Pages

▼

Friday, 28 October 2011

3 GLIMPSES OF CHARLES STREET - 70'S

Here we have 3 shots taken in the early 70's showing the area around Charles Street.
Top image is the upper stretch of the Wellgate with Charles Street junction on the right.
Some of the shops around this location, such as Ken's Bazaar (far right) have called it a day and have the boarding up, while others seem to be hanging on in there just a wee bit longer.
The middle image is from the remains of Charles Street looking back over to the Wellgate. The street itself was connected to Idvies Street which would be further back behind the photographer.
The street sign visible on the building on the left is Charles Lane.
The bottom picture's view from the Hilltown reveals that the demolition work has nearly reached the corner of Charles Street, and so almost the end of its existence.
Photos by Gordon C.
at

12 comments:

  1. Buff28 October 2011 at 10:19

    Great set of photos as ever, i have vague memories of the area looking like this, wasted opportunity to tidy it up and have a historical landmark

    ReplyDelete
  2. lastbus28 October 2011 at 16:37

    What was the name of the barber in charles street, my mind has gone blank!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2 April 2023 at 17:05

      I used to go to that Barber every time I needed a haircut. He had a good reputation in Dundee as doing just what you wanted. I remember he worked on his own. He was young and I would occasionally see him at the Chalet dancehall in Broughty Ferry with
      his sister.

      Delete
  3. RETRO DUNDEE29 October 2011 at 01:44

    There was a hairdresser called Bell in Charles St in 1970, if that's the one you're thinking of.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Neale E29 October 2011 at 09:49

    Says here it was Wm Menzies up to 1964, Alister Bell 1965-70 and Raymond's 1971-72.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Historian29 October 2011 at 14:13

    Imagine how this would look restored, sort of like the little back streets of Prague, Budapest, Barcelona, Lisbon etc. Brings tear to my eye. Why didn't someone say NO?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous29 October 2011 at 14:36

    hard to believe now but that picture was probably taken from where that wee path passes over the slip road entrance to wellgate car park!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous29 October 2011 at 23:18

    That was my fathers shop until he moved premises in 68 to Monifieth and still there today - A. Bell , Gents Hairdresser .
    He will be delighted to see these pics in colour .

    ReplyDelete
  8. Bridie1 November 2011 at 06:38

    I'm with The Historian on this.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Neale E1 November 2011 at 12:14

    Historian and Bridie: don't know if you're familiar with the work of Professor Charles McKean. He has very persuasive views about how in the 20th century the city stopped valuing its own heritage to the point that, in his words, 'anything new would do'.

    He also tirelessly tries to draw attention to the tremendous heritage potential of what is left. If you get the chance to hear him speak, go.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Bridie1 November 2011 at 12:41

    Thanks Neale.
    I have heard him speak and have several of his books. Very interesting guy and, like you, I'd encourage any Dundonian interested in Dundee's past and future heritage to seek him out.

    ReplyDelete
  11. The Historian11 November 2011 at 05:19

    Hi Neale, thanks for the tip. I have just looked at one of the books I have and it's by him! Should take more notice of that kind of thing. Would love to hear him speak though. Will keep ears and eyes open.

    ReplyDelete