Homecraft book

Continuing the memories of Dundee shops, a Craigie reader writes that he has followed the contributions with considerable interest.

“One of the well-known shops mentioned was Paul & Matthew in the Murraygate,” he says. “They were also printers and my wife still has a ‘Homecraft Book’ printed by them.

“The book was compiled by a committee of Dundee domestic science teachers. It covered in great detail three subjects – cookery, laundry and housewifery. There is no indication of when it was published, but I suspect it could be in the 1930s or 40s. No doubt some of your readers will know.

“The back cover has an advertisement for Parker pens. A Parker 65 cost 163/9d (£8.25, I think) and a ball pen 71/9. Considering wages at that time a Parker was a real luxury.”

Jim Green has also been in touch on the same topic. “The sports shop Kidd and Wallace in the High Street was mentioned and that brings back memories,” he says. “My friend Bob Mackie and I went to buy a catapult there and he was told the price was four shillings. Bob was shocked and told them that I had bought one the week before in Lamb’s Emporium on the corner of the Overgate and Lindsay Street for half a crown.

“Bob said: ‘Four shillings! You are maybe Kidd and Wallace but you are no’ kiddin’ me’ and we both left laughing. We were aged 14 and I am now 82, but I will never forget that.”

“A dog whelk helps decorate the seafront at Carnoustie,” comments John Crichton of Forfar who sent in the photograph.