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Treasure 35: Notes and Jottings of G.M. Fraser
2323 George Milne Fraser had a lifelong interest and expertise in local history; delivering talks (as seen in the December 2015 Treasure), publishing books and numerous letters and articles in the local press. His 'Notes and Jottings' collection comprise over 70 volumes, mostly hand written (including a form of shorthand), which are a treasure trove of information about the local area.
Within these notebooks are newspaper articles and advertisements, photographs, personal correspondence, sketches and many other interesting bits and pieces. Library staff have compiled an index to this invaluable resource and consult it on a regular basis when researching enquiries. It is quite a challenge deciphering his handwriting sometimes!
As a journalist by profession, G. M. Fraser retained his talent for writing and contributed articles to the Aberdeen Free Press, Bon Accord and Northern Pictorial, Evening Gazette, and journals such as the Deeside Field.
His contributions to local literature began in 1904 with the publication of The Green. Historical Aberdeen appeared the following year and after Aberdeen Street Names in 1911 the Town Clerk Depute wrote to Fraser with the words "We must now regard you as our Principal Historian".
The Life and Work of G. M. Fraser
G. M. Fraser was appointed city librarian in 1899 and was the second public librarian in Aberdeen. He can be seen on the far right of this image from the library archive.
His name was known all over the north east and he was mentioned in the chorus of one of Harry Gordon's popular songs, The Auldest Aiberdonian: "I ken lots o' stories G. M. Fraser disna ken". On 30 October 1923 he gave a 15 minute talk on the radio about Castlegate, becoming the first librarian in Aberdeen to make a radio broadcast.
During his term of office there were many developments in the Library service:
- The Central Library was extended in 1905 to include a new reading room
- Branch reading rooms and delivery stations were established throughout the city
- The Juvenile Library in Skene Street opened in 1911
- Open access was introduced in the Lending Library 1925 (find out more about Open Access libraries in the October treasures!)
- Fraser's strongest legacy is the Local Studies collection, which still contains many of our treasures.
G. M. Fraser was remembered very fondly after his death on 7 June 1938. There were many tributes including one from the Library Committee. Perhaps one of the warmest tributes was paid by his successor as City Librarian, Marcus Milne:
"Somehow the Library and G.M. were one. You could not think of the Library without thinking of that kindly figure who was head of it; and one could not meet him without thinking of the building he graced for so long. Mr Fraser had 2 hobbies and work was both of them. He lived for nothing else. The library was ever uppermost in his thoughts and closely allied to his love for the Library was his great love for things Aberdeen".
Mr Fraser's funeral service was attended by many prominent city officials and floral wreaths included one from Lady Aberdeen with the inscription "In affectionate and grateful remembrance of a much valued friend". He is buried in Springbank Cemetery.
In 1955, Aberdeen's first post-war permanent branch library was opened at Northfield and named the G. M. Fraser Branch Library in his honour.
In further recognition of his contribution to the development of the Library service, a commemorative plaque can be found on the front of the Central Library building. Jean Ronald
2434 A photograph of Jean Ronald taken from The "Lemon Tree" Hostess and Aberdeen Tavern Lore by Robert Murdoch Lawrance. Jean was the long-standing proprietress of the Lemon Tree on Huxter Row. H. Duncan, Langstane Place
3174 A photograph showing the premises of newsagent and confectioner, H. Duncan, at 7 Langstane Place. The facade of the shop features a prominent advert for Player's Please cigarettes.
The buildings between Crown Street and Dee Street have been considered part of both Windmill Brae and Langstane Place at different times. The 1943 Aberdeen Post Office directory lists a Miss Helen Duncan at 791/2-81 Windmill Brae. This is most likely the original owner of the newsagent shown here.
By the mid-1950s directories indicate someone called L. Signorini was operating a newsagent at 7 Langstane Place. This would be the same premises. The other businesses, the partially visible truck, and the woman's clothes suggest the photograph probably dates from this period.
On the far left can be seen a staff entrance to the premises of A. B. Robertson & Son, Ltd, electrical engineers, who were based around the corner at 11 Dee Street.
On the right, at the corner of Langstane Place and Dee Street is the Gordon Bakery. Local newspapers suggest that the Gordon family operated a bakery at this location since at least the beginning of the 20th century. The long standing business closed down in 2018 and the site was put up for redevelopment.
At the time of writing in 2019, 7-9 Langstane Place is occupied by To-Buy Fish and Chips.
A digital copy of this image was kindly given to Aberdeen Local Studies by our colleagues in the Masterplanning, Design and Conservation Team. To the Independent Electors and Friends of the Country, the Constitution, and the Queen
492 This broadside from 2nd August 1837 implores those eligible to vote for William Gordon (1784-1858) in the upcoming General Election.
It suggests that Gordon's opponent, Thomas Burnett, was attempting to mislead the electorate. Gordon, a Conservative, held his Aberdeenshire seat from 1820 to 1854. The broadside informs the electorate that Gordon is a friend of farmers because he supports the Corn Laws.
In parliament, Gordon advocated for separate banking systems for England and Scotland. He also worked to prevent illicit distillation and increase legal distillery trades. Gordon was Lord of the Admiralty, chief of the British Navy, from 1841 to 1846.
The broadside was printed on a Wednesday. The Monday preceding, the nominations for candidates had been opened. When Gordon was nominated, 'he was heartily hissed' and had unpleasantries expressed towards him.
Sir Thomas Burnett (1778-1849), 8th Baronet of Leys, was the Whig candidate and was so well received by the crowds at the nominations that proceedings were delayed for several minutes. (London Courier and Evening Gazette, 4th August 1837, p. 3). Burnett's obituary in the Aberdeen Herald (3rd March 1849, p. 3) indicates that he was a long-standing advocate of parliamentary reform. In the election, Burnett received 807 votes to Gordon's 1,220. (Perthshire Courier, 10th August 1837).
In the text, Gordon's support of Hanover refers to his support of Queen Victoria's familial line, which traces itself to Hanover. Gordon accuses Burnett of wanting to rid Britain of Hanoverians while professing to support the Queen. The Aberdeen Herald was dismayed at the news of Burnett's defeat in the election over the issue (London Courier, 8th August 1837, p. 3).
This broadside was printed by R. King of Peterhead.
Other broadsides referring to Gordon can be found here. |