The previous post covered the 'Mile Dyke' wall that divides the golf links of Leven from those of Lundin. This post will look a little more at the events around the division of what was once a shared course. The photograph above, captured by John Patrick the Leven photographer, shows the former shared links. John Patrick returned to the scene on 29 November 1909 to visually record the opening of the new Leven course - going on to create a range of postcards days later, including of Major Shepherd driving the first ball (see advert below from the 1 December 1909 Leven Advertiser).
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Described in the same edition of the Leven Advertiser as "the end of an auld sang", the course division prompted mixed feelings among golfers. Many felt sorrow as they played their last round on the shared links, others relished the thought of the new challenge. The origins of the change date back to a meeting of the Joint Green Committee (made up of members drawn from the Innerleven, Leven Thistle and Lundin clubs) held on 8 August 1907. The question of applying for a renewal of the leases of the links with Sir John Gilmour and Mr R.M. Christie of Durie was raised (the leases being up at Martinmas 1909). While the renewal was being considered, the issue of congestion in the summer months was repeatedly raised. A sub-committee was created to look at potential solutions. Several schemes were considered. Ultimately, Sir John decided that a complete eighteen hole course should be laid out on the Lundin side.

This initially caused some consternation among the Leven golfers and left them little alternative but to do the same on the west side of the Mile Dyke. Negotiations opened up with Mr Christie of Durie and with Mr Russell of Silverburn. Eventually, terms were agreed with both men. The football ground to the north of Leven's bowling green and the Ladies golf course was taken in, as was a stretch of Silverburn ground. A new site was found for the Ladies golf course. The sketch below from the 30 June 1909 Leven Advertiser illustrates the new Leven layout, as set out by clubmaker Alex Patrick.
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Ground also had to be acquired on the Lundin side for the new full course there. Two fields from Sunnybraes Farm plus the Ladies golfing ground provided the necessary space. Champion golfer James Braid laid out the new Lundin Golf Course, an outline sketch of which is shown below. The Ladies were found a new location at the Standin' Stanes Park and an adjoining field. 
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The day of the opening ceremonies of the two new courses (Monday 29 November 1909) saw brilliant sunshine after an early morning mist had lifted. In an opening address, Major Shepherd stated that they had "just parted with a very old and dear friend whose every feature and peculiarity they had through long association become intimately acquainted with; a friend in whose company most of them had spent perhaps the pleasantest hours of their leisure; a friend whose memory would remain with them so long as they lived". 

It was also acknowledged in the address that course congestion had been a nuisance, especially in the summer months, at both ends of the course. Often there would be a wait of an hour or an hour and a half at the halfway point. For the Leven event, both John Patrick and Miss Mayor "took some striking shap-shots in connection with the opening ceremony". The above photograph by Mayor shows: standing from left to right - Mr J. Ogilvy Shepherd, Mr James Henderson, Mr John Adamson, Councillor T.T. Greig, and seated from left to right - Councillor Aitken, Major Shepherd and Mr J.C. Rolland.

Meanwhile, on the Lundin side, the course was opened with a speech by Sir John Gilmour who presented a golf club to Captain Benjamin Connell Cox (resident of Largo House) with which to drive the first ball.  The couples that set off behind the Captain and Vice-Captain were as follows....

The list includes quite a few familiar names - such as John Adam, Sam Duncan (proprietor of the Lundin Links Hotel), Andrew Masterton, Andrew Peebles, Robert Paxton, Andrew Somerville, and Dr Eggeling. Photographs of the event was captured by Robert Paxton and Mr A Hutt. Many of those listed above appear in the photograph below. The men seated from left to right are: 

Mr R.C. Paxton (ex-Captain)
Sir John Gilmour 
Mr B.C. Cox (Captain)
Mr George Russell (Vice-Captain)
Reverend D. Macmichael

On the far right standing is John Adam. Further below is an image of Benjamin Cox driving off the first tee. The trophy at stake for the inaugural day's play was a silver cup presented to the club by Cox. It was won by George Russell, with a score of 91 less 9 - 82. After the competition, the players adjourned to the Lundin Links Hotel for lunch. Being a November weekday, many of the Edinburgh contingent of summer visitors were not present. However, they sent a collective telegram wishing the new course every success. Also absent was club stalwart Thomas Nicoll due to ill-health. All agree that it had been a red-letter day and that despite the sentimentality regarding the old course, better sport would be provided by the new one.

