Content
About 1850 he built the fine residence of Cowden Park, where he resided until his death, which occurred on September 18th, 1860. He provided facilities for the young workers at Kilncraigs, improving their learning by evening classes in the winter months; and assisted by the lady members of the family, he instituted and carried on a Sunday School for the workers, an institution which we believe is still in existence. Indeed, we have reason to believe that his name was a household word in that locality, where, it must be remembered, there were many excellent godly people who lived in the Old Town at that period. Mr Mitchell was spared to reach the age of 86 years, and died on March 24, 1897, thus severing one of the best known links with the past, and was one of the leaders of Alloa Society and business life during the period we are endeavouring to chronicle. There was also the large bakery business in the High Street, which, besides doing a good trade in the town, did a very extensive trade in the country, at least two carts going off every morning, with the bread packed in large boxes, and which altogether would make a large turnover.
- He had a large family of sons and daughters, some of whom are still to the fore.
- The Melville Church in King Street is still the same in appearance as it was at this period.
- One in particular bore evidence of former greatness, having a fine carved doorway, a good staircase with a massive railing up to its third storey.
Pricing for The Downe Arms Country Inn
At that period the streets had an old-world country-village look about them. While the street buildings are in many respects irregularly built even yet, still they have advanced immensely during the last sixty years. Coming eastward there is the Ochil Range with its many beautiful glens, such as Alva Glen, Dollar Glen with Castle Campbell, – a most romantic ruin, and a favourite afternoon excursion from Alloa. As the town increased it became necessary to stretch up the braes rising from the burn, so that coming nearer modern times the present town was built, having Mill Street as the central or main thoroughfare.
David Edwards
My only criticism would be that the beds in the single room were not very comfortable, however the 3 doubles were lovely. It was beautifully furnished and there was plenty of crockery, tableware and cooking utensils. Everything about the cottage is excellent especially the open fire in the living room, we had a roaring log fire most nights.
Venue Setting
We had a fabulous time in this beautiful property and grounds. The settings of the village are wonderful I would definitely recommend this property to anyone lovely peaceful place to stay. We spent most of the time in the garden the dog loved it .
During his student days, he was assistant to Dr McGowan, and later began to practice on his own account, and through time had a large practice. He had a large family of sons and daughters, some of whom are still to the fore. So that, as Mr Breingan himself states, he finished his business career just opposite from where he began. It is as a china merchant that Mr Breingan will be best remembered, as he continued in that business for more than 40 years, and on retiring he was entertained to supper by the merchants and other townsmen, and presented with a silver snuff box, as a small token of respect and esteem for Mr Breingan, which was certainly very gratifying. While there Mr John Wingate took a liking for young Samuel and started him at the ironmongery business – where he continued about five years, and after that was in situations in Glasgow and Leith. Those were the days of made to measure boots and shoes, employing practical men on the premises.
Book A Table
The staff were all lovely and welcoming.” – Vicci A wood burning stove makes the cafe the perfect place to snuggle up in on cooler days. Personally In these days when most caravans have them I don’t see the point as all what happens is the cost to stay go up which could put people off.
He was succeeded as Chief Magistrate by the election of Mr William Bailey of the Alloa Pottery. Mr Ewing, supported by the Board, carried out many reforms, styling themselves on an election day as the party of progress. At this period (1869) there was a large increase in the electorate by a new Act reducing the municipal franchise from £10 to £4 rental. He was succeeded in office by another of our leading townsmen, Mr Andrew Mitchell, merchant, who was elected in 1863, and continued as Chief until February, 1869. On his retiral from office he was entertained to a public dinner in recognition of his long and faithful services to the burgh.
Mr Glass was for many years a member of the Parish Church Choir, where he did good service, and during the late Mr Bryson’s ministry, when there was only occasional service in the "Auld Kirk of Tullibody," Mr Glass cheerfully accompanied Mr Bryson and conducted the praise. During the period referred to regarding Mr Young, the same the downe arms hotel also applies to Mr Glass, as in most cases they appeared together. Mr Young was trained to music almost from the cradle; and when he got the length of manhood a capital choir singer, possessing a powerful baritone voice.
Coming down to the period under review, the Lord of the Manor was John Francis Miller Erskine, who succeeded to the title and estates in 1828, and set about making many improvements on the Alloa estate, including a new Mansion House, built between 1834 and 1838, and still is the central portion of the present Mansion. We are all aware under what happy conditions the children spend their school days now, with splendidly equipped buildings built up to the rigorous exactions of "My Lords," and the lessons made as attractive as the physical side as well as the mental, and many phases of study and development undreamed of sixty years ago. The business known as the Alloa Copper Works, and is nearly a century old, was long in the hands of the Miller family, and after them was acquired and long managed by the late Mr Willison, and is now carried on by his two sons, Robert and John who in their time have greatly enlarged and extended the business. The main draw here is a lovely outdoor seating area with fine views over the valley.