Bygone News - 100 years ago and over
August 1906
A Long Swim
On Tuesday evening a number of "Ye Ancient Amphibians" among whom was that well known Broughty Ferry swimmer Mr W. Blair, rowed to the Tay Bridge, at which point Mr Blair entered the water intent on swimming home. With powerful stroke the swimmer rapidly covered the distance, the boats following on in his wake. The goal was the east or railway pier, Broughty Ferry, the distance being nearly five miles. Read more......
July 1906
Dundee's Greatest Fire
The most destuctive fire in the history of Dundee is that which raged in the Seagate and Trades Lane on Thursday night and Friday morning.
The locality has an appaling fire record but great as were the previous outbreaks these have been completely eclipsed by the latest disaster. For more than 12 hours the fire raged with terrible intensity and the country was lit up for miles around. Read more......
June 1906
Sunday At The Museums & Reading Room
The various departments of the Albert Institute and Dudhope Museum were open on Sunday during the usual Sunday hours, but the advent of summer had an effect on the attendance. Read more......
May 1906
Success Of The Double-Decked Car
The double-decked type of car, which for some time has been running over the Dundee system, seems to find favour with patrons of the tramways "No 33", for such the double-decker car is officailly known, beats the cars of ordinary type. To determine its earning capacity a comparison was made between it and six other cars making the same runs for six days from 24th to 29th April inclusive. Read more......
April 1906
Departure of Whalers
Monday first, the spring holiday, witnesses the departure from Dundee of six of the Whalers at present in the dock. The Windward, Eclipse, Balaena, Morning, Diana and Snowdrop leave between midday and two o'clock and proceed direct to the whaling grounds, touching perhaps at Longhope, Hoy Island, Orkney should the wind be favourable. Read more......
March 1906
Church Fire In Dundee
The congregation of Panmure Street Church on Sunday worshipped in temporary buildings, their church having been rendered untenable by a fire which took place early in the morning. The outbreak, which had its origins in a defective flue, assumed a very alarning character and here the flames were extinguished part of the roof was destroyed, while the interior of the chuch was damaged to a considerable extent. The estimated loss is £300. Read more......
February 1906
New Top Covered Dundee Tramcars
The top-covered tramcar will soon be an accomplished fact in Dundee. The design, which is the work of Mr Peter Fisher, the Manager, is very attractive, and has met with the approbation of the town council, as well as of architectural experts. It is expected that before the end of next week a number of the cars with these covers will be seen running on the streets. Read more......
January 1906
Last of Dundee Time Gun
Dundee time gun at least the particular piece of ordnance which for generations has announced to Dundonians the time of day, is silent. It has fired it's last shot. The other day the gun was inspected by a military officer who pronounced it unfit for further service. A new gun probably in the shape of an obsolete 24 pounder which has seen less service will be substituted as soon as circumstances permit. Read more......
December 1905
A Chance for Dundee Athletes
Arrangements have been made for holding Olympic Games at Athens from April 22nd to May 2nd next and the veteran gymnastic instructor Mr A. Sturrock, has undertaken on behalf of the promoters to endeavour to send competitors from this quarter. The contests are open to all forms of athletes such as jumping, racing, throwing the stone and putting the shot, weightlifting, football, fencing and swimming. Read more......
November 1905
New Church for Invergowrie
A new church is to be erected at Invergowrie to take the place of the iron building in which for a number of years the adherents of the Church of Scotland have worshipped. Read more......