In recent times the 'Mile Dyke' has been known for being the dividing point between the course of the Lundin Golf Club to the east and the Leven Links Golf Course to the west. However, the wall or 'dyke' itself predates both courses, going back to the eighteenth century. The 'Miledyke Wood' appears on the 1854 O.S. map (see below). And, in the accompanying O.S. Name Book, the Miledyke Wood is described as "A wood chiefly composed of oak, beech and elm trees, planted nearly a century ago on the estate of Lundin". Historically the dyke was a march wall that formed the boundary between the estates of Lundin and Durie. 
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Always a local landmark and notable point of reference, mentions of the Mile Dyke in the local newspapers often relate to property lost close to it - see examples below from the Leven Advertiser in the early 1900s. 
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However, most frequently, the Mile Dyke is mentioned in relation to golf. Leven Links dates back to 1846 and originally ended to the east at the Mile Dyke. It was extended beyond the dyke by 1868, towards Lundin Mill. Lundin Golf Club was instituted at the same time. The Mile Dyke thus became not a golfing boundary but a hazard in the centre of the green. A shared Leven-Lundin golf links arrangement meant that play started at both ends with a pause at the half-way point to take turn about. However, by the early years of the 20th century, the increasing popularity of golf locally led to frequent congestion and drastic change was required. In 1909, new full eighteen-hole courses opened at each end and the golf links was divided. James Braid designed the Lundin course, while Alex Patrick laid out the new Leven course. When an end came to the previous combined arrangement, the Mile Dyke reverted to its role as a boundary point.
 

The Leven Mail ran a poem about the Mile Dyke on 16 October 1946, penned by James Dingwall of Leven. Shown in full below, the humorous words highlight the robustness and longevity of the wall. The piece ends with the fitting statement that the Mile Dyke "will for lang years yet be seen".

The second 'Largo Arts Week' recently concluded and was once again blessed with warm and sunny weather. The successful inaugural event took place in 2019 but the follow-up Arts Week planned for 2020 had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Happily it was able to take place 17-25 July 2021 with some modifications. Once again the organisers and artists delivered a memorable event, showcasing a wealth of creative talent. It was great to see events and studios spread across the three villages. Well done to everyone involved!

The re-opening of the Crusoe and the launch of The Aurrie all added to the air of excitement. It was brilliant to see so much going on and folks out and about enjoying themselves. The addition of The Largo Obelisk, by Alan Faulds, atop the phone box at The Orry is a fantastic talking point. Look carefully at the detail and you will see Shuffle Katie, James Hope Young and Reverend David Malloch featured, among many other local characters and events. Read more about the detail of The Largo Obelisk here.

As a follow-up to the previous post about the Crusoe 300 event in August 1976, here are a few more images from the extensive programme of events that took place.  Perhaps the highest profile event that took place in Lundin Links was the 'It's A Knockout' competition that took place on Thursday 19th on the Common. This was an inter-village contest plus an inter-school contest, with Kirkland High School (The Crusoe Castaways) pitted against Buckhaven High School (The Buckhaven Buckaneers). In the photograph above the Elmwood Boarding House/Private Hotel can be seen in the background.

The Law Race took place on 17th August, leaving from 'Kirkton Park' (by the cricket ground) in Upper Largo.  The image above of the runners setting off shows the manse on the left and the East Lodge on the right. There were separate races for under 12s, 12-16 and over 16s. Below is the Gymkhana that was held in a field behind Horne's Service Station on 20th August.

On the 15th August, the Paraclan of Glenrothes did a free-fall parachute jump into Largo Bay close to the Pier (see photo above) while the previous day there had been a display of classic cars at Station Car Park (shown below).
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​Also on 15th was the above display on the Pier by the Fourth Royal Tank Regiment. Meanwhile, Lundin Links saw an 'American' tournament of tennis at Lundin Sports Club (in full flow in the image below). Something for everyone....

