293

Plan of the Harbour of Aberdeen as it was in 1769.

946

A team photograph of Culter Juniors Football Club in 1911. Local historian Brian Coutts has been in touch with names of the individuals shown (all from left to right): Back row - D. Guild, P. Low, J. MacDonald, W. Duncan, C. Dunbar, J. McAra, J. Milne and J. Ogilvie. Middle Row (kneeling) - G. Insch, C. Allan and J. Milne. Front row - J. Reid, Alastair Thomson, J. Agnew, G. McKenzie and J. Fraser. Silver City Vault visitor David Allan suggests that the C. Allan in the middle row looks like his uncle, Charlie Allan, who lived in Culter's Clayhills cottages.

994

A photograph showing the unveiling of a new panel at Culter War Memorial on Sunday 19th June 1949. The article 'Tribute to War Dead of Culter' from the Press & Journal of 20th June 1949, page 6, describes the ceremony as follows: "A panel containing the names of 29 men from the parish who lost their lives in the recent war was unveiled at Culter War Memorial yesterday. "Relatives of the fallen and representatives of the Boys' Brigade, Girl Guides, Brownies, and the Territorial Army were grouped round the memorial as Mrs Tough, Hillside Road, Culter, who lost two sons in the war, unveiled the tablet. "The panel was dedicated by the Rev. J. R. Dey, Kelman Memorial Church, who, along with the Rev. T. W. Howie, St Peter's Church, conducted the service" Culter War Memorial is a tapering, crenelated tower located on a hillock to the west of the village. It is accessed by a footpath that leaves North Deeside Road not far beyond the bridge over the Culter Burn. Correspondent Brian Coutts has been in touch to inform us that one of the representatives of the Brownies present at the ceremony was Elizabeth McNab. The abovementioned sons of Mrs Jane Tough of Hillside Road were Driver Frank Tough, Royal Corps of Signals, formerly an employee of Culter Paper Mills, who was killed by enemy action in the Middle East on 24th September 1942, aged 24, and Private Ernest "Ernie" Tough, 2nd Gordons, who died on 5th October 1943, aged 26, while a prisoner-of-war in Thailand. (Source: Press & Journal, 26th September 1946, page 3.) The former, Frank Tough, is buried at Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial in Egypt and Ernest is buried Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery in Myanmar. (Source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.)

1521

A photograph of the gateway and avenue of Newpark. Located between Sheddocksley and Kingswells, this property was once known as Cuttlehill. In Historical Walks and Names (1927) local historian G. M. Fraser writes: "You descend Brimmond Hill at the south-west corner, and passing between the properties of Fairley and Cloghill, you presently pass the farm of Gillahill (properly Gallowhill), on your left, and strike the western end of the "Lang Stracht," near the property of Newpark. This is a comparatively recent name for Cuttlehill, the property that once formed part of Sheddocksley, and was bought in 1777 by Robert Dyce of Aberdeen, father of the well-known physician, Dr. William Dyce, of Cuttlehill, whose town house for many years was No. 48 Marischal Street. In this country residence of Cuttlehill, the old entrance gate and avenue of which are still in existence, was born on 19th September, 1806, William Dyce, afterwards William Dyce, R.A., a gifted artist, who took a leading part in decorating the House of Lords, and better still, who, having been sent by the government to report on the Art schools of the Continent in the middle of the last century, was the means of re-organising the art education system of Great Britain. It is singular that this accomplished man, although he is commemorated on a monumental brass in Streatham Parish Church, where he latterly stayed, is as yet unremembered by any mark on his father's house in Aberdeen, where he passed the early part of his life." Newpark and the gated and avenue, though likely thoroughly modified, can still be seen today. Other sources suggest that William Dyce, the above mentioned artist, was born at 48 Marischal Street. His birthplace remains something of a mystery. There is no indication of the location in the old parish register record of his baptism at St. Nicholas Kirk.

2271

What a fabulous photograph of the Central Library staff from when the building opened in 1892. We get a feel for the ladies dress at the time and during our 120 celebrations in 2012 mannequins wore paper costumes replicating the Victorian style. There were 15 staff then - the Librarian, Sub-Librarian, 9 Assistants, a Reading Room Keeper, a Janitor and 2 staff in the Binding Department but not everyone is in the photograph. The Librarian is definitely missing but we will meet him later. We have a list of staff names and one in particular was remembered for her helpfulness, courtesy and compilation of the Local Studies catalogue. Miss Emma Valentine joined the service in 1890 as an Assistant and progressed to Assistant in Charge of the Reference Department. Sadly she died young in 1915 and is believed to haunt the building today. Who do you think Miss Valentine is in the photograph?

