The Glasgow Post Office directory for 1906-1907 provides a list of this society’s objects, its membership requirements, along with its subscription fees:

‘[…] The objects of the Society are: — The cultivation of the Gaelic Language; the cultivation and development of Celtic Philology, Literature, and Music; the elucidation of Celtic antiquities; and the fostering of a Celtic spirit among the Highlanders of Glasgow. Persons of Celtic extraction, or such as take an interest in its objects, are eligible to become members. The Subscriptions of Members to the Funds of the Society are: — Life Members, one payment of £1 1s.; Honorary Members, annually, Ladies 3s., Gentlemen 7s. 6d; Ordinary Members, annually — Ladies 1s., Gentlemen 2s. The Society meets in the Religious Institution Rooms, Buchanan Street, on the last Tuesday of each Month, from October to April.’

(‘Gaelic Society of Glasgow’, ‘Educational Institutions’, Post Office Glasgow Directory for 1906-1907… (Glasgow: Aird & Coghill, 1906), p. 171)

At meetings, papers were read on various subjects, but all of these were linked to Gaelic, Celtic or Highland life and culture, which included  literature that was often read aloud. For example, at the meeting held on 31 January 1888, one or two excepts from “Caraid nan Gael” (Norman Macleod (Caraid nan Gaidheal?)) were read.

Date of Existence

26 October 1887-1974?

Source of Information

1. Gaelic Society of Glasgow, Cash Book, 1888-1935 (1 vol.); Minute Books, 1887-1909, 1924-48, 1948-74 (3 vols.) (MLSC, 891237);

2. Gaelic Society of Glasgow, Transactions, 1887-1894; 1956/7 (MLSC, Mitchell (GC) 941.15006041443 GAE 155056);

3. Gaelic Society of Glasgow, Jubilee brochure, 1887-1937 (1937) (MLSC, Mitchell (GC) 367 767302);

4. Maclean, Magnus, Skye bards: paper read before the Gaelic Society of Glasgow (1892) (MLSC, Mitchell (GC) 200826);

5. ‘Gaelic Society of Glasgow’, ‘Educational Institutions’, Post Office Glasgow Directory for 1906-1907… (Glasgow: Aird & Coghill, 1906), p. 171;

6.  Gaelic Society of Glasgow, Centenary brochure, [1987](MLSC, Mitchell (GC) 941.15006041443 GAE)

Repository

Mitchell Library Special Collections (MLSC)

Reference Number

(See Source of Information)

Additional Notes

–

This club was made up of several local and regional Burns clubs: in 1908, one year after its founding, there were 23 clubs, and the group grew to include 40 clubs by 1914. It met at various venues across Glasgow including the National Burns Club (93 Douglas Street), the Trades House Restaurant (89 Glassford Street), the Christian Institute (Bothwell Street), and the Religious Institution Rooms (200 Buchanan Street). Meetings were held intermittently during the year. The 1911 Annual Burns Chronicle and Club Directory published the group’s objects under its ‘Special features of Club’:

‘To further the interests of the Burns cult by promoting closer union between the Clubs in the district and bringing the members of these Clubs into more harmonious relationship, and to take the initiative in instituting and recommending movements likely to be beneficial to the cult.’

(‘No. 169 — GLASGOW AND DISTRICT Association of Burns Clubs and Kindred Societies’, ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1911’, in Annual Burns Chronicle and Club Directory, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. XX (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1911), p. 176)

Date of Existence

8 November 1907-1919? Federated 1908

Source of Information

1. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1909’, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. XVIII (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1909), p. 179;

2. ‘Club Notes’, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. XIX (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1910), p. 190;

3. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1911’, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. XX (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1911), p. 176;

4. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1912’, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. XXI (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1912), p. 180;

5. Glasgow and District Burns Club, Minutes, 12 September 1912-30 April 1919 (MLSC, 891709);

6. Macmillan, Donald, Burns and the war: his message to the nation: an address delivered before the Glasgow and District Burns Association (Glasgow and District Burns Association, [1917]) (MLSC, Mitchell (AL) 6 MCM 557275);

7. McArthur, Archie McArthur, Some Connections Between the City of Glasgow and Robert Burns, compiled by Archie McArthur ([Glasgow and District Burns Association], [1989]) (MLSC, Robert Burns Collection, Mitchell (AL) 11 GLA MCA 907616);