Forty five years ago this summer, an ambitious 10-day event took place in Largo to mark the tercentenary of the birth of Alexander Selkirk (the Largo-born inspiration for the character Robinson Crusoe). The 11 August 1976 East Fife Mail anticipated the event with headlines such as "Days of Fun and Frolic in East Fife" and "Crusoemania Hits the Coast", while informing readers that Crusoe would be seen in Largo once again. The curtain would rise on Friday 13th August with Crusoe stepping ashore at the Pier with "attendant savages". And by 2 a.m. the next morning "the festival will have been well and truly launched at a barbecue followed by a dance" in the Crusoe Hotel.

The programme - which must have been a long time in the planning - can be seen below. After opening with a bang on the Friday evening, the Saturday saw a funfair and vintage car parade and the Sunday a Jazz Band performance and water sports event, among other things. Every day of the week there were activities of all types going on, from a magic lantern show to a Radio Forth Disco, and from a car treasure hunt to Gala Ball. Seaside favourites such as a sand castle contest and Punch and Judy shows were also included. An exhibition of Selkirk artefacts and information was on throughout in the Loomshop Gallery. The grand finale on the closing day was the memorable event of 'Flying off the Pier".
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As well as events in Lower Largo, neighbouring villages Lundin Links and Upper Largo joined in the fun with goings-on there too. Tennis, squash, bowls, dramatic performances at the Montrave Hall and an 'It's a Knock Out' on the Common were highlights in Lundin Links. Meanwhile, Upper Largo put on events in the Kirk, the Simpson Institute and the Stables, as well as the traditional Law Race and a Gymkhana. Chairman of the organising committee was Don Beaton who praised the committee members and organisers from all the villages and said that the aim was to offer something for everyone.

​The following week's local newspaper (18 August) reported on how events had gone so far with a front page splash and further detail on the inner pages, including the pictures below. The opening event grabbed most of the column inches. Around 2,000 onlookers watched the spectacle of a ragged "Robinson Crusoe" (a role played by John Aberdein) swimming ashore into the harbour, while a fearsome welcoming party in seaweed-covered canoes tried to impede him. The hero also scaled the wall of the Crusoe Hotel, while saving his faithful companion "Man Friday" up a rope from a "host of head-hunting Largo savages" to the delighted cheers of the huge crowd. This was the opening event of the "frenzied ten days of Crusoe carousing".

Other events at the adventurous end of the scale were the 'water jump' (trying to jump as far off the pier as possible), pillow fights on a log over the water and climbing along a rope over the harbour before trying to drop through hula hoops in the water. One of the more sedate events took place at Largo and Newburn Parish Church, where a united service themed around Alexander Selkirk was held. Extracts were read from the Kirk Session records featuring Selkirk's misdemeanours. All the local ministers (Reverends Lister, Dyer and Campbell) all took part. The final day - Sunday 22 August - saw the popular 'Flying Off the Pier' challenge bring the Crusoe 300 celebrations to a close. Roger Linton of the East of Fife Round Table can be seen in the photograph below executing his entry in the man powered flight contest. His was deemed the best attempt, winning him the Votz Zellat trophy.
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Once the Crusoe 300 extravaganza had drawn to a close, the 25 August East Fife Mail concluded their three weeks of coverage with the verdict that the "marathon of fun and games" had been a "great success". There was talk of a yearly Crusoe Festival week, although it was recognised that the tercentenary had been on a scale that would be unlikely to be replicated. Two important aspects of the event were also noted - the money raised that would form a common fund for the three villages for the improvement and provision of amenities, plus the contact made with Chilean nationals on an island many thousands of miles distant. The committee chair commented: "I think Alexander Selkirk would have approved".
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The previous post looked at the early life of local joiner and building contractor, Robert 'Bert' Band. In this part, we pick up his life story in 1958, when Robert and his wife Catherine's first child Jane was born. In the same year the family moved into a newly built local authority house at 11 Woodlaw Park in Upper Largo. Soon after moving to Upper Largo, Robert was offered a job with Robert (Bob) Donaldson's joinery firm in the village. He worked for Donaldson's for the next seven or so years. During this time, the young John Donaldson joined the business and was apprentice to Robert Band.

