NON-FOOTBALL STORIES 1876

While looking through old documents, it is almost inevitable that the reader's attention will be drawn from the intended target to other articles. The reports below were found in old Ardrossan and Saltcoats Heralds. Although they have no football content, they may be of interest.


SALE OF ARDROSSAN PROPERTY
That excellent property in Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, which belonged to the late Mr James Shearer, shipbuilder was exposed for sale in the Eglinton Arms Hotel (shown below in the early 1960s) on Monday afternoon (6 March 1876). The bidding started at £1600 and speedily advanced to £1700 at which sum, the property was purchased by Mr J Gibson, potato merchant. The rental is £93 5s 0d and the feu-duty is £2 4s 3d. Mr Edward Magee acted as auctioneer.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1876

ARDROSSAN BOWLING CLUB OPENS FOR SEASON
The Ardrossan Bowling Club (shown below in 2010) was opened on Saturday afternoon (6 May 1876) by a friendly game in which several members and friends took part. The weather was beautiful and a pleasant game was enjoyed.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 May 1876

ARDROSSAN AND SALTCOATS BANK HOLIDAY
Wednesday next (24 May 1876), being a statutory bank holiday, it will be observed that these places of business in Ardrossan and Saltcoats will be closed after eleven o'clock on that day.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 May 1876

BIRTH EXTRAORDINARY
On Tuesday last (16 May 1876), about midday, a poor woman, the wife of a moulder, at present on tramp, was taken suddenly ill on Montgomerie Green and several housewives having come to her assistance, she gave birth to a female child. As soon as circumstances permitted, she was removed to a house in Barr Square and properly attended to. Mother and child are both doing well.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 May 1876

LEVEL CROSSING
Our local readers will notice that the level crossing (shown below in 1974) in Princes Street was before the Town Council at their meeting on Monday evening (5 June 1876). The course suggested by Bailie Hogarth was clearly the wisest, can be made without the consent of the Commissioners and if the Railway will not give guarantees and give a footbridge in abatement of a nuisance and a danger to the lives of the lieges, the matter should be allowed to lie in abeyance until the needs of the Company compel them to approach the Council again.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 June 1876

APPOINTMENT OF FRENCH CONSUL AT ARDROSSAN
We have been requested by Provost Barr to intimate that Mr Alexander Guthrie, shipping agent, has been appointed by the Secretary of State as French Consul at Ardrossan.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 July 1876

POLICE ATTEND UNSEEMLY SCRIMMAGE AT ARDROSSAN CRICKET MATCH
A novel cricket match took place on Saturday last (8 July 1876) between a party of Clown Cricketers and an eleven of Ardrossan on a field at the head of Glasgow Street (probably Clutha Park where football matches were played and whose site is shown below in 2011). Ardrossan went first to the wickets but, as most of the players were old veterans who are resting on the laurels won by them on many a well-contested field in 'life's morning march when their spirits were young', they could not so well repel the attack of the enemy who are daily or weekly entering into combat with clubs in various parts of the country. So steady was the attack of Street and Pollard that the local players were forced to lay down their arms after reaching the small total of twenty-one, their opponents reaching fifty-three, a score which was topped in the second innings of Ardrossan, the two not-outs, Steven and Hogarth keeping the Clowns leather hunting all over the field. A most unseemly scrimmage took place in the outfield near the boundary wall calling for the presence and interference of the Police as it bade fair for a time to stop the day's proceedings, even Clowns asserting that they had never met with such vulgarity and ill-treatment at the hands of the crowd anywhere who came off the wall into the enclosure. The evening entertainment was poorly attended. A band, which was in attendance, lent its sweet influence in smoothing down the excited feelings of the spectators.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 July 1876

ARDROSSAN INSTRUMENTAL BAND
The recent fine weather has allowed the band to make frequent public appearances and always with much credit to their training and the pleasure of the large company which usually gather around the stand. At these gatherings, we have heard of a few mischievous rough boys annoying and abusing children. In the interests of those who like to enjoy the music and of the young folks, might we suggest that the authorities give instructions to 'Joseph' to look round. We are sure he will not object when he knows he is wanted at the bandstand.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 August 1876

ARDROSSAN YOUNG MEN'S LITERARY SOCIETY
This highly commendable resumes its sittings on Monday evening first (18 September 1876) and we would heartily advise our 'young men about town' who are not yet members to join in. We suspect there are not a few in our midst who would find much benefit from it and who would not be improved by a season's connection with such a laudable institution.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 September 1876