I wasn't planning to contribute this week, as I'm heading for England tonight, but I seem to be more or less packed, so I have a few minutes to post something after all. As usual, my mother's scrapbooks and albums are a virtual goldmine of old photos and postcards. In her book on our trip to the UK in 1953 I came across a little drop down folder of photos from Turriff Aberdeenshire, from which I've clipped these four shots. The folder has the name of the local chemist George Cruickshank on it. Either he took the photos and had them made up into a folder, or perhaps individual businesses could order folders to be printed with their particular name at the top. We stayed a night or two in Turriff with George, who was a second cousin of my great grandfather Charles Murray Cruickshank. I've previously written a little about Turriff then and now, and posted a couple of photos of George outside his shop. The district around Turriff was the home of our mutual ancestor Adam Cruickshank, who was buried in Turriff Kirkyard in 1781.
It's probably only the people and cars that have really changed in Turriff, the old buildings and wide streets still look much the same. George's chemist shop in the main street is run by one of his grandsons, and the photographic studio across the street is operated by another grandson.
I also found this postcard of the sights of Liverpool purchased on the same trip, with four photos plus a fifth one inserted in the centre of the group. I think the central shot rather detracts from the others by hiding parts of them.
Then there's a separate postcard of the fountain that's shown in the top right hand corner, described as the entrance to the Mersey Tunnel, which is also the description given for the shot in the bottom left, seen from a different aspect
Part of the reason for our visiting Liverpool in 1954 was to meet the mother of Sergeant W. (Bill) Bailey, one of the crew of seven airmen killed along with my uncle Ken, when their plane was shot down over Wuppertal Germany in WW2. In this crew photograph, Bill is second from left, with Ken in the centre of the group. Mrs Bailey kindly gave me a sweet little doll called Kaye, with moving arms and legs and blinking eyes. I still have her, currently hidden away in at the top of a wardrobe.
Flashback: I really should have found those two Liverpool postcards back in December, as they match the photo of central Liverpool that served as the theme for #Sepia Saturday 207.
It's probably only the people and cars that have really changed in Turriff, the old buildings and wide streets still look much the same. George's chemist shop in the main street is run by one of his grandsons, and the photographic studio across the street is operated by another grandson.
I also found this postcard of the sights of Liverpool purchased on the same trip, with four photos plus a fifth one inserted in the centre of the group. I think the central shot rather detracts from the others by hiding parts of them.
Then there's a separate postcard of the fountain that's shown in the top right hand corner, described as the entrance to the Mersey Tunnel, which is also the description given for the shot in the bottom left, seen from a different aspect
Flashback: I really should have found those two Liverpool postcards back in December, as they match the photo of central Liverpool that served as the theme for #Sepia Saturday 207.
Unfortunately I won't get to see those sights and sounds of Liverpool on this trip, but who can forget this classic from Gerry and the Pacemakers? I haven't checked whether anyone posted it for #SS 207, but never mind, you can always see it again.
That's it, gotta fly, but for more photographic quartets, just click here
16 comments:
A photographer in the family - that's a good thing to have.
Have a great trip Jo! Love the photos but that is sad about your uncle Ken.
Have a good trip and bring back a lot of photos.
The William Brown Street postcard does, indeed, match the #207 Sepia prompt picture. Better late than never! Have fun with the new babe!!!
Some great quartets - but like the first picture postcard of Liverpool, I suspect that Gerry and the Pacemakers was a quintet. Have a great time over here (where are you visiting?). The weather is glorious today so you will be seeing things at their best.
Gerry and the Pacemakers -- now there's a blast from my past! Interesting set of drop-down photos. I see similar souvenir packs whenever I travel. I don't know why I don't purchase them though -- they usually look better than my own photos.
Funny: it's not the photos that capture me, Jo...it's Gerry and those Pacemakers. I was in high school when that song was released; it brought tears to my eyes then, it does now.
An enjoyable post following the meme of the day! My favorite was not Gerry and the Pacemakers, though I should remember them, but that you're about to go on a trip. Bon Voyage!
Enjoy your trip and take lots of photos!
I know the feeling about being short of time for posts! It's been my situation as well the last couple of weeks! I'm happy you had a chance to post these, very interesting. Enjoy your trip too!
I just knew you'd find time to get a blog done:)
The tall cross in the Turriff quartet is interesting feature of the village. I wonder if it's still there and what its purpose was.
Enjoy you time with Isabella - they grow so quickly but there's always skype.
Have a great trip Jo. One day I hope to get to England.
We are mostly just in London where our daughter lives (in Forest Hill in the South East) this trip, but will be driving to Leamington Spa tomorrow and to Hereford next week, plus we'll be taking a few days' break in Barcelona mid trip. Overcast in London today but no rain so it's all good.
According to Mr G, it's what's called a mercat or market cross, common in Scottish towns, and signified the right to have a market in the town. Apparently the orginal one was erected in the 1512, and is on a base made in 1865. It was restored in 2012, so definitely still there.
I love how the airport with a real plane features in the postcard quartet....have a great flight!
Well you are dedicated to get this post organised the night before a big trip, but I can see why when you have such a wonderful collection of postcards to share. Enjoy the UK we did a similar trip last year but our family live at the opposite direction to you, in Northwood.
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