I haven't done a Friday Photo Flashback for some time, but remembered about it tonight and thought I would share this photograph of my paternal grandparents.
When my gran left school she worked in the jute mills of Dundee. My grandpa left school at 12 because his father was killed by a bale of jute in the docks, and he started working for his uncle who was a butcher. Eventually, he had earned enough to buy a side of beef to sell himself. The story goes that he couldn't afford the transport so carried it all the way from the market to the shop on the 'Hill Town'. Anyone who knows Dundee will know that this is a steep and long hill, very aptly named. Eventually, he had his own shop and he and my gran worked in it all through the war. They bought their own home on the outskirts of the town with fields and farms behind them, and was able to stop working in the shop. My gran was the 'upwardly mobile' one for whom appearances were very important, my grandpa was a quiet and reliable man who worked hard to make her dreams come true.This photo would be on one of their 'runs' on a Sunday, when they went out to local beauty spots in the car, that symbol of all they had achieved!
And I'm thinking perhaps a basket in the boot with some tea and scones? I'm just imagining.
ReplyDeleteOh for a good hot griddle scone with butter.
Hi Janice,
ReplyDeleteHow proud of the beautiful car they must have been! Such hard work to achieve it. When my dad was first married he lost the use of his ring finger working in a jute mill. He was way up high near the closing bell. Just as he was about to make a cut the shift ended and the very loud bell startled him.
Many family and neighbors worked in the jute mill. Your picture reminded me of many old stories I have heard.
Nice visiting with you!
Kindly, ldh
What a lovely photo to have Janice! I love their car, which was indeed a symbol of the day. When I was a teenager there was an old man next door who had one of these, I used to love going in it tho it only did about 2omph up the hill!!! Your Grandparents certainly worked hard to be able to get some land etc. XXX
ReplyDeleteJanice, I love these old photos! It's wonderful that you have them and now can share them with others.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Debbie
So glad you're joining in, Janice!! That is such a neat story and your grandpa was quite a looker - no wonder grandma fell for him! ha ha What a GREAT picture for a flashback. Have a great weekend ~ ♥
ReplyDeleteOh, how neat!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great looking couple!!
Thanks for sharing the story behind it too~
This is fantastic Janice. I love old photos and to have the story behind them too is amazing.
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Wow that is a classic photo of your gran.
ReplyDeleteWay back in 90's
That is a great picture of your grandparents!
ReplyDeleteYour grandparents were such hard workers, and it goes to show how hard work pays off!!
I love these old photos!!
Wow! That is a wonderful story about your grandfather, and how he worked so hard (as well as your grandmother). That is a great picture of the two of them!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome couple Janice. So lovely to see your family and love the story of there humble beginnings. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely photo - and I've enjoyed reading about this special couple x
ReplyDeleteFantastic photo and lovely to have some story behind it too - it makes you think how much we take for granted these days!
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