In the 1960s the family expanded with the arrival of Neil in 1960, John in 1964 and Helen in 1967. The mid-60s saw Robert build nine timber 4-berth chalets at the caravan park, as well as a shop. In 1968, Robert made the decision to become self-employed. The same year saw the family move to 15 Pitcruvie Park in Lundin Links and saw further development at the caravan park - with the construction of purpose-built ladies and gents toilets and showers and the conversion of the cottage back into a dwelling. 

Early jobs as a self-employed joiner included alterations to Briary Cottage on Upper Largo's North Feus (forming a large roof dormer and attic bedrooms). There was also the conversion of cotter houses at Blinkbonny. As Robert's reputation and work load grew, he employed his first two joiners, Bruce Sibbald and Roy Jamieson and expanded his workshop at the caravan site. The three men set off further afield than usual in 1971 for a job up in Sutherland - at a croft named Rhinivie at Bettyhill. The project, to modernise a cottage, was for Mrs Jean Barclay, owner of Barclay Brothers builders in Colinsburgh. The following year Robert built his own home, seen through the viaduct arch in the postcard image below, with the balcony, and named it Rhinivie. This was completed in October 1972 and became the family home for many years.

In 1973, Jean Barclay sold Barclay Brothers builders, including their yard in Colinsburgh (previously the site of a gasworks), to Robert Band. The firm Robert Band Limited was formed. Barclay's foreman builder and stonemason, Victor Howie and another employee, Thomas Myles, stayed with Robert Band's firm for many years. The firm took on its largest project to date in 1975, after winning the contract to upgrade and modernise John Wood's Hospital in Upper Largo. The work involved taking the building back to its outer shell, aside from the central hall, constructing new rear stairwells, replacing windows and forming new flats at both ground and first floor levels. The John Wood Trust had sold the nearby farm of Monturpie to finance the project. 

The business was something of a family affair, with Robert's wife Catherine assisting with the paperwork and eldest son Neil joining the firm in 1976 as a joiner apprentice. Many apprentices were taken on over the years in various trades. They attended day release at Kirkcaldy Technical College, while learning practical skills on site or in the workshop. Many apprentices won the annual 'Best Apprentice Award' for their chosen trade at the college and many stayed on with the firm long-term. At its height 25-30 tradesmen and apprentices in joinery, brickwork/stone masonry, slating/tiling and plastering were employed. Robert Band Limited carried out a great number of projects throughout Central and East Fife. Among the notable projects in the Largo area were: 

• Various alterations to the Lundin Links Hotel, including the cutting down in height of the large redundant chimneys, roof repairs, and internal upgrading of the main stairwell.
• Alterations to the Old Manor Hotel, including the removal of the entrance conservatory and its replacement on the original stone base with a steel framed and slated roof vestibule, plus work on the function rooms and upgrading of the chef's cottage (later the separate restaurant known for a while as The Coachman's).
• Works to upgrade the Upper Largo Hotel - covered in the 14 January 1976 East Fife Mail (see below).
• Upgrading of the Montrave Hall to add new masonry outer skin and tiled roof.
• Repair and reconstruction work to Sir Andrew Wood's Tower (which received a Saltire Award).
• Alterations and extension to the Durham Hall.
• Alterations to East Lodge, Church Place, Upper Largo and adjacent former Largo House laundry.
• Alterations to the Royal Bank of Scotland in Lundin Links, including extending the bank into the adjacent former Gulland's Tea Rooms (the bank manager's garage on Crescent Road being turned into a temporary bank (later becoming The Finishing Touch curtains and blinds supplier).
• The construction of the lower section of Seatoun Place in Lower Largo.

The image above shows Seatoun Place phase one in 1984 close to completion. The intention had been for Seatoun Place to be a two-phase development, with the development of the former mill dam area being the second phase. However, before that could happen, Robert Band Ltd was forced into liquidation, as a result of non-payment for works carried out earlier to modernise 40 flats and cottages at Denbeath. One sad day in 1985, the plant, equipment, vehicles and property belonging to the firm were sold.

