James Hogg, Alexander Campbell and I choose Saturday 27 January 1872 to meet at Queens Park Recreation Ground for a football gathering.
“I will speak to my cousin, Thomas Maley and see if he can bring along his sons. Tom and Willie.”, said Alexander.
“I will bring along my children. James will you come along?”, I asked.
“I prefer rowing, athletics and shinty, however I will come for the exercise.”, said James.
“What an interesting set of interests?”, I asked.
“Yes these are the sports of my village, Gareloch”, James replied.
“A rower you say? Do you live close to a rowing club?”, asked Alexander.
“I stay at 167 Berkeley Street and I’m a member of Clyde Amateur Rowing Club.”, replied James.
I look at my watch, ”Gentlemen it’s 4 o’clock and the working day is done.”
James and I leave Alexander to close the printworks. We pass the staff busily cleaning all the presses, floors and neatly stacking boxes for Alexander’s evening inspection.
“James, the Dean of Guild Contract must be successful. We must outdo Carey & Fortis and I believe in you to complete this mission.”
We walk the remainder of Princes Street and part ways on Pollokshaws Road. I head right towards Strathbungo and James heads left into the City. We both know what needs to be done.
———————————- © Graeme Brown 2019 ————————————-
The Hampden Collection 