2275

Enthusiastic gardeners who have spent months, if not years, nurturing their plants have the opportunity to display their efforts at flower shows - usually held in August or September. These events for individuals happen all around the country and have a long history. Britain in Bloom is the national flower show for whole communities. It was the brainchild of Roy Hay, a horticultural journalist. Following a holiday in France where he admired the "Fleurissement de France", he persuaded the British Travel and Holidays Association (later the British Tourist Authority) to organise a similar competition for communities in Britain. Although the first competition in 1964 was won by Bath, Aberdeen received a "Special Mention". The city did even better in 1965 when it won the National Trophy. Although it did not win again until 1969, the city then continued its success each year until 1971. However, this achievement led to Aberdeen being debarred from the National Competition in 1972 although it still won the Scottish section. 1973 and 1974 saw Aberdeen winning the National award again, and its record 10th win was in 1998. A slogan competition was held for the 1968 campaign when the winning entry proclaimed "Aberdeen - Garden City by the Sea". In order to celebrate Britain in Bloom and Aberdeen's success in the competition we have chosen to highlight our collection of historic prize schedules for the Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen's annual exhibition. The Aberdeenshire Horticultural Society was founded in March 1824 when a meeting of "Practical Gardeners" was held in the New Inn for the "purpose of forming themselves into a Society". The Earl of Aberdeen graciously agreed to be Patron of the Society. In November 1863, it was announced at the annual general meeting that HRH the Prince of Wales had now agreed to become Patron of the Society and that the Society's name was to be changed to the Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen. The Society's "Prize Schedule for Exhibition" gives details of each of the classes which can be entered, with the prizes which can be won - a sum of money or a cup or medal. In 1920, there were a total of 222 classes and those who exhibited were split into one of four Divisions - professional gardeners; nurserymen and florists; amateurs and working class. The Schedules also contain the Rules of Competition, the Constitution of the Society and a list of Subscriptions and Donations received - these include names, addresses and amounts given. Our earliest copies of the booklets cover the period 1920 - 1937, although the file is incomplete. The Society celebrated its 175th anniversary in 1999. To take a closer look at these, and many other Aberdeen historic documents, visit Aberdeen Central Library.

