October 1956
A Page Of Tram History
Dundee trams make their last journeys on Saturday. So ends a story that began on September 1, 1877:
It was then that the first tram - horse-drawn - trundled from Albert Square to Windsor Street via Reform Street, Nethergate and Perth Road.Soon afterwards routes were made to Lochee via Tay Street and to Stobswell via Victoria Road and Dura Street with a branch to Baxter Park by Arbroath Road.
The Fairmuir line via Moncur Crescent was opened from a junction of Dura Street in 1892.
The Perth Road was the first route to be electrified in1900. Then it was Lochee's turn. These routes were at the same time extended to Ninewells and Liff Road. Maryfield got its tram service to the present terminus in 1901. In the same year from a junction in West Port a line to Balgay Road was opened. This was extended to Blackness terminus in 1914.
The last tramway to be built was that along Lindsay Street in 1933.
From 1905 to 1931, trams ran from Dundee to Monifieth.
The tramways reached their peak in the city in 1926, when the department put No. 99 on the rails. Although new trams were bought as late as 1930, the number being scrapped kept the total below the century.
The forerunners were four Thorneycrofts-TS3129-3132. These were used for six months on the High Street to Castle Green, Broughty Ferry route from November 1921.
Ta-Ta To The Harris Tram
Lochee tram terminus 8.27 a.m.
From the screaming and shouting, the flash of maroon, you could tell it was the Harris Academy special.
And very special at that. The last to the Harris. The 85 school kids who choked the floors, platforms and stairs made sure everyone would know it!
They draped streamers from every window. On the front, back and sides they hung placards - "The Last Round-Up," "Last Stop Harris," "Trams For Ever"
All they way through the City Centre to Harris Academy they sang and sang. Rowdy maybe, but touching. Enough to bring lumps to the throats of the driver and conductor who had been ploughing the same furrow for three years and knew nearly every kid by name.
In fact, driver Jimmy Nicoll (he's 59 and lives at 44, Ashbank Road) was so excited he moved away too soon after a stop in Ward Road. He left the conductor stranded in the middle of the road, changing back the points.
"First time I've done that in 37 years service" Jimmy said afterwards.
Fourty-four year old conductor Davie Smith, 178 Fintry Road, said they hadn't been expecting any decorations. "I think the kids decided on this because they heard there wasn't going to be any official send-off for the last tram tomorrow," he added.
"They are really a great bunch of boys and girls. I've got to know them so will I can almost tell when Harris is going to have an absentee"
As he spoke, Davie pushed the bell."There is just one more to come on at the next stop round the corner" he explained.
At the end of the memorable journey, senior pupil Alison Smith presented the crew with 11s 6½d. "It's all we could manage to scrape up between us"she said.
The tram itself - No. 30 - has been on the school run for 10 years. After leaving the Harris for the return journey, Davie began to strip off the placards. But he forgot one.
As the tram sailed into the distance, it still hung on the back - "Bye Bye Trams."
Weavers Wanted
Weavers required - for automatic looms - double day shift work in operation.
Apply:- Personnel Department, Caird (Dundee) Ltd, Ashton Works.
Quick Cleaners
24 hour cleaning - Opening Free Offer.
First 50 garments received will be cleaned free
Tuesday 2nd October
In-Today Out-Tomorrow.
One Quality - the best.
144, Hilltown, Dundee.
An Exhibition
153 (Highland) Field Ambulance R.A.M.C (T.A)
Presents
An Exhibition, at the T.A Centre, Rodd Road, Dundee
8th to 14th October inclusive.
Open each evening from 7pm to 9.30pm and on Sunday from 2pm to 6pm.
Sunday, October 14th - at T.A Centre - Special outdoor display of skills and sporting activities at 3pm.
Music by the Units pipes and drums.
Diabetic's Meeting
To the Editor of the "Evening Telegraph and Post"
Dear Sir,
At the beginning of the second season of meetings of the Dundee Branch of the British Diabetic Association may I take this opportunity of inviting everyone who is interested, whether at present a member or not, to attend the first meeting.
It is to be held in Queen's College at 7.30pm on October 11th and will take the form of a panel discussion of many of the social aspects of diabetes. Questions will be welcome.
Experts on the panel will represent the interests of the elderly, children, factory employees and housewives.
There will in addition be be a hospital almoner and a dietitian in the team.
The London secretary of the branches and clubs of the BDA will attend the meeting and be able to answer questions about the association as a whole. Plans for further meetings will be announced at this first one.
Yours Faithfully
J.M Stowers
Chairman
Dundee Branch BDA
October 1, 1956.
Department of Printing
Dundee College of Art Evening Classes
Department of Printing (Letterpress Machineman's Course)
The goveners of the Dundee Institute of Art and Technology require the following for the above department:- Instructor in Letterpress Printing.
Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk and Treasurer, Institute of Art and Technology, 40, Bell Street, Dundee.
First Showing In District
J.B. Milne Presents...
Broadway and Regal proudly presents (first run in the district) the supreme film achievement of this or any other year, Virginia McKenna, Peter Finch in:-
A Town Like Alice (A) 6.0, 8.40 plus featurette. Note running times. Come early. Saturday cont. 2pm.
Holiday in the Capital
Edinburgh - Bed and breakfast, 8s 6d, high tea or full board if required. Good food. Recommended. 8, Seaview Terrace, Edinburgh. Phone POR2195.
Variety Concert
Dundee Violet F.C Reconstruction Committee presents
Grand Variety Concert
in the Caird Hall
on Sunday 14th October at 7pm.
Two Star Attractions
Jimmy Shand and his famous Broadcasting Band
Lex McLean Scotland's favourite comedian
Admission:- 3/-, 2/6 and 2/-.