8. ‘Glasgow and District Association of Burns Clubs’, Jean Armour Burns Trust <http://www.jeanarmourburnstrust.co.uk/GlasgowandDistrict.html> [accessed 27/01/18]

Repository

Mitchell Library Special Collections (MLSC)

National Library of Scotland (NLS)

Reference Number

(For Mitchell Library Special Collections materials, see Source of Information; for Annual Burns Chronicle, see below)

BNS19BUR (MLSC) (Annual Burns Chronicle)

General Reading Room (stored offsite), Y.233, available no. 1-34 25th Jan. 1892-Jan. 1925 (NLS) (Annual Burns Chronicle)

Additional Notes

‘BC‘ refers to the Annual Burns Chronicle and Club Directory, which was published yearly since 1892. Hard copies are available at the Mitchell Library Special Collections and the National Library of Scotland. Many of them have been digitised and are available through the Robert Burns World Federation website: http://www.rbwf.org.uk/digitised-chronicles/.

This list of Burns chronicles as sources of information gives the first year the club was included in the chronicle, and thereafter only for the years where the information is different from the previous year’s listing. In keeping with the scope of this study (1800-1914), only the chronicles published between 1892 and 1914 are included.

The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was formed in London in 1841. (For a history of this association, see ‘History and Heritage’, on the YMCA website.)

There is a discrepancy in the records as to the start date of the Glasgow branch of the YMCA.  According to the 1877 ‘Constitution’ of the Glasgow Young Men’s Christian Association (GYMCA), the group was founded in 1841. Alternatively, according to the History of the World’s Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations (1955), the Glasgow branch was founded in 1848, when the Glasgow Young Men’s Institute (evidently a separate organisation from the earlier Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement) adopted the name of the Young Men’s Christian Association (see ‘YMCA Scotland. Scotland – National Council of YMCAs‘ on the World YMCA website.)

There is a consensus, however, as to the events that followed: in 1877, the GYMCA amalgamated with the Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement (instituted 1824), to become the Glasgow United Young Men’s Christian Association.

This was a large and well-organised group that had branches spread across all parts of the city. Its central meeting rooms were on 280 George Street, in the heart of the city. The Annual Report for 1866 includes the group’s ‘Constitution and Rules’, which sets out the object of the group as being the provision of facilities to bring about young men’s improvement in various areas (typically, this included a rather standard list that included intellectual, moral and religious improvement).

The yearly subscription charge was 2s 6d, which was the average for these societies during this period. However, it seems that this fee was subject to negotiation, perhaps being dependent upon personal financial circumstances.

Upon the amalgamation of the Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement, and the Glasgow Young Men’s Christian Association, the newly formed Glasgow United Young Men’s Christian Association was formed in 1877. Its object was also for young men’s improvement.

It was reported that as of 31 December 1877, there was a total of 176 branches of the Glasgow United Young Men’s Christian Association, with 149 in the city and suburbs, and 27 Country Branches.

Date of Existence

1841-1877

Source of Information

1. Annual Report of the Glasgow Young Men’s Christian Association. For 1865-66 (Glasgow: Aird & Coghill, 1866)(Note: the 1867 and 1877 Annual Reports are also bound in this publication, while the 1868-1876 reports are not) (MLSC, GC267.3941443 GLA);

2. Lecture on Revealed Religion, by Professors and Ministers of Various Denominations. Delivered Under the Auspices of the Glasgow Young Men’s Christian Association, 1872-73. With Preface by the Rev. Robt. Jamieson, D.D., Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (Glasgow: Geo. Bogie, 463 Paisley Road; Thos. Murray & Son; George Gallie & Son. Edinburgh and Glasgow: John Menzies & Co., [1873]) (ML, Mitchell (GC) 231.74 97614)

3. (Various published lectures given to association, see Mitchell online catalogue);

4. M’Dowall, John K., The People’s History of Glasgow. An Encyclopedic Record of the City From the Prehistoric Period to the Present Day (Glasgow: Hay Nisbet and Co. Ltd., 1899), p. 63 (ML, GC 941. 443 McDo);

5. Binfield, Clyde, George Williams and the Y.M.C.A.: A Study in Victorian Social Attitudes (London : Heinemann, 1973) (ML, Mitchell (SS) 267.3924 BIN);

6. Youde, Kate, ‘Brand Report: YMCA Glasgow Becomes Y People’, Third Sector (8 February 2011) <http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/brand-report-ymca-glasgow-becomes-y-people/communications/article/1053222> [accessed 23/03/15];

Repository

Mitchell Library (ML)

Mitchell Library Special Collections (MLSC)

Reference Number

(See Source of Information)

Additional Notes

See also Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement and Glasgow United Young Men’s Christian Association.