2321

Among the Local Studies collection of family trees is a chart from 1847 entitled Pedigree of the Cruickshanks of Stracathro. The title initially referred to the Cruickshanks of Langley Park but this has been scored out and replaced with Stracathro. A pedigree is a form of genealogical table. Collections of pedigrees were first made in the 15th century and, according to The Oxford Companion, were "a matter of aristocratic pride and of practical necessity for legal purposes". The term pedigree comes from the French 'pied de grue', meaning crane's foot, due to the resemblance of the genealogical lines to the thin legs and feet of the bird. The pedigree of the Cruickshanks was compiled by E. G. G. Cruickshank, who features in the 10th generation detailed on the table. The pedigree begins with the earliest ancestor at the top of the document with lines dropping down to succeeding generations. Each generation is given a Roman numeral and individuals within each generation are assigned Arabic numbers. The pedigree begins with "John Cruickshank first in Strathspey m. Mary Cumming of Elgin" and extends down to an incomplete 12th generation. The individuals in the 11th generation were mostly born in the 1870s. The information listed on a family tree is dependent on the sources available and the purpose for which it was created. The information given on the Cruickshank's pedigree varies but typically includes an individual's date of birth, marriage details and date of death. Additional information is also supplied as is the case with the 7th generation of Cruickshanks - Margaret Helen is described as the daughter of Rev. Gerard of Aberdeen, author of a book whose title is unreadable, and sister to a Colonel Gerald. Details of army service are supplied for some individuals and many of the Cruickshanks were involved in the administration of India or served in the army there. The tiny handwriting, use of abbreviations and sparse punctuation makes the document challenging to read so familiarity with the subject matter and names of places is useful. A later interpreter of the document has made a number of annotations in pencil. For example, one of the later additions points to an individual and reads "Is this W. Robertson of Auchinroath? Yes!" In addition to a listing of descendants the pedigree is annotated with a number of original notes and a description of a coat of arms. The latin motto of Cavendo tutus translates as 'Safe through caution'. One note, quoting "an old paper", describes from where the family came prior to being in Strathspey. A note on the other side of the chart states that "distinguished Officer and Author the late Colonel Stewart of Garth" links the family to the Royal Family of Stewart and suggests the name of Cruickshank derives from "some deformity in the first cadet of the house." Attached to the document is a letter dated 23 October 1927 from a Jim Bulloch to City Librarian G. M. Fraser. Bulloch explains that he got the pedigree from a Mr. Mackintosh of Elgin, thinks it is quite rare and that the library might like it for its collection. It has stayed in the Local Studies collection to this day. The Gazetteer for Scotland website states that in 1775 Patrick Cruickshank, listed at No. 11 of the 7th generation, bought the estate of Stracathro in Angus. The property was subsequently inherited by his brother Alexander Cruickshank (1764 - 1846). Alexander hired the Aberdeen architect Archibald Simpson to build Stracathro House between 1824 and 1827. The Palladian Scottish country house still exists today. University College London's Legacies of British Slave-ownership website indicates that Patrick and Alexander, and two other Cruickshank brothers, owned plantations on the Caribbean island of St Vincent that used slave labour. See Alexander Cruickshank's entry in the database here: 'Alexander Cruikshank of Stracathro', Legacies of British Slave-ownership database, http://wwwdepts-live.ucl.ac.uk/lbs/person/view/8590 [accessed 9th June 2020]. In 1833 when Britain abolished the ownership of slaves the government granted £20 million in compensation to former slave-owners. Alexander Cruickshank made three claims for compensation, two of which were successful. In 1874, Stracathro House and estate were sold to Sir James Bannerman, Lord Provost of Glasgow, and father of Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. The country house was later used as a World War II hospital and owned by Tay Health Board before being sold to private owners in 2003.

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". G. M. Fraser was appointed city librarian in 1899 and was the second public librarian in Aberdeen. 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.

2702

A postcard showing the launch of the steamship Intaba on 6th September 1910. The ship was constructed by Hall, Russell & Company at their York Street yards for John T. Rennie, Son and Company of Aberdeen and London. The launch was watched by a crowd of thousands. The Intaba was the largest vessel built in Aberdeen at the time. It was 387 feet in length and weighted 4,832 tons. It was designed to transport passengers and cargo, initially between London and the province of Natal in the Union of South Africa. It could accommodate 70 first class passengers and 60 in second class. The ship's name means mountain in Zulu. The Intaba and passenger liners like it were fundamental to continuing the British colonisation of southern Africa following the Second Boer War (1899-1902). In May 1910 the British Government had unified its existing and newly acquired regional colonies into the Union of South Africa. The Intaba went on to have a long and varied career, including working trade and pilgrimage routes. It sailed for 43 years, under various names and owners, and in many different parts of the world, before its eventual demolition in Belgium in 1953. The Aberdeen Built Ships website gives considerable detail on the ship's history and states that it was renamed twice; as the Waitomo in 1916 and the Englestan in 1927. Correspondent Ed Fowler notes that the new ship is being maneuvered primarily by two steam paddle tugs, one on either side, and that a smaller screw steamer tug is also in attendance. He suggests one of the paddle tugs may by the Fairweather. It was built by Richard Stobbs, North Sheilds, in 1871 and was stranded in the entrance to Aberdeen Harbour in 1912.

2877

There are many others who have traveled from Aberdeen to Poland and made successful careers. Some of these people being: John Burnet (b. 1603) John Burnet was from Aberdeen. Burnet was made citizen of Krakow in 1617. He had traded 10 Polish florins, a gun, and half a stone of gunpowder in return for citizenship. Sir George Skene of Rubislaw (1619-1707) Sir George was a former Danzig merchant who later became the Provost of Aberdeen 1676-1685. George Skene had arrived in Poland with his step-brother and apprenticed him to George Edie in Danzig. William Forbes (1566-1627) William Forbes was the founder of Craigevar Family and former merchant. With the riches he had acquired in Poland he bought many estates in Aberdeenshire. He was also known as "Danzig Willie" and "Willie the Merchant". John Turner Turner, also a former merchant in Poland, was a benefactor of the Marischal College. In 1688, he left 4 bursaries to Marischal College and his coat of arms can be seen in the historical window in Mitchell Hall. John Craig (b. 1587) John Craig was a trader in Krakow. He paid 10 Hungarian Florins to become a citizen of Poland. George Crukshank (b. 1686) Crukshank was a merchant in Krakow who paid 100 florins plus an additional 14 florins instead of the usually required gun and gunpowder. The image on the left is a reproduction of a portrait of George Skene by George Jamieson. It is from Alexander Munro's Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and Lord Provosts of Aberdeen, 1272-1895 (1897).

