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Hidden tablet from the 40's

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:10 pm
by fourbytwo
8O In relation to this subject matter, came across a riddle the other week.
Under the Heilan'mans Umbrella, sits a pub called the Argyll Bar.
Recent upgrading, and removal of old facia boards revealed, what seems to be 1930's (Rogano-style), decoration and included was this tablet, mounted at the centre of the shop.
I make it out to be AG, but it could be read as something else, however, what I would like to find out is what is known about those initials.
The best I could get on 'AG' for that area was Alexander Gardner, who built the Iron building at the corner of Midland Street and Jamacia Street, but do not think this could be associated with him as it is at the opposite corner and would perhaps relate to a family business or similar who opened under the bridge in the 30's or 40's.
Perhaps HG members know of something to shine a light on the question...?[img]

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:16 pm
by onyirtodd
Any chance of some pics?

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 4:03 pm
by fourbytwo
Have a picture and put it on to FLICKR but cannot seem to get it to transfer to HG.....possible problems because I use a Mac...!

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 4:37 pm
by McShad
post the flickr url and I'm sure someone will adapt it for you

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 4:54 pm
by fourbytwo

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 5:06 pm
by McShad
Image

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 5:35 pm
by cumbo
Might Be something to do with the Grant family who had pubs and off sales
accross the city.

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 5:52 pm
by gap74
It was owned, at least in the 1930s when it was refurbished in moderne style, by a chap called John Grant, so it's not his initials. Might I suggest that it's meant to be read the other way around - GA - and is simply the initials of the establishment?

Could be wrong, though!

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 5:54 pm
by McShad
gap74 wrote:It was owned, at least in the 1930s when it was refurbished in moderne style, by a chap called John Grant, so it's not his initials. Might I suggest that it's meant to be read the other way around - GA - and is simply the initials of the establishment?

Could be wrong, though!


For some reason, Grant Arms comes to mind

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 5:58 pm
by AlanM
The pub opposite McDs is called the Grant Arms, which would be why you have bells being rung. It could be a resurrected name though.

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 6:07 pm
by gap74
Och, I misread it, I thought it was the Grant Arms that it was in, explains why I thought it odd that no one else thought to make the connection!

The present Grant Arms is where it has been since at least the 30s, I have a pic of the place from then in front of me.

Oddly enough, wandered past both the Argyll, the Grant Arms and the Quarter Gill the other day in my wander around what might be termed "old man's" pubs - skipped all of the above, but had a very good day in other establishments - the Laurieston and the Steps Bar were both fantastic time capsules, long may they continue, never may they change!

PostPosted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 11:40 pm
by fourbytwo
::): Thanks for helping with download of the photo.....
Seems to be quite a few 'embibers' who know the area well.....!
You are right the grant Arms is across the street and at the opposite end of the 'umbrella'.
What intrigued me was the style which seems to go back to the 40's, and the only shop or unit that seems to have remained in the same hands over that period is the current italian cafe, which is on the same side....but the old guy does not remember an AG or GA of note for those units....
Thought it may have been something to do with the actual stretching of the rail network in the 1950's, which took the rails over the umbrella, but notaries from archives cannot seem to put a picture to these initials, so it remains a mystery....!

PostPosted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 11:50 pm
by gap74
Best bet is to have a poke through the Post Office Directories held in the Mitchell's archive room - take a note of what number it is on the street and look back through the years to see what was at that address.

Alas, street numbers have a habit of changing over the years, so be sure to look a few numbers to either side.