In times past

The Viator • Published 22 Nov 2011 12:00 12 Comments

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Inverclyde received a major boost with the recent news that Ferguson Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow had received an order for two ferries.

Not only does the contract create much-needed new jobs, it means that traditional lower Clyde shipbuilding skills are being kept alive.

Looking through a trades directory of nearly 60 years ago, it is sad to note the number of established local businesses and skills that were to disappear in later years.

For example, Greenock had Barr & Co (brass founders), Orchard Street, and John Gardner & Co operated a brass finishers business from 18 West Blackhall Street.

Under the category engineers, machine-makers and founders were around 10 firms including David Adam & Co (Marine) ltd, Captain Street, Blake, Barclay & Co, McDougall Street, Thomas Gourlay and Sons ltd, 97 Rue End Street and the Inchgreen Engineering Co ltd.

Regarding the latter, a reader recently asked if I knew the history of this company which was located, as its name suggests, at Inchgreen.

Please give me a call or drop me a note if you can help with this.

A well known Greenock company was John Drummond & Sons ltd, of 180 Dalrymple Street which operated as coopers and the makers of packing cases and tin boxes.

It was to continue for a good number of years.

Another business to disappear was that of James M Hill & Co, belting and leather merchants, 11 Stanners Street, along with the tannery operated by Fisher Henderson & Co at ladyburn.

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Asterix
2 posts
Dec 7, 14:48
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Greenock had constantly been raped by our government friends down south. They took nearly everything south to them leaving what was once a lucrative and thriving town in tatters. What they didn't take dwindled away as many businesses depended on the shipbuilding industry. Up until 25 years years ago almost everyone leaving school had a high expectation of getting a job. I blame the government for the increasing drug abuse and crime which is rife today in our streets. Greenock was once a proud town, teeming with people who had many skills and highly successful businesses. We traded merchandise and provided services and had contracts with countries all over the world. If you never had a trade or qualifications there was always labouring jobs to be had. Back then people earned their money! I like to look back at old photographs and stories of days gone by and in some cases I wish I had lived then instead of now. I don't care if times were hard, that's all relative to the time. They couldn't have been harder that they are now. I'm disgusted at the state of affairs today as people have become disheartened which in turn has made them feel there is no point in looking for a job. I wish I had a time machine. :)

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ThomasGallagher
2 posts
Dec 7, 15:54
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Asterix correct its same here in land of have agood day the usa

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alwood
30 posts
Dec 8, 04:29
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As a result, this is what people get when they source cheaper cheaper cheaper.

Almost everything is made in china now because everyone wanted to earn big bucks and pay cheap, foreign business came to town ie supermarkets (not local) and as a result profits left our town, it's nobody but the peoples fault for this cause, they didn't support local so business closed, even the council don't support local, they bring in outside contracts for their work and now the internet is changing the pattern once again.

People would need to put their heart and soul into supporting local family business within the town to revert, but the problem is that it's too late now, nearly all has gone.

Recommend? Yes 7 No 0
gizzmo
24 posts
Dec 9, 11:32
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its not to late to support local business even if the firms /shops etc are owned by outsiders they still need locals to work for them so if you buy there in a way you you are supporting the local economy my claim to fame is i have never shopped in braehead if i cant buy it localy then i dont need it most local businesses will price match or offer some incentive so get out and about in inveclyde

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outsideleft
1 post
Dec 16, 21:25
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its not only a greenock problem, its a world wide problem,but the way back is deffinitly to shop locally and support one and other it will take time but we didnt get where we are now overnight. good luck and god bless all in greenock.

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redcloud
10 posts
Dec 19, 18:39
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Idealistic rubbish. The Port and Greenock have always been employment and economic blackspots. When I left school in the '70's there were very few jobs around. I didn't realise that those who left school 25 years ago walked into a land of milk and honey (and jobs)

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InchgreenShore
76 posts
Dec 20, 12:40
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Inchgreen Engineering 94 Port Glasgow Rd , behind what was known as Lennox's Building , I think that at one time John S.Thomson (FORD DEALER) had an interest .

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kasaya
1 post
Dec 23, 22:41
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Dear Sir I was born in East Shaw Street and lived in a tenement property with gas lighting

and one water tap, shared a toilet with five other families. The times were hard but

most of the men and women had jobs. Food and clothing were rationed until 1952/3

but we as children seemed to enjoy life. I get a feeling that Greenock and area are so

well if i can say 3rd world with, drink and drugs and crime . The local leaders both civic

and church do not seem to able to offer much assistance. What is happening to my old

town, how can a town live when the population is almost halved in 45 years, can you explain, I cant. Thank you

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017333RsC
29 posts
Dec 28, 10:43
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Mmm, some fanciful thinking here from one or two, much of the shipbuilding industry didn't go South as suggested but East to the likes of Korea and Tiawan - some of us even went with it to teach trades to the much cheaper labour there! Next time you buy a Hyundai or a Daewoo bear in mind just how much their history is built on the shipbuilding industry transferred from places like ours.

I know, 'cos I was there and part of it when it happened.

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CQ1007
3 posts
Jan 3, 16:38
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Redcloud ever thought about a name change...to Blackcloud. I left school in the '70's and as far as I can remember the No of people in employment was still far higher, plus many apprenticeships for skilled tradesmen were still available. Defo much better than that of the Thatcher years. Funny how it's the Con's that are in Govt today and once again we're getting told to 'get back on our bikes'. to where??? Yes, I am also aware that it is a world recession!

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frankcrawbhoy
1 post
Jan 11, 16:07
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co-quarter here, ah the old toon, so many memories of my days in scott's cartsburn shipyard ( 1968-72 boilermaker ) and very happy ones I may add, when there WAS full employment and the ones who did not work were the ones who did NOT want to strike a blow,but times change, as does industry,i left to go to a new life in canada 40 yrs ago, no regrets just fond memories of family, friends and football hope the 'ton get a good run in the cup for greenock's sake. slainte F.H.D. CRAWBERRY ROAD

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weerose
3 posts
Jan 13, 21:15
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james.m.hill brings back memories.i first new of this place when we were moved into St LAWRENCES girls school from the boys school,and then in later life when i started work in Kincaids,my dad told me to go to Mr hills to get a pair of leather laces for my boots,they lasted longer than the boots.

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