Barr Place/Kilmahew Street/Montgomerie Street

[Penny Tray]

Poppy,

It was the Castle Cafe run by the Maroni family.

[jdd007]

I know this thread is quite old, but I thought you might like to see the attached photo.

I lived at 32 Barr Place from birth in 1956 until 1960, when my family moved to Thurso.

The photo is of children playing in the houses being demolished behind Barr Place. That's me (John Dorrian) sitting at the bottom, with my sister Veronica standing next to me and my sister Ann sitting two steps above me. I'm told that one day I opened a door on the first floor of one of the houses and walked in; the only problem was there was no floor - it had been demolished. I survived to tell the tale.

I hope you enjoy.

Regards,

John

[Hughie]

Welcome to threetowners, John. What a great photo, thanks for posting. What a dangerous play area for kids. Love to see such photos on the way we were.

[jdd007]

Penny,

The memories remain even if the buildings are gone.

I remember many things about 32 Barr Place even though I was quite young.

Does anyone remember ten pound notes raining down over the butcher's shop?

[Hughie]

That's a new one on me. I must have been in doctor McCann's surgery or across the road singing my heart out so Jesus could save me in the Gospel hall. Would love to know what I missed out on!

[huey1]

Hi
I don't remember Barr Place but I do remember the Gospel Hall, some days I cant remember my wifes name but I can still recite the Books of the Bible that they drummed into your head at Sunday School.
huey1

[Bob Bryden]

My family ( Mum,Dad my elder brother & myself ) lived in Barr Place until moving up to 3 Churchill Drive in 1953. Can't recall when we moved TO Barr Pl. though. I do recall that after my brother & I were born Mum & Dad tried to get better accommodation for us. Dad was a painter & decorator for the Burgh Council. The Barr Place properties had actually been condemned & were going to be demolished. Eventually Dad was offered one of those " condemned " properties ON CONDITION HE DID IT UP which considering his trade was no problem. In fact he improved our little home to such an extent that when we shifted to Churchill Drive the Council re-let the property which apparently didn't please some of the neighbours who'd been looking forward to being re-housed in modern accommodation.

I don't have any photos of Barr Place while we lived there but took some myself when back on my only return visit in 1974 - big changes all right.

[Penny Tray]

Bob,

Firstly, nice to see you posting again. Secondly, if you still have photos of Barr Place and are able to post them, I'd love to see them.

[Bob Bryden]

Probably a long shot but does anyone who remembers my family living in Barr Place recall what No. we lived at ? I was only 2 years old when we moved up to 3 Churchill Drive so was too young to recall it myself.

Bob

[mcgrattan]

Barr Place Area, January 1974.

Tom McGrattan

[meekan]

I was only 2 years old when we moved up to 3 Churchill Drive so was too young to recall it myself.

Bob

Bob I don’t know about where you lived previously but I do remember you staying in Churchhill Drive I stayed in Whitecraig Road. You stayed next to the lad Wilson who stayed in the 1000 house

[Penny Tray]

Bob,

If I remember right, walking from Glasgow Street toward Montgomerie Street, your family lived in the last house on the left before you entered the pend where all the houses on the landing above the Brydens were No. 10. I'm guessing therefore that you lived at No. 8 Barr Place.

Incidentally, what I think is the intimation of your birth appears in the 26/1/1951 issue of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald but unfortunately only "Barr Place" is recorded in the abbreviated database entry. However, if you were born at home, would the full address not appear on your birth certificate? Failing that, can you remember who occupied the house before your parents - possibly they might have made family intimations in the Herald together with their house number?