill Street on August 1st 1873.
Best quality I've seen so far of this image.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-TraillStLastcoachLeavingRoya.jpg

[Fisherbigin]

Whats the square building near the shore?,i see the Coastguard station and the white hoosie which is now a ruin.Any ideas?:confused To me it looks like a wreck on the foreshore alongside the point of land.

[thirsaloon]

Whats the square building near the shore?,i see the Coastguard station and the white hoosie which is now a ruin.Any ideas?:confused To me it looks like a wreck on the foreshore alongside the point of land.

Yeah, it is a wreck indeed, not sure which one though.

[booragtoon]

Think that the square white building was a fever hospital.

The cottage (which is in ruins) is to the left of the photo (not in the picture) - inside the flag fence and in line with what seems to be hens picking amongst the stones on the shore.

The fever hospital must have been demolished - it certainly wasn't there when I was young - and that isn't yesterday!

The cottage mentioned was still being occupied when I was young....

[thirsaloon]

Think that the square white building was a fever hospital.

The cottage (which is in ruins) is to the left of the photo (not in the picture) - inside the flag fence and in line with what seems to be hens picking amongst the stones on the shore.

The fever hospital must have been demolished - it certainly wasn't there when I was young - and that isn't yesterday!

The cottage mentioned was still being occupied when I was young....


Yes that is the Fever Hospital booragtoon, the idea for it was first raised in 1873 but it wasnt built until 1886. The first patient it seen was an American sailor suffering from a mild attack of typhoid fever. It fell into disuse after 1917.

[Fisherbigin]

Thanks for the info,it is a very interesting photo,must try and find out what wreck it was.:confused

[thirsaloon]

Thanks for the info,it is a very interesting photo,must try and find out what wreck it was.:confused

No worries!

;)

[Fisherbigin]

Thirsaloon,Any idea when the picture was taken,i ken it was a long long time ago,thought maybe a date on the back,i have a book on wrecks and if there was a date i micht find out what wreck,a bit of a long shot though!!

[thirsaloon]

Thirsaloon,Any idea when the picture was taken,i ken it was a long long time ago,thought maybe a date on the back,i have a book on wrecks and if there was a date i micht find out what wreck,a bit of a long shot though!!

I would guess anytime between late 1886 to early 1900s roughly! I would think closer to the 1900s onwards though.

:D

[plasticjock]

Couple of pictures of Shore Street:

This is a far better quality image than the one I posted a couple of years ago. c1910
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-ShoreStreetc1910.jpg

This one is an image that I've not seen before. c1910 (possibly earlier)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Turnpikec1910.jpg

[thirsaloon]

My relations are in both of you photographs of Shore Street! :D

[Commore]

Couple of pictures of Shore Street:

This is a far better quality image than the one I posted a couple of years ago. c1910
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-ShoreStreetc1910.jpg

This one is an image that I've not seen before. c1910 (possibly earlier)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Turnpikec1910.jpg

These are fantastic photos, is there a collection somewhere?

[plasticjock]

These are fantastic photos, is there a collection somewhere?

Some were my Granny's postcards and images, others are postcards I have picked up on the net or at fairs...even one or two at Scout Jumbles or attic sales in england.
My scanning & image restoration techniques have improved as well.

[plasticjock]

My relations are in both of you photographs of Shore Street! :D

Thanks thirsaloon.
I knew there were some in the upper picture following your reply when I posted a much less defined image in 2007. I didn't know they were in the lower picture as well.

[thirsaloon]

Thanks thirsaloon.
I knew there were some in the upper picture following your reply when I posted a much less defined image in 2007. I didn't know they were in the lower picture as well.

Yes, the girl on the extreme right walking just past the wall of the kiln is my great aunt who died last year and stayed in the turnpike. She could remember the photograph being taken.

[Bazeye]

Just waiting for the Google Streetview 1900 to come out now.

[thirsaloon]

Just waiting for the Google Streetview 1900 to come out now.

If only!!! :D

[Dusty]

Does anyone have a photograph of the area of Shore Street where the car park is now?

My great-grandparents lived there in number 1 Shore Steet as did my grandparents and my Dad was born there.

I have never seen any photographs or drawings of what that area looked like before the houses were demolished.

I live in hope.

[thirsaloon]

Does anyone have a photograph of the area of Shore Street where the car park is now?

My great-grandparents lived there in number 1 Shore Steet as did my grandparents and my Dad was born there.

I have never seen any photographs or drawings of what that area looked like before the houses were demolished.

I live in hope.

Think I have something in my collection. ;)

[Dusty]

Think I have something in my collection. ;)

I would very much like to see what you have thirsaloon. It would be great to be able to see that part of the town as it was when my folks were living there.

Cheers,

Dusty.

[plasticjock]

Post Office c1925. Corner of Sinclair Street and St George's Street.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/NewThurso-PostOfficec1925.jpg

[Kenn]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i316/kenliz/Miscellaneous/JessieSwansonwithherparents.jpg

Jessie Swanson and her parents.

[golach]

Thanks Lizz,
This is my granny and her parents and the shop was at 13 Swanson Street circa 1890's

[plasticjock]

Thanks Lizz,
This is my granny and her parents and the shop was at 13 Swanson Street circa 1890's

Wonderful!....more please?

[plasticjock]

An enhanced and repaired copy of golach's picture.
Posted with the kind permission of golach.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/SwansonStreet.jpg

(note that the name on the lintel is of a previous owner named 'Manson')

Addendum: As a matter of (genealogical) interest, Joe Cardosi was living at No.15 Swanson Street when he married Margaret 'Maggie' Munro in 1915.

[booragtoon]

Thank you golach and lizz for the photo.

My father had this shop in the 1930s-50s. His name was John Forbes. At that time the window on the right of the picture was part of the house (front room) and we lived there until 1943. My father continued to rent the shop until the 50s.

It was a lovely surprise to see this photo. Many thanks

booragtoon

[plasticjock]

Anyone got a current image of 13 Swanson Street for a 'now & then' comparison?

[poppett]

Swanson Street is shown clearly on the "Google maps site" if that helps.

[plasticjock]

A crisper, sharper, more detailed copy of the image I posted in message #972
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-ShoreStreetcrisp.jpg

[thirsaloon]

Link to Old St Peters church on the BBC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8692602.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8692602.stm)

[plasticjock]

Thurso from Springpark Terrace c1954
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-FromSpringparkTerracec1954.jpg

[Chewyhairball]

These are brilliant. I love looking at old photos. Fascinating,:)

[plasticjock]

Thurso Beach circa 1930...possibly even earlier.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-Beachc1930.jpg

[plasticjock]

Old Thurso from Oldfield c1900
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-FromOldfieldc1900.jpg

[thirsaloon]

Nice picture plasticjock

[plasticjock]

Nice picture plasticjock

Thanks thirsaloon.
I'm down to my last 3 or 4 images. After they've been posted I'll be signing off.

[wifie]

Thanks thirsaloon.
I'm down to my last 3 or 4 images. After they've been posted I'll be signing off.

You can't do that!!! :eek:

[thirsaloon]

Thanks thirsaloon.
I'm down to my last 3 or 4 images. After they've been posted I'll be signing off.


Thats a shame but you have helped keep this thread going. I have plenty more but my time is taken up with lots of other stuff at the moment so lets hope someone else can keep this going. Be a shame if the most popular thread here is to die out.

[plasticjock]

Thurso from Oldfield c1954
A wonderful comparison from the previous image from c1900.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-FromOldfieldc1954.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/manowar_photos/thurso/Thurso-FromOldfieldc1900.jpg