2878

With the substantial number of Scottish immigrants in Poland a reputation followed. "A Scots pedlar's pack" became a phrase used in Poland. The expression referred to the goods which the Scots had traded. Some of these goods were malt, flax, fruit, handkerchiefs, linen, woollen products, coal, fish and cloth. As the Scottish minority made a visible contribution to the trade in Danzig, they earned another expression used among the Poles -"Szkot" (which means Scot in Polish). It was an epithet which referred to a business traveller. The Scottish population in Poland increasingly grew in the 16th century due the career opportunities offered by the country. Areas of Poland consequently show the presence of these Scots. In 1576, Stefan Batory - the king of Poland at the time, designated a sector of Danzig to house Scots. "Nowe Szkoty" (New Scots) is an area in modern day Gdansk which has around 10 Polish villages with street names referencing the Scots who previously lived there. The image on the left is of Cragievar Castle. This castle was owned by William Forbes. The funding for the property came from the riches he had made in Poland.

2880

Sadly, my report ends here. It has been a great pleasure researching the relationship between two countries with which I strongly identify. I was born in Poland and moved to Scotland when I was 6 months old along with my family. I can relate to both parts and consider myself a citizen of both countries. I hope you have enjoyed reading this report and are encouraged to research into your own family ancestry. Maybe you'll find some Polish heritage. Who knows? But most of all I hope you have become more knowledgeable on the matter, possibly making our community more aware of racism and prejudice and helping to tackle these very important issues in Aberdeen. Sources and References 'Scots in Poland, Poles in Scotland' from The Krakow Post link Aberdeen Press and Journal, Saturday 27th April 1935 Aberdeen Press and Journal, Friday 13th September 1931 Wikipedia entry for Alexander Czamer link 'Scotland and Poland' from #ScotlandIsNow link 'Polish "most targeted group" in prejudice in Aberdeen' from BBC News link 'Alexander Chalmers, Scottish Mayor of Warsaw' by Ross 'Teddy' Craig link 'History of Gordon's' from Robert Gordon's College website link 'Scots Diaspora' by Andrew Elliott link 'Did you know?' from Mapa Scotland: the Great Polish Map of Scotland link 'Papers Relating to the Scots in Poland (1576-1798)' from Electric Scotland link

3110

Group No. 8 from Messrs G. W. Wilson & Co.'s Aberdeen portraits series published in 1907. An article in The Aberdeen Daily Journal of 27th April 1907, page 4, states: "There are few more interesting local pictures than the two groups of photographic portraits of Aberdeen public men which were published by Mr G. W. Wilson in the very early days of photography - in 1856 and 1857. These groups were selected and arranged by Mr (afterwards Baillie) George Walker, who is one of the very few survivors of the 196 note worthy Aberdonians portrayed; and an animated description of one of them is given by Mr William Carnie in 'Reporting Reminiscences.' A third group was published 1896; and most of the faces presented in it have likewise vanished from the scene. The happy idea has just occurred to Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. to reproduce these three groups, along with six other groups (containing 100 portraits each) selected from the large collection of negatives taken at the firm's Crown Street studio between 1852 and 1896. The nine groups thus constitute a collection fairly representative of the leading men of Aberdeen during the latter half of the nineteenth century. They are printed in permanent collotype, and are encased in a handsome portfolio, an index of names also being supplied. But each group can be had separately, and is so mounted as to be available for framing; while copies printed on gelatine paper are also to be had, and copies of the single portraits may be secured. Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. claim - and probably with every reason - that this series of portraits is unique, no other city having a similar portrait gallery of its leading citizens, covering practically the whole period between the beginning of the photographic portraiture on paper and the end of the nineteenth century."