After taking some time to regroup, Robert and Neil Band formed a new joinery business, working mainly from their own workshop at Dumbarnie Farm, outside Upper Largo. A notable job was to carry out alterations to 'The Grange' on South Feus. Robert and Catherine Band bought the former market garden and small cottage adjoining 60 Main Street, Upper Largo. Their younger son, John, drew up the plans for turning this into a larger dwelling in 1987 and the house was given the address 60B Main Street.

Bert Band retired in the late 1990s to enjoy life with Catherine and his growing number of grandchildren. He passed away on 10 February 2009, aged 74, and was buried in Upper Largo cemetery. His former apprentice, John Donaldson, carried out the funeral, remarking that of all the funerals he had overseen, this one had been the hardest. Many of Bert's former employees were in attendance to pay their respects to the man who had made them the tradesmen and men that they had become. 

Known to most as Bert, Robert Band was a local joiner and building contractor remembered fondly by many. Over the decades, he worked on a huge range of local buildings around Largo and beyond. Based for many years under the viaduct, at the caravan park at Lower Largo, he was the developer of Seatoun Place. This two-part post will look at Robert's life - beginning with the early years in this first part, before moving on to look in more detail at some of the projects he completed as a self-employed joiner and contractor, and his later life, in part two.

​Robert was born on 10 October 1934, at his maternal grandparents, William and Isabella Beveridge's, small holding at Muirtonhills in the Parish of Auchterderran, Fife (a model of the small holding, made by Robert's son John, is shown below). His parents, Neil and Helen Band lived on the adjacent Pitcairn Farm where Neil was a cattleman and ploughman. Such an occupation meant that the family moved around various farms, following opportunities of work. In 1947, they arrived in Lundin Mill, where they resided in a tied cottage associated with Lundin Mill Farm, located in the long-demolished Paradise Row, off Mill Wynd.  

The image above shows Paradise Row, to the left of centre, behind the line of washing and in front of the higher building behind. It ​also shows the home to which the Band family moved the following year. Known as Dunkirk Cottages this building is in the centre of the photograph which the light coloured frontage facing towards 'Paradise Row'. Lundin Mill Farm House can be seen in the distance to the right of Dunkirk (directly above the horse). Robert attended Leven Secondary School in Mitchell Street, where he showed a flair for woodwork. On leaving school in 1948, aged 14, he began a joinery apprenticeship with Robert (Bob) Stout at Aberhill Joinery on Wellesley Road. During his apprenticeship Robert made hundreds of sliding sash windows, staircases, doors, etc and made many a trip down to Donaldson's Sawmill for timber (using only a two-wheeled hand cart). 

Upon completing his apprenticeship, Robert went straight into his National Service. He enlisted in 1955 with the 67th training regiment at Hadrian's Camp, Carlisle, where he completed his basic training, before passing out and joining the Life Guards. He was granted leave to marry Catherine Philp on 9 June 1955 at Largo Parish Church (see notice below from the 18 June 1955 Dundee Courier). Robert had assisted Catherine's parents, who owned the Largo Bay caravan site, to develop their site. He helped with alterations to the former Mill Cottage to create toilets, a shower block, site shop and office, as well as construction of the garage/workshop alongside this. The images further below show Robert in his uniform at Largo Bay Caravan Park, while on leave to be married (left) and Robert and Catherine as newly-weds in 1956 by the viaduct at Lower Largo (right). Their first home was a Travelmaster caravan on the Philps' caravan site, situated on the spot where the family would build their own home years later.
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Less than one month after marrying, Assault Trooper Robert Band (service number 2312506) was flown to Egypt, to be part of the military force defending the canal zone there. He spent his 21st birthday on the banks of the Suez Canal. A spell in Cyprus followed and, later, time at Combermere Barracks in Windsor where Robert qualified as a regimental cook. After serving 2 years and 22 days with the Life Guards, his military service came to an end. Despite being asked to become a professional soldier with the regiment, Robert was eager to return to his civilian life as a joiner. He resumed employment with Bob Stout as a foreman joiner in charge of the new local authority housing scheme at Muiredge, Buckhaven. Remaining on the army reserve list for four years, he was never recalled. Part two to follow....
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For many a decade adverts for A.K. Melville could be found in the local papers, such as the ones shown above. The advertisements usually included an illustration of one of the latest fashions. They evolve over time, reflecting the changing seasons and changing fashions. But who was A. K. Melville?

