Notes

Parish of Ramoan 1861 Valuation of Tenements.

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

Drapers

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

It is possible that no.44 was a drapers shop by the end of the 19th century run by McPeake sisters, Margaret and Mary Ann. Mary Ann married a Haughey and established Haughey’s on Ann St. Margaret married Hugh Kennedy. Margaret and Hugh later had a shop on Ann St where the Danske bank is now.

Drapers

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

1911 census show Hugh and Margaret had been married for 15 years

Census – building no. 67

Hugh Kennedy, 31, head of family, Presbyterian, draper and cycle agent, married

Margaret Kennedy, 31, wife, Presbyterian, shop assistant, married

Annie Kennedy, 2, daughter, Presbyterian, not married

Martha McLanaghan, 19, servant, Presbyterian, general servant domestic, not married

Grace McBride, 17, boarder, RC, shop assistant, not married

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

Census – building no. 72

Hugh Kennedy, 40, head of family, Presbyterian, draper, married

Margaret Kennedy, 41, wife, Presbyterian, married

Mary Margaret Kennedy, 14, daughter, Presbyterian, scholar, single

Annie Kennedy, 12, daughter, Presbyterian, scholar, single

James Arthur Kennedy, 9, son, Presbyterian, scholar, single

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

Ballymoney Free Press and Northern Counties Advertiser (Thursday 01 March 1928)

BIG BLAZE AT BALLYCASTLE. Extensive Drapery Premises Gutted.

A fire occurred about 3-30 p.m. on Wednesday in the extensive premises of Messrs. Dickson Bros. & Co., drapers. Castle Street, Ballycastle.

It appears that the fire originated somewhere in the rere of the premises, and developed so quickly that the place was soon enveloped in flames; in fact, within half-an-hour it was a raging furnace. It being the town half-holiday, the premises were closed. Fortunately the Inhabitants of the house were got out safely. Civilians and police were quickly on the scene, and with the aid of a line of hose did great work. It was early apparent that the premises were doomed and the efforts of the workers were directed towards saving premises next door, occupied by Mr. Carter, and happily they were successful.

A railway porter named Sam Hanley, who was conspicuous for excellent work, together with another man, had a narrow escape from a falling floor. Others worthy of mention for heroic endeavour were Messrs. Peter Dallatt, Wm. Johnstone, and Constable Wright. The Coleraine fire brigade were communicated with and were ready to proceed to Ballymena is case the fire spread.

At a late hour the fire was still smouldering. The amount of the damage is computed to run into thousands, as apart from the saleable value of the property the place was well stocked.

Robert Starrs (oral history 18/08/24 and conversation 24/10/24) worked at his aunt’s (Violet Smyth) boarding house. Costs in 1948 were 10 shillings per day.

Violet put on plain teas and meat teas for the Lammas Fair. Robert would have helped Violet prepare the house for the serving of teas. Boarders had their bedrooms emptied to allow in trestle tables and chairs for serving teas – seating for around 50 in different rooms and halls.

On Lammas Fair day, Robert would have gone to Donnelly’s bakery (no.#? Castle Street) to restock pastries for customers.

Joan Lynn (18/11/24).

JMcC research.

Joan Lynn (18/11/24).

Kevin McAfee (10/12/24).

Working Group review 20/02/24.

A casino arcade with slot machines etc may have operated from no.44, for less than a year (Working Group review 20/02/24).