See also Young Women’s Christian Association (aka Glasgow Young Women’s Christian Association).

This society was instituted in 1824. In 1877, it amalgamated with the Glasgow Young Men’s Christian Association (aka G.Y.M.C.A., instituted in 1841, although this date is debatable) to become the Glasgow United Young Men’s Christian Association in 1877. In 1824, there were 14 associations connected with this society in Glasgow.

Ralph Wardlaw, D.D. (1779-1853) gave a sermon on the night of 19th September 1824 at the George Street Chapel on behalf of this society. He strongly promoted the formation of an association for young men’s improvement. He was particularly concerned about the young men who grew up in the country and came to the city looking for work. Groups like the Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement offered a lifeline. He also discussed the origin of this society, which was to work as a supplement to Sabbath Schools. He also sets out its object and rules, which was to be the formation of societies in Glasgow and the surrounding region that would encourage mutual improvement in its young male members with a focus on religion. In addition, a library of suitable religious works and biographies was to be instituted.

The ‘Regulations of the Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement’ are given as an Appendix to this Sermon.

Date of Existence

1824-1877

Source of Information

1. Wardlaw, Ralph, Sermon: [for] the Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement (Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement (1825)) (ML, Mitchell (GC), 41446);

2. Wardlaw, Ralph, The divine dissuasion to the young, against the enticements of sinners: a sermon preached in George-Street Chapel, Glasgow, on the evening of Sabbath, 19th September, 1824: in behalf of the Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement (Glasgow: Wardlaw & Cunninghame, [etc.], 1825) (UGSC, Sp Coll T.C.L. 4010);

3. Heugh, Hugh, The importance of early piety: a sermon preached for the Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement: January 8th, 1826 (Glasgow: Printed by W. Lang, for the Glasgow Young Men’s Religious Tract Society, 1826) (UGSC, Sp Coll T.C.L. 3982);

4. Wardlaw, Ralph, Religion the duty, the happiness, and the hope of youth: a sermon, delivered in Greyfriars’ Chapel, Glasgow, on the evening of Lord’s-Day, May 27th, 1838, in behalf of the Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement (Glasgow: Printed for the Society by Aird & Russell, 1838) (UGSC, Sp Coll T.C.L. 3953);

5. Campbell, J., Memoirs of David Nasmith, his labours and travels in Great Britain, France, United States and Canada (London, 1844) (NLS, NF.1346.e.11);

6. Address delivered at the reunion of those who were members of the Regent Place Young Men’s Society; subject: Dr. Heugh … 23d March, 1852, by David Young, United Presbyterian minister at Glasgow (1852) (UGSC, Sp Coll Mu39-h.32);

7. Thirty-fifth annual report of the Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement: read 24th February, 1859 (Printed by K.& R. Davidson, 1859) (UGL, Library Research Annexe, Ba4-g.10);

8. Annual Report of the Glasgow United Young Men’s Christian Association, 1865-83, 1893-1937 (ML, Mitchell (GC) 267.3 43136);

9. Catalogue of the circulating and reference libraries. Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement. 1873 (ML, Mitchell (GC), 017.2 9368);

10. Douglas, John D., The advantages of the adoption of the Public Libraries Act: first prize essay: Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement (1874) (ML, Mitchell (GC), 027.4 9372);

11. Binfield, Clyde, George Williams and the Y.M.C.A., online resource: <http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/brand-report-ymca-glasgow-becomes-y-people/communications/article/1053222> [accessed 23/03/15]

Repository

Mitchell Library (ML)

University of Glasgow Library (UGL)

University of Glasgow Special Collections (UGSC)

National Library of Scotland (NLS)

Reference Number

(See Source of Information)

Additional Notes

See also Glasgow Young Men’s Christian Association and Glasgow United Young Men’s Christian Association.