Born in Largo on 8 June 1874, in the Crusoe Buildings, Lower Largo, Alexander Kirk Melville was a son of fisherman David Melville and his wife Elizabeth Ballingall. Alexander was aged eleven when he left school to enter the employment of George Swan Rodger, the Upper Largo draper. After four years learning the trade there, Alexander made the move to Kirkcaldy. He gained experience with three firms there, as well as shorter spells in Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness and Edinburgh. When completing his apprenticeship in Kirkcaldy all his wages went on board and lodgings. So, when he wanted to go back to Largo to visit his large family, he had to walk there. His parents provided the fare for a return journey. 

In 1896, the Melville family experienced tragedy, when Alexander's father David was drowned in a fishing accident, along with two others - David's brother Thomas Melville and his brother-in-law, Thomas Ballingall. The newspaper piece from 29 February St Andrews Citizen described the circumstances of the accident and the aftermath. The crew of another boat righted the upset boat and returned to Largo with the one body that could be found - alerting Reverend David Malloch and Reverend William Pulford to the situation. These clergymen broke the news to the affected families. David Melville's widow Elizabeth died later the same year aged 51.

In the summer of 1900, Alexander took over Mr Whytehead's Hatter and Hosiery Shop at 118 High Street, Kirkcaldy. He began with a 14-day 'transfer sale' where he offered "every article at immense reductions" (see advert above from 4 August 1900 Fife Free Press). The following year, he married Elizabeth Clark, a native of Limekilns. The couple would go on to have two sons and a daughter. The business established itself as one of great quality and service and this was reflected in the firm's advertisements (see selection below).

On 2 September 1951, Alexander and Elizabeth Melville celebrated the occasion of their Golden Wedding in Anthony's Hotel, with their children and grandchildren. Three of Alexander's brothers were also present at the event. However, his Best Man had been his elder brother Peter, who was killed in the First World War. Among the reflections made on the Golden Wedding day, Mr Melville noted how he recalled the unveiling of the Robinson Crusoe statue in Lower Largo as a youth. 

​Just two months later, Alexander passed away at the age of 77. The Fifeshire Advertiser paid tribute to him as someone who "set his foot firmly on the bottom rung of the ladder whose topmost heights he reached through diligence and hard work". Local press also noted that he was also a keen follower of Raith Rovers Football Club and the Fife Flyers and someone who enjoyed gardening and golf (he laid out a 9-hole green on the lawn at his home). Alexander's widow Elizabeth moved to Lundin Links, living at Homestead on Woodlands Road. She died in 1968, aged 89. Son Hugo also lived in Lundin Links, at 'Gartly' on Station Road.
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The shop in the centre of the above image is Robert Hannan Melville's business  as a plumber, tinsmith and gasfitter. Born in East Lothian around 1835, Robert followed in the footsteps of his father Samuel Melville who was also a tinsmith and plumber. Samuel had been based for many years at the Shorehead in Leven but was working in Largo by around 1860. Following his father's death in 1863, Robert took over the business. Below is an early example of either father or son's work - a miner's head lamp, stamped 'Melville Largo'. 

Robert's wife Agnes Oatman, who he had married in 1860, died in 1864, two days after the birth of their daughter Agnes. Robert remained at their home on Kirkton of Largo's Main Street, which was known as Melville Cottage.  In 1871 Robert was living with his three daughters, Catherine, Isabella and Agnes and a domestic servant. He was described as a 'master plumber employing one man and one boy'. He remarried in 1874 to Margaret McDonald. In 1881, the household was recorded as Robert (plumber employing 1 man and 3 boys), Margaret and 17-year-old Isabella, who was a pupil teacher. Eldest daughter Catherine was working as a nurse in Glasgow at the time, while youngest daughter Agnes was working in Edinburgh as a domestic servant.

