Looking Back on 3 Years of the Auld Earlston Blog

This month marks three years since the Auld Earlston blog was launched in 2015 - so in  the first of two posts, a look back at some of the most popular topics featured. To read more, click on the titles below. 

EARLSTON READING ROOM
A look  at the past   - and the future - for the Earlston Reading Room which dates from 1852.   It was a  symbol of  Victorian self-help and the  desire for education.  The rules and regulations make entertaining reading. 

 The Reading room on the left to next to the Corn Exchange with its belfry tower. 

The photograph pre-dates 1921 when the pump tower on the right was demolished to make way for the war memorial.  

THE WHALE SISTERS - MANUFACTURERS OF EARLSTON GINGHAMS

A profile of Christian and Marion Whale, who in the first half of the 19th century had a national reputation as producers  of Earlston ginghams, at a time  when few women showed such enterprising spirit to head successful businesses.  
 

 Two surviving examples of the Earlston Gingham. 

REMEMBERING EARLSTON'S RAILWAY, 1863-1965

A photographic account of the history of the railway through Earlston  from its low key opening to its equally  low key closure  over a 100 years later.

 

 The last train through Earlston Station - July 1965.

WARTIME AIR CRASH OVER EARLSTON
An account of the air crash of 1943 when a German bomber came down near the village, killing all four members of the crew.  In 2015 the daughter and grandson  of the pilot made a moving visit to  Earlston to commemorate this war time tragedy.   

The unveiling of a memorial to the German crew

 EARLSTON KIRK SESSION RECORDS - CHARITY AND CENSURE
The records  provide us with a unique  social commentary on life in the village at the time. as the church provided help to the poor and needy, but censure to those involved in what was regarded as moral turpitude. 

 As late as 14th October 1901,  a woman was brought before the Kirk Session  to be questioned on her "sin of fornication and having a child out of wedlock"

EARLSTON ON PARADE
To mark Civic Week 2016,  parades of the past and photographs of Earlston people having fun! 

 

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Thank you to everyone who has contributed 

 information, photographs and memories to Auld Earlston 

E-Mail:  auldearlston@aol.com