3111

Group No. 9 from Messrs G. W. Wilson & Co.'s Aberdeen portraits series published in 1907. An article in The Aberdeen Daily Journal of 27th April 1907, page 4, states: "There are few more interesting local pictures than the two groups of photographic portraits of Aberdeen public men which were published by Mr G. W. Wilson in the very early days of photography - in 1856 and 1857. These groups were selected and arranged by Mr (afterwards Baillie) George Walker, who is one of the very few survivors of the 196 note worthy Aberdonians portrayed; and an animated description of one of them is given by Mr William Carnie in 'Reporting Reminiscences.' A third group was published 1896; and most of the faces presented in it have likewise vanished from the scene. The happy idea has just occurred to Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. to reproduce these three groups, along with six other groups (containing 100 portraits each) selected from the large collection of negatives taken at the firm's Crown Street studio between 1852 and 1896. The nine groups thus constitute a collection fairly representative of the leading men of Aberdeen during the latter half of the nineteenth century. They are printed in permanent collotype, and are encased in a handsome portfolio, an index of names also being supplied. But each group can be had separately, and is so mounted as to be available for framing; while copies printed on gelatine paper are also to be had, and copies of the single portraits may be secured. Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. claim - and probably with every reason - that this series of portraits is unique, no other city having a similar portrait gallery of its leading citizens, covering practically the whole period between the beginning of the photographic portraiture on paper and the end of the nineteenth century."

4411

Group No. 1 from Messrs G. W. Wilson & Co.'s Aberdeen portraits series published in 1907. An article in The Aberdeen Daily Journal of 27th April 1907, page 4, states: "There are few more interesting local pictures than the two groups of photographic portraits of Aberdeen public men which were published by Mr G. W. Wilson in the very early days of photography - in 1856 and 1857. "These groups were selected and arranged by Mr (afterwards Baillie) George Walker, who is one of the very few survivors of the 196 note worthy Aberdonians portrayed; and an animated description of one of them is given by Mr William Carnie in 'Reporting Reminiscences.' "A third group was published 1896; and most of the faces presented in it have likewise vanished from the scene. The happy idea has just occurred to Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. to reproduce these three groups, along with six other groups (containing 100 portraits each) selected from the large collection of negatives taken at the firm's Crown Street studio between 1852 and 1896. "The nine groups thus constitute a collection fairly representative of the leading men of Aberdeen during the latter half of the nineteenth century. They are printed in permanent collotype, and are encased in a handsome portfolio, an index of names also being supplied. But each group can be had separately, and is so mounted as to be available for framing; while copies printed on gelatine paper are also to be had, and copies of the single portraits may be secured. "Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. claim - and probably with every reason - that this series of portraits is unique, no other city having a similar portrait gallery of its leading citizens, covering practically the whole period between the beginning of the photographic portraiture on paper and the end of the nineteenth century."

4412

Group No. 2 from Messrs G. W. Wilson & Co.'s Aberdeen portraits series published in 1907. An article in The Aberdeen Daily Journal of 27th April 1907, page 4, states: "There are few more interesting local pictures than the two groups of photographic portraits of Aberdeen public men which were published by Mr G. W. Wilson in the very early days of photography - in 1856 and 1857. These groups were selected and arranged by Mr (afterwards Baillie) George Walker, who is one of the very few survivors of the 196 note worthy Aberdonians portrayed; and an animated description of one of them is given by Mr William Carnie in 'Reporting Reminiscences.' A third group was published 1896; and most of the faces presented in it have likewise vanished from the scene. The happy idea has just occurred to Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. to reproduce these three groups, along with six other groups (containing 100 portraits each) selected from the large collection of negatives taken at the firm's Crown Street studio between 1852 and 1896. The nine groups thus constitute a collection fairly representative of the leading men of Aberdeen during the latter half of the nineteenth century. They are printed in permanent collotype, and are encased in a handsome portfolio, an index of names also being supplied. But each group can be had separately, and is so mounted as to be available for framing; while copies printed on gelatine paper are also to be had, and copies of the single portraits may be secured. Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. claim - and probably with every reason - that this series of portraits is unique, no other city having a similar portrait gallery of its leading citizens, covering practically the whole period between the beginning of the photographic portraiture on paper and the end of the nineteenth century."