This society was based in Govan, an area south of the River Clyde and southwest of the city centre. (For more information about this area, see Gerald Blaikie’s article, ‘Govan, Glasgow. Architecture & History‘ on the ScotCities website.) The group weekly met in Broomloan Halls (in the Broomloan Road Public School).

Here is a snapshot of this association: at the business meeting held on 24 March 1891, the Secretary reported that there were 90 members on the roll (an increase of about 20 members since the first session in 1876-1877; this number would double to over 200 by the end of the century). During the session, there were 21 meetings held, of which 9 were lectures open to the public. The group also held its annual conversazione — a social meeting with readings, songs, dancing and tea — in the spring. The subscription charge was 2 shillings per year (up from 1s in the 1870s), which was slightly lower than the average for other groups, which was 2s 6d. This probably meant that many of the members were from the working classes.

Interestingly, in the 1890s, there seems to have been a great deal of debate about how the association should style itself: between 1891 and 1897, motions were raised at several meetings to change the name of the group to the Govan Literary Association. It appears that it was important for some members to be known as a literary society, rather than simply a young men’s association, which, in the latter case, was more likely to be a social group at this point in time.

As part of their ‘literary’ activities, this society held magazine nights, at which members’ original essays were read aloud and then ‘criticised’ by the other members (in the sense of offering their judgement). It is currently unknown if these were ever collected and bound. (see ‘Additional Notes’ below)

Date of Existence

11 October 1876-1914?

Source of Information

1. Glasgow, Govan, Kirk Session, Govan Parish Young Men’s Association Minute Book, 1876-86 (GCA, CH2/1277/49);

2. Wallace, Andrew, The Parish of Govan as it was and is: A lecture delivered to the Govan Young Men’s Association (Glasgow, 1878) (GCA, CH2/1277/54);

3. Scott, Alexander Macgregor, Old Govan: lecture delivered to Govan Parish Young Men’s Association (Glasgow, 1891) (MLSC, Mitchell (GC) LHf 941.443 GOV 594527);

4. Govan Parish Young Men’s Association Minute Book, 1886-92 (GCA, CH2/1277/50);

5. Govan Parish Young Men’s Association Minute Book, 1892-1903 (GCA, CH2/1277/51);

6. Govan Parish Literary Association Minute Book, 1903-1913 (GCA, CH2/1277/52);

7. Govan Parish Literary Association Minute Book, 1913-1914 (GCA, CH2/1277/53)

Repository

Mitchell Library Special Collections

Glasgow City Archives

Reference Number

(See Source of Information)

Additional Notes

See also entry for on the Govan Parish Young Men’s Association (Magazine Evening) on our sister website, Literary Bonds.

The listing for this society in the 1854-1855 Glasgow Post Office directory gives a brief summary of this group and its activities:

‘[…] The Society meets in the Sheriff Court Hall, County Buildings, every Wednesday evening during the session, at a quarter past eight o’clock. Its principal object is the discussion and elucidation of disputed and undecided questions in law, with which is combined the preparation of essays on subjects of a legal and literary character’.

(‘Juridical [Society]’, ‘Educational and Scientific Institutions’, Glasgow Post-Office Annual Directory for 1854-1855… (Glasgow: William Mackenzie, 1854), p. 133)

Of note is that the later listing for this group in the 1887 to 1888 directory does not mention any ‘literary’ aspect to the group’s proceedings, which may or may not mean that by then it became more focused on juridical issues and less on ‘subjects of a […] literary character’. In the late nineteenth century, the term ‘literary’ still encompassed a wide range of subjects and included — but was by no means restricted to — literature:

‘[…] The objects of this society are the discussion of legal cognate speculative subjects, and the consideration of questions of juridical interest. Admission to it is restricted to members of the legal profession and law students, and its meetings are held every Wednesday evening at 8 o’clock, from November to April, in the Faculty buildings, St George’s Place.’

