Mr Donaldson was a shoemaker, and carried on business at his house in Primrose Street. He carried on the business of currier and leather merchant, and employed several men as curriers preparing the leather. Mr Bansley must have been a remarkably fine looking man in his young days, and which even age could not obliterate. But during the most of his career, he had the assistance and co-operation of his two sons, William and John A. Bailey, who after Mr Bailey’s death carried on and still further developed the business.

Accommodation

It was opened by Dr Eadie, preaching from a text he often used in opening churches – "And I will make the place of my feet glorious." Dr Eadie was one of the great ministers of the period. He was a gifted and attractive preacher, and in the year following his settlement here the congregation resolved to take down their old church, and erect the fine church which now adorns the site of the old. It was then under the ministry of the Rev. William Fraser, who came from Crail to Alloa in 1810, and continued his ministry for the long period of 43 years, and died in 1853, aged 74 years.

Places of Interest Nearby

Although Mr Paton’s family were generally long lived, it was not his lot to be so. The business enterprise, mechanical skill, and integrity of character which Mr Paton brought to bear on the work at Kilncraigs greatly enhanced its prosperity, and under his guidance made the first forward step which has since been followed up by marvellous extensions. Mr Alexander Paton succeeded his father as proprietor and master of Kilncraigs Factory. He had one son who died while a youth, and had also three daughters, – thus ending in the male line this branch of the family. Little is known of his characteristics generally, but for his great piety and exemplary life he was an esteemed member of the "Auld Kirk ower the Burn," and also when the congregation removed to the first church that was built at the Townhead, now Moncrieff Church. Mr Paton carried on the work of dyer until advancing years compelled him to desist.

Mr Muir eventually removed his school to Greenfield, and after some years finally gave it up. There was a private adventure school in Primrose Place, which, by the way, was known then as the "Sandy Hole." It was kept and taught by Mr John Muir. There was a small school kept by the late Mr William Donaldson at the head of Mar Street, where the County Buildings now stand, mainly for the poorer children of the parish. What is known as the Ludgate School was then the Infant and Juvenile, – two separate schools with separate entrances for each. To describe this school the contrast between teaching then and now comes out more clearly. There was a denominational school connected with the Townhead U.P. Church (now the Moncrieff), situated in Primrose Street (opposite the Baths), now occupied as a dwelling-house, set back from the street, a railing in front.

Guest Services

The utility of gas cookers at this period in its infancy, with view of bringing these appliances and advantages fully under the notice of the public, with the hearty support of the then manager, Mr Yuill, got up an exhibition of gas cooking and gas heating appliances. As convener of the Gas Committee he saw several extensions at the works carried out. Mr Younger has a long roll of public service, but if he had done nothing else than his labours in furthering the water scheme, it alone laid our good town under a deep debt of gratitude to him. Before it got that length, however, there were enormous and seemingly endless negotiations to be carried through. Later on his numerous friends erected a handsome monument over his resting-place in Sunnyside Cemetery, testifying to their appreciation of his many public services and private worth. Mr Willison was a practical, clear-headed business man, and did good work for the burgh.

Mr Lothian followed in his father’s footsteps by carrying on the business founded by him, and expanded both the circulation and influence of the "Advertiser," as well as the general business of printing. Mr Lothian was an elder in the congregation now known as the West U.F. Church, with which the family are still connected. In 1841 he started a paper – a very small sheet, – first in monthly form, then fortnightly, then permanently as a weekly – the "Alloa Advertiser." We are glad to mention that Mr Lothian lived to see his ventures in a prosperous condition under the management of his son, James. He therefore resumed school teaching, but through time the printing increased so that he discontinued teaching, and devoted all his attention to printing, and thus became the first printer in Alloa.

• They also run a caravan service and repair shop on site ( no noise though) .
• He also built and equipped a Model Workshop for teaching manual instruction, which is now regarded as necessary for a complete education.
• It is the sons of John that we are called upon to notice, he having passed away long before the period we are dealing with.
• He bequeathed funds to build and maintain a school primarily for the children of the workers, long known as the Paton School.

The Glass Works was then in full swing, and carried on a large trade, foreign competition having as yet not made its appearance to hamper our home industries. We must not forget the blacksmith and mechanic business in the East Vennel carried on by the late Mr Allan Drysdale (whom we will notice further on). The Mills Brewery, long carried on by the late Mr McLay until vacated by him in favour of the late Mr Robert Henderson of Nether Carsebridge, who was joined by his sons, Messrs Thomas and George Henderson, who now carry on the business. The firm was founded by a George Younger about the middle of the 18th century, who was succeeded by his son James, after him was his son George, and he in turn was succeeded by his son James, the father of the two gentlemen who control and manage the business now – Messrs George and James Younger.

There was Alexander Wingate, who had the stationer’s shop at the west end of Mill Street (now carried on by Mr Thorburn). Mr Wingate, besides the Alloa business, was engaged in other mercantile and shipping interests, and in all his business transactions he proved himself to be a man of the strictest integrity and honour. downe arms wykeham Mr Wingate was a younger brother of William Wingate of Longcarse, was born at the Dovecot Farm in 1787, and began business in Alloa as far back as 1810, – his partner in business being Mr William Dawson. Their forebears had been in Dovecot Farm, beyond Tullibody, for a long period in the eighteenth century, and Mr William Wingate was born there, and also Mr Alexander Wingate, his brother.

Facilities

By no means; if any difference exists it is all in advancement of those days. At this period, especially in the seventies, the Alloa Musical Association was in the very zenith of its fame and popularity. They acquired an old property in the middle of High Street, and very central, and thereon built the Corn Exchange, which was opened in 1862. There were beautiful catchy melodies, the chorus being given with telling effect by the whole company. Dr Mark paid at least three visits, and was so much impressed with the need of a new hall that he offered to give the proceeds of one night’s drawings if there was a new hall started before his next visit, – an offer which lapsed on account of no beginning having been made by the time he returned. As there was always plenty of snow in winter, there were many fierce battles between the schools; one school would come in force and attack another.

Mr McGechaen was on the Commission Board as far back as 1859, but only for a short period then. In those early days, when Fairs and Markets were more numerous and so largely attended, especially Alloa Fair, when thousands flocked into the town, refreshment caterers would get more patronage then, than is often the case now. Mr McGecaen was a native of Midlothian, and came to Alloa in 1835, and began business as confectioner and pastry baker, having a practical training in both departments.