4434

A photograph of a monogram on the fountain in Victoria Park. This fountain was constructed using granite from 14 local quarries and was designed in 1878 by John Bridgeford Pirie, an eminent local architect who was the son of a sea captain. The fountain was presented to the people of Aberdeen in 1881 by the Granite Polishers and Builders of Aberdeen. It was estimated to have cost £500 at the time. The fountain was initially the idea of John Morgan, one of the most prominent builders in the city. It was designed to showcase the finest work of local granite industry. It was first proposed for a site near Union Terrace, though Victoria Park was eventually selected. As can be seen in early photographs, the fountain originally had a rockery feature at its base. The fountain features the monograms of the stonemasons and firms who created it. The monograms, or names, of the master mason's involved in the creation of the fountain was at one point quite controversial. The report on the installation of the ornament in the Evening Express of 30th April 1881, page 2, includes the following: "Many may take exception to the appearance of the monograms, and in one or two cases the full names, of the donors carved on the various stones; but that is a comparatively small defect in view of the general excellence of the structure. Numerous are those who have contributed their quota to this gift, and all deserve a share of the credit of its execution and presentation; but it is no more than what is called for to mention Mr John Fyfe as having given some of the most expensive and most artistic portions of the fountain." An article describing the fountain from the Aberdeen Free Press of 16th March 1881, page 5, lists the names represented on the fountain: "John Fyfe (Kemnay), John Gibb & Son, J. Mowlem & Co., and A. & F. Manuel; Alexander Milne (builder), Alexander Milne (stonecutter), J. and J. Ross, George Henderson, Alexander Henderson, Edgar Gauld, Pringle & Slessor, Thomas Donaldson, Fordyce & Company, John Ross, Duguid & Wilson, James Mitchell, Peter Murray, James Willox, William Ferguson, Grant and Watt, Peter Bisset & Son, Alexander Leith, Boddie & Wilson, James Wright & Sons, J. and J. Ogg, J. W. Legge, G. & R. Hall, J. Petrie and Co., James Hunter, William Keith, and Adam Mitchell & Company." This image was taken on 28th February 2024.

4435

A photograph of a monogram on the fountain in Victoria Park. This fountain was constructed using granite from 14 local quarries and was designed in 1878 by John Bridgeford Pirie, an eminent local architect who was the son of a sea captain. The fountain was presented to the people of Aberdeen in 1881 by the Granite Polishers and Builders of Aberdeen. It was estimated to have cost £500 at the time. The fountain was initially the idea of John Morgan, one of the most prominent builders in the city. It was designed to showcase the finest work of local granite industry. It was first proposed for a site near Union Terrace, though Victoria Park was eventually selected. As can be seen in early photographs, the fountain originally had a rockery feature at its base. The fountain features the monograms of the stonemasons and firms who created it. The monograms, or names, of the master mason's involved in the creation of the fountain was at one point quite controversial. The report on the installation of the ornament in the Evening Express of 30th April 1881, page 2, includes the following: "Many may take exception to the appearance of the monograms, and in one or two cases the full names, of the donors carved on the various stones; but that is a comparatively small defect in view of the general excellence of the structure. Numerous are those who have contributed their quota to this gift, and all deserve a share of the credit of its execution and presentation; but it is no more than what is called for to mention Mr John Fyfe as having given some of the most expensive and most artistic portions of the fountain." An article describing the fountain from the Aberdeen Free Press of 16th March 1881, page 5, lists the names represented on the fountain: "John Fyfe (Kemnay), John Gibb & Son, J. Mowlem & Co., and A. & F. Manuel; Alexander Milne (builder), Alexander Milne (stonecutter), J. and J. Ross, George Henderson, Alexander Henderson, Edgar Gauld, Pringle & Slessor, Thomas Donaldson, Fordyce & Company, John Ross, Duguid & Wilson, James Mitchell, Peter Murray, James Willox, William Ferguson, Grant and Watt, Peter Bisset & Son, Alexander Leith, Boddie & Wilson, James Wright & Sons, J. and J. Ogg, J. W. Legge, G. & R. Hall, J. Petrie and Co., James Hunter, William Keith, and Adam Mitchell & Company." This monogram may be that of Peter Murray. This image was taken on 28th February 2024.