( ‘Glasgow Juridical Society’, ‘Literary and Scientific Institutions’, Post Office Glasgow Directory for 1887-1888… (Glasgow: William Mackenzie, 1887), p. 117)

Date of Existence

6 November 1847-1887?

Source of Information

1. ‘Juridical [Society]’, ‘Educational and Scientific Institutions’, Glasgow Post-Office Annual Directory for 1854-1855… (Glasgow: William Mackenzie, 1854), p. 133;

2. ‘Glasgow Juridical Society’, ‘Literary and Scientific Institutions’, Post Office Glasgow Directory for 1887-1888… (Glasgow: William Mackenzie, 1887), p. 117;

3. Birrell, Augustine, The Nature of Proof in Judicial Proceedings. Address Delivered to the Glasgow Juridical Society, [18-?] (ML, Mitchell (GC) 347.06 GLA/BIR 475725; GCA, Papers of Robert Renwick, TD/490/10/6)

Repository

Mitchell Library (Glasgow Post Office directory, and Address)

National Library of Scotland (NLS) (Glasgow Post Office directory)

Glasgow City Archives (GCA) (Address)

Reference Number

(See Source of Information)

Additional Notes

The Glasgow Post Office directories are available at the Mitchell Library and the National Library of Scotland. Digitised copies are available through the NLS website: https://www.nls.uk/family-history/directories/post-office/index.cfm?place=Glasgow

The Glasgow Literary Society was founded in 1752 and changed its name at the beginning of the nineteenth century to the Literary and Commercial Society of Glasgow. They changed premises as well, moving from the University of Glasgow (at its address on the east side on High Street), to an unnamed apartment in the city centre.

Atkinson’s ‘Sketch’ offers a good summary of the society. According to him, prior to the start of the nineteenth century, the group was engaged in ‘mutual instruction and improvement’, and was made up primarily of university professors and students. The newly-renamed society not only changed premises, but also changed the nature of its proceedings, and extended its membership to many of the commercial men of the city.

The changing nature of the Literary and Commercial Society membership and the emphasis on business was directly reflected in the scope and content of the essays and discussions, but literature was also included. The subject areas of the essays read between 1806 and 1830 feature social history, politics, economics, and medicine, with literature among the minority of other subjects discussed.

Date of Existence

circa 1800 (1806?)-1856?

Source of Information

1. Laws and regulations of the Glasgow Literary and Commercial Society ([Glasgow]: [s.n.], [s.d.]) (UGSC, Sp Coll Mu22-a);

2. Bannatyne, Dugald, Observations on the principles which enter into the commerce in grain, and into the measures for supplying food to the people: being the substance of an essay read to the Literary and Commercial Society of Glasgow (Glasgow: Printed by James Hedderwick, 1816) (UGSC, Sp Coll Mu54-e.35);

3. Wardlaw, Ralph, An essay on benevolent associations for the relief of the poor: of which the substance was read to the Literary and Commercial Society of Glasgow, April 1817 (Glasgow: Printed by Young, Gallie and Co, 1818) (UGSC, Sp Coll Mu18-d.25);

4. ‘Glasgow Literary & Scientific Institutions’, The Western Luminary, Vol. I, No. 3, 17 January 1824, p. 19 (UGSC, Sp Coll Mu60-f.31, Sp Coll Bh12-e.12)

5. List of essays read by the members of the Literary and Commercial Society of Glasgow, from session 1806 to session 1830 (UGSC, Sp Coll Mu22-a.8);

6. Atkinson, Thomas, Sketch of the origin and progress of the Literary and Commercial Society of Glasgow, with … plans for the publication of a portion of its transactions; being the substance of an essay read before it in January, 1831 (Glasgow: [?], 1831) (UGSC, Sp Coll Mu22-b.25);

7. Watson, James, Remarks on the opening of the British trade with China, and the means of its extension: being the substance of a paper read to the Literary and Commercial Society of Glasgow (Glasgow: John Smith & Son; Edinburgh; London: William Blackwood & Sons, 1843) (UGSC, Sp Coll Robertson Bf66-d.18);

8. Watson, James, A paper on the present railway crisis: read at the Literary and Commercial Society of Glasgow held on the 26th March 1846 (Glasgow: W. Lang, 1846) (UGSC, Sp Coll Mu22-c.6);

9. ‘Glasgow Literary and Commercial Society’, ‘Educational and Literary Institutions’, Post-Office Glasgow Directory for 1856, 1857… (Glasgow: William Mackenzie, 1856), p. 85; (ML, NLS)

10. Kilpatrick, James A., Literary Landmarks of Glasgow (Glasgow: Saint Mungo Press, 1893), p. 28 (UGSC, Sp Coll Mu24-a.34);

Repository

Mitchell Library (ML)

National Library of Scotland (NLS)

University of Glasgow Special Collections (UGSC)

Reference Number

(See Source of Information)

Additional Notes

The full title of The Western Luminary is as follows: The western luminary, or, Glasgow literary and scientific gazette, embracing, Reviews of all new and interesting publications — Discussions of all important matters connected with the West of Scotland — Biographical memoirs of such living and dead individuals as possess peculiar claims on our sympathy or regard — Original essays upon men and manners, institutions and priciples — Poetry, written and selected for the work — Anecdotes and extracts — Arts and science — Truth and fiction, conducted by the Writers of the Free Press, and other literary gentlemen of Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

From the Mitchell Library online catalogue:

‘Notes: Additional information: 1 v (208p.); 28cm[,] Bound with: Select views of Glasgow and its environs / engraved by Joseph Swan … Glasgow : Joseph Swan, 1828, in a volume with spine title The western luminary, Andrew Bain Memorial, Lacks nos. 14-16, no.18’ [accessed 31 January 2018].

The Glasgow Post Office directories are available at the Mitchell Library and the National Library of Scotland. Digitised copies are available through the NLS website: https://www.nls.uk/family-history/directories/post-office/index.cfm?place=Glasgow

This was a fairly large Burns club, with 94 members on the roll in 1893, and it nearly doubled its size in 1902, with 180 members reported. The group met from September until April on Tuesdays at 8pm (later at 7.45pm). In 1914, this was changed to monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month. The venue for the meetings also changed over the years: in 1892, the club met at the Bath Hotel (8 Hope Street, just to the west of the city centre); in 1895 at the Cobden Hotel (87 Argyle Street); in 1903 at the Bank Restaurant (Queen Street); in 1905 at the Alexandra Hotel (Bath Street); in 1908 at the Prince of Wales Restaurant (Ferguson & Forrester, Limited) (Buchanan Street); then back to the Alexandra Hotel from 1911 until 1914 (at least).

The club met to hear lectures during the winter on Scottish literature, and, of course, to celebrate the works of the Bard on Burns night with a supper. In addition, it held junior and senior competitions in singing and reciting Scottish songs and poems for children and young adults. The group was keen to emphasise the ‘seriousness’ of its endeavours: in the ‘Club Notes’ of the Annual Burns Chronicle and Directory issued in 1905, following a report of that year’s competition, Mr Pollock, the president, wrote:

‘”I am glad to see that some other Clubs are following the example of the Rosebery. To my mind, if a Club can only organize a dinner on the 25th and a smoking concert or two, when drinking is the main food, intellectually and physically, of the guests, it had better not have been born. To foster the preservation of Scottish dialect in literature and song is a worthy task for a Burns Club. When Bacchanalians, who miscall themselves Burnsites, meet merely to eat and drink, they disgrace the name they profess to worship.”’

(‘Club Notes’, ‘Rosebery Burns Club, Glasgow’, in Annual Burns Chronicle and Club Directory, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. XIV (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1905), pp. 107-110 (p. 110))

The club published the lectures that were given to the club from at least 1898, copies of which were available from ‘Messrs Holmes & Co., Booksellers, Dunlop Street, Glasgow; and others’. In 1906, it published a history of the group. In 1913, in association with the Carlton Burns Club, the Rosebery club announced it would be producing six volumes  of Burns’s poems in braille which were to be sold for £1 for the set.

Around 1902, the group began to host ‘inter-visitation[s] of brother Burns Clubs’. During the 1913-14 session, the invited visitors included members of the Albany, Bridgeton, Carlton, Greenock, and Sandyford Clubs (see ‘Additional Notes’).

In 1913, life membership was £30, which: ‘entitle[d] Members to all the advantages of the Club, including the privilege of bringing two friends to the Lectures and Musical Evenings of the Club’ (‘Club Notes’, ‘Rosebery Burns Club’, in Annual Burns Chronicle and Club Directory, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. XXII (Kilmarnock: The Burns Federation, January 1913), p. 145).