4436

A photograph of a monogram on the fountain in Victoria Park. This fountain was constructed using granite from 14 local quarries and was designed in 1878 by John Bridgeford Pirie, an eminent local architect who was the son of a sea captain. The fountain was presented to the people of Aberdeen in 1881 by the Granite Polishers and Builders of Aberdeen. It was estimated to have cost £500 at the time. The fountain was initially the idea of John Morgan, one of the most prominent builders in the city. It was designed to showcase the finest work of local granite industry. It was first proposed for a site near Union Terrace, though Victoria Park was eventually selected. As can be seen in early photographs, the fountain originally had a rockery feature at its base. The fountain features the monograms of the stonemasons and firms who created it. The monograms, or names, of the master mason's involved in the creation of the fountain was at one point quite controversial. The report on the installation of the ornament in the Evening Express of 30th April 1881, page 2, includes the following: "Many may take exception to the appearance of the monograms, and in one or two cases the full names, of the donors carved on the various stones; but that is a comparatively small defect in view of the general excellence of the structure. Numerous are those who have contributed their quota to this gift, and all deserve a share of the credit of its execution and presentation; but it is no more than what is called for to mention Mr John Fyfe as having given some of the most expensive and most artistic portions of the fountain." An article describing the fountain from the Aberdeen Free Press of 16th March 1881, page 5, lists the names represented on the fountain: "John Fyfe (Kemnay), John Gibb & Son, J. Mowlem & Co., and A. & F. Manuel; Alexander Milne (builder), Alexander Milne (stonecutter), J. and J. Ross, George Henderson, Alexander Henderson, Edgar Gauld, Pringle & Slessor, Thomas Donaldson, Fordyce & Company, John Ross, Duguid & Wilson, James Mitchell, Peter Murray, James Willox, William Ferguson, Grant and Watt, Peter Bisset & Son, Alexander Leith, Boddie & Wilson, James Wright & Sons, J. and J. Ogg, J. W. Legge, G. & R. Hall, J. Petrie and Co., James Hunter, William Keith, and Adam Mitchell & Company." This image was taken on 28th February 2024.

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Following the end of hostilities in the conflict which became known as 'The Great War', numerous efforts were made up and down the country to pay heartfelt thanks and ensure future generations would never forget the terrible losses suffered. A National Roll of Honour was created by the War Office in 1922. This was an enormous work, and took information from official casualty lists. The work was produced to meet the demand for information to be used on many public memorials. Aberdeen's public memorial involved the construction of the Memorial Court in the Art Gallery. The city's Roll of Honour was to be placed upon a marble pedestal within. The Roll drew together many separate lists provided by Churches, the University of Aberdeen, schools, guilds and businesses. The final copy of the Roll contained five thousand and forty names. During the dedication of the War Memorial in September 1925, the ceremonial copy of the Roll of Honour was placed under glass by Mr Peter Tocher, an ex-serviceman who lost five sons during the conflict. Duplicate copies were made to ensure that the public could view them. Our Treasure for November 2016 is the copy of the Roll of Honour presented to Aberdeen Central Library by Mr James Davidson, the Town Clerk.

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Aberdeen City Libraries has a large and significant collection of historic photographs. This month we are highlighting a collection of images of Newhills Convalescent Home and Sanatorium in the 1930s. The album contains 58 photographs of the home's buildings, grounds, staff and patients. The institution is shown at different times of the year and celebrating special occasions. The majority of the images are delightful portraits. We do not have names for the individuals shown but the pictures convey a sense of the life and community of the home. If you are able to identify any of those photographed, we would be pleased to hear from you. The Newhills Convalescent Home was founded by Christian Catherine Smith in 1874. She was the wife of Rev. James Smith, the minister of Newhills Parish Church. It was shortly after arriving in the parish that she recognised the potential for a place for ill people to come to rest and regain their health. Annual newspaper reports on the home described its purpose as being for "the benefit of respectable persons in humble life who appear to be failing into dishealth, or are convalescing after non-infectious ailments." The convalescent home was started at Dykeside Cottage in Newhills. It was a great success and operated at this location for 7 years. In 1882 a new building just north of the parish church was constructed to meet the rising demand for treatment. By 1900 patients with tuberculosis were admitted, with the home operating a sanatorium department from 1902. Learn more about this Home's history in the Treasures from our Collections interactive exhibition on the touchscreen.

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