Date of Existence

1885-1913? Federated 1887

Source of Information

1. Anniversary meeting in the Bath Hotel on Wednesday, 25th Jan. 93, at 6.45p. m., Rosebery Burns Club (MLSC, Mitchell (AL) 557560);

2. Rosebery Burns Club, Minutes, 27 November 1894-1905 (MLSC, 907884);

3. Opening of session 1897-98 (1898) (MLSC, Mitchell (AL) 13 ROS 154844);

4. Address given to the Rosebery Burns Club, Glasgow: with special reference to the centenary Burns of W. E. Henley: January 25, 1898 (MLSC, Mitchell (AL) 6 BEG 209616);

5. Begg, F. Faithfull, Rosebery Burns Club, Glasgow, January 25th, 1898: speech…in proposing the toast of Caledonia and Caledonia’s bard (MLSC, Mitchell (AL) 6 BEG 907881a);

6. Poems [Rosebery Burns Club] (1898) (ML, Mitchell (GC) 154844);

7. Glasgow Contemporaries at the Dawn of the XXth Century (Glasgow: The Photo-Biographical Publishing Co., [1901]), p. 159 (ML, Mitchell (GC) 920.04 GLA 499009);

8. Muir, Pearson M’Adam, Robert Burns : his genius and influence: address delivered to the Rosebery Burns Club, 24th January, 1902 (ML, Mitchell (AL) 6 MUI 209662);

9. (Newspaper clipping:) ‘Rosebery Burns Club’, (annotated:) ‘Citizen. 15 March 1905’ (MLSC, Young’s Scrapbooks, Vol. 1, [p. 32]);

10. Cross, Alexander, The Immortal Memory: a speech to the members of the Rosebery Burns Club, January 24, 1906 (MLSC, Mitchell (AL) 15 CRO 889859);

11. Angus, James, The Rosebery Burns Club, Glasgow: a short sketch of its origin and growth (Glasgow: W.&R. Holmes; Stirling: E. Mackay, 1906) (NLS, General Reading Room, 1958.22);

12. ‘Rosebery Burns Club. Gold Medal Competition for Amateurs’, 28 March 1907 (MLSC, Glasgow Scrapbooks, No. 23, p. 217);

13. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies for 1893’, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. II (Kilmarnock: D. Brown & Co., Glasgow and Edinburgh: J. Menzies & Co., January 1893), p. 190;

14. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1894’, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. III (Kilmarnock: D. Brown & Co., February 1894), p. 194;

15. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1895’, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. IV (Kilmarnock: D. Brown & Co., January 1895), p. 176;

16. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1896’, in BC,ed. by D. M’Naught, No. V (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1896), p. 132;

17. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1897’, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. VI (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1897), p. 151;

18. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1898′, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. VII (Kilmarnock: Burn Federation, January 1898), p. 138;

19. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1902’, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. XI (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1902), p. 136;

20. ‘Club Notes’, and ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1905’, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. XIV (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1905), pp. 107-110, p. 149;

21. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1908′, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. XIX (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1908), p. 132;

22. ‘Directory of Burns Clubs and Scottish Societies on the Roll of the Burns Federation, 1911’, in BC, ed. by D. M’Naught, No. XX (Kilmarnock: Burns Federation, January 1911), p. 161;

The staff at the University Printing Office of the University of Glasgow followed the model set by the Gas Workmen’s Institution (1825-?)  in setting up their own institution (see ‘Additional Notes’ below). A library was formed first and began with a donation of books by John M. Duncan, a co-partner in the printing office, in 1822. In 1825, it had 210 volumes ‘consisting principally of historical works, travels, romances, and poems’. Between 90 and 95 men and boys were employed at the printing office in that year. Figures for the year before state that 54 workers subscribed to the library, and entry money was based on income.

The majority of those who subscribed were apprentices aged between 14 and 21, with only 17 of the more senior journeymen making up the rest, as it was reported that these men chose to get their books from the larger collections available at the Mechanics’ Library, Anderson’s Institution Library, and the North Quarter Library. Duncan suggested that a literary and scientific institution be formed based on the same principles as the Gas Works, and the library and institution were joined shortly after the institution’s founding.

The committee, made up of some of the more senior staff, were requested to provide the lectures, the subjects being on scientific, mechanical, and chemical principles. The speaker who provided the introductory address, the surgeon, James M’Conechy—described by The Glasgow Mechanics’ Magazine as a person ‘(who appears to have interested himself considerably in the originating of this Institution,)’ —concludes his speech with what amounted to a manifesto in support of ‘Popular Education’.

Date of Existence

19 March 1825-?

Source of Information

1. McConechy, James, ‘An introductory address … on the formation of a literary and scientific institution among the workmen of the university printing office’ (Glasgow, 1825) (ML, Mitchell (GC) 374 53662–Copies are also available at NLS (Special Collections Reading Room, 1938.27(12)) and UGL (Library Research Annexe, Bf76-k.11);

2. ‘Literary and Scientific Institution at the University Printing Office, Glasgow’, The Glasgow Mechanics’ Magazine; and Annals of Philosophy, 3, 1825, pp. 341-4 (MLSC, Mitchell (AL) 19 GLA 52873– for full holdings apply to staff);

3. ‘University Printing Office’, The Glasgow Mechanics’ Magazine, 3, 1825, p. 217 (MLSC, Mitchell (AL) 19 GLA 52873– for full holdings apply to staff)

Repository

Mitchell Library Special Collections (MLSC)

National Library of Scotland (NLS) (‘An introductory address’)

University of Glasgow Library (UGL) (‘An introductory address’)

Reference Number

(See Source of Information)

Additional Notes

See also Gas Workmen’s Institution.

Prior to its official formation, the members of this Burns club met for an annual dinner in 1859 to celebrate the 100th birthday of Burns. In the following year, the Waverley Burns Club was founded at a meeting held at the Waverley Hotel, located at 18 George Square in the city centre.

The club gathered monthly at the Waverley Hotel for dinner, with the meeting following thereafter. At the meetings, various items were read, including original poetry, and songs were sung. The original poetry and songs are occasionally included in the records following the minutes. Following the dinners, there was customarily ‘Harmony, Joke[s] and Eloquence’. In 1863, the club voted to celebrate Shakespeare’s tri-century birthday with a club dinner. On 23 April 1864, the Waverley Burns Club, along with some of the members of the Pen & Pencil Club, celebrated with a dinner at the Bedford Hotel. Between 1862 and 1865, there were 44 members on the roll.  In the minute entry of 24 February 1863, there is a mention of a club library that was beginning to be formed.

In March 1872, the group changed its name to the Western Burns Club. There were approximately 70 members. It appears that over the years, the minute books become increasingly focused on the social events and outings, and include less on the readings that were done at the meetings. The last entry in Minute Book 4 is dated 21 October 1882.

Minute Books 1 and 2 are from the Waverley Burns Club, and most of Minute Book 3 and all of Minute Book 4 are from the Western Burns Club.

Date of Existence

25 January 1860-26 March 1872; (Western Burns Club) March 1872-1882?

Source of Information

1. Sederunt book, Waverly Burns Club (3 notebooks), 1860-72 (MLSC, Robert Burns Collection, Mitchell (AL) 391557-59);

2. [Printed papers] Waverley/Western Burns Club, 1867 (Pamphlets and papers bound together) (MLSC, Robert Burns Collection, Mitchell (AL) 13 WES 644307);

3. [Minute book] Waverly/Western Burns Club, 1872-1882 (from Mitchell online catalogue: ‘Handwritten records of meetings, with printed cuttings, menu cards, correspondence, obituary notices, etc., inserted Minute books nos. 3 and 4, the first two being minutes of the Waverley Burns Club. Book 3 records the change of name to the Western Burns Club in March 1872’) (MLSC, Robert Burns Collection, Mitchell (AL)391559-60);

4. ‘A natal lay: written for the anniversary of Burns birth-day, 25th January, 1875’ (MLSC, Mitchell (AL) 12A WIN52901);

5. Robert Burns, [The Western Burns Club] (reports of Burns suppers, and excursions) (MLSC, Mitchell (AL) 13 WES 907654);

6. (Mentioned in minutes of Glasgow and District Burns Club: Minute entry, 30 March 1908, Glasgow and District Burns Club, Minutes, 8 November 1907-5 September 1912, p. 18 (MLSC, 891709)

Repository

Mitchell Library Special Collections (MLSC)

Reference Number

(See Source of Information)

Additional Notes

See also Glasgow and District Burns Club.