​In 1885, 21-year-old Agnes Melville married Peter Blackhall, a journeyman plumber, in Upper Largo. The following year, their daughter Agnes Oatman Blackhall was born. Tragically, history repeated itself, with the baby's mother Agnes dying days later. Young Agnes was raised by her grandparents Robert and Margaret Melville. At the time of the 1891 census, 4-year-old Agnes Blackhall was living at Melville Cottage with Robert and Margaret.

Among the buildings that Robert Melville provided plumbing services for were: restoration work at Largo Parish Church, a new farm steading at Pratis Farm, Emsdorf Street's Bellville, work on G.S. Rodger's Upper Largo shop and many of the new villas built in the locality. Often he competed for work with another Kirkton plumber, Alexander Wilson.  

By 1901, the household at Melville Cottage comprised just 66-year-old Robert and 14-year-old Agnes, know going by the name Agnes Melville. Margaret Melville had passed away in 1898. Young Agnes was described as 'Assistant Shop Keeper (China)'. Alexander Allan ran a neighbouring china shop. Agnes (or Aggie) became a keen collector of postcards around this time. A selection of those she received during her late teens are shown below.

In 1911, Robert's eldest daughter Catherine (a maternity nurse) was living with him and he was listed as a 'plumber and gas fitter'. Granddaughter Agnes was by now in Glasgow, working as a hospital nurse and back to using the surname Blackhall. Robert Melville died on 15 November 1916, aged 82. Eldest daughter Catherine became owner of Melville Cottage and the other buildings that belonged to her father. Second daughter, Isabella, was married to Leven postmaster Alexander Hunter. Agnes Blackhall (the 'Miss Melville' of the postcards below) died in 1958, unmarried, having devoted her life to her nursing career.

With their imposing facades fronting onto Victoria Road, the symmetrical pair of double villas shown above were from left to right originally named St Margaret's, Mount Vernon, Aird Bank and St Catherine's. The former pair are dated 1897 and the latter 1896. All were built under the instruction of enterprising local joiner and contractor Walter Horne. The newspaper piece from 1 July 1897 Leven Advertiser below details the stage of the development at that time, noting that:

"Coming from the station, the eye is at once arrested by the appearance of the double villas which have been erected by Mr W. Horne. The building on the right is sold, the other is hardly complete; they are of uniform design, rounded off with turrets at each end. Behind this, Mr Archibald M. White has almost finished a handsome self-contained villa, set off with oriels on each side of the entrance."

The 'self-contained villa' mentioned as being behind the main development is Lindisfarne (obscured and unseen in the above photo). Mount Vernon (left of centre, with the turret, now 10 Links Road) was run as a boarding house from newly built. Its entrance was on Station Road (now Links Road) - as seen in the image further below.

The first owner of Mount Vernon was Liverpool-born David Simpson. His joiner and cabinet-maker father had been born in Markinch but moved to Lancashire as a young man. David junior returned to his father's place of birth and became a partner at Balbirnie Wool Mill. In 1897, he married Mary Forrester, in the Crusoe Hotel, which had been run by Mary's parents John and Jane Forrester for many years. John had died in 1896 and, while Jane had taken over the Crusoe licence initially, she soon left the hotel to run Mount Vernon as a boarding house.

At the time of the 1901 census, David and Mary Simpson were living in St Margaret's with their two infant daughters, while Mary's 73-year-old mother Jane was next door at Mount Vernon. Jane ran the boarding house with two of her other daughters, Isabella and Lucy and a couple of her grand-daughters. When Jane died in 1902 aged 74, another of her daughters, Jeannie Hodge Forrester, took over the running of Mount Vernon.

​Jeannie (who died in 1940 aged 81) continued to be in charge there until the early 1920s, when Mrs Agnes Watters became proprietrix. It is Mrs Watters' name that appears on the advert below. By 1935 Mrs Watters was running both Mount Vernon and Victoria Boarding House . She still had both businesses in 1940. I imagine that one or both properties would have had some use during the Second World War as billets for soldiers.  

So why the name 'Mount Vernon'? Well, first owner, David Simpson, was born in Liverpool. In the city there is a district known as Mount Vernon which his family lived close to. The use of this name in Liverpool dates back to circa 1800. This seems linked to the fact that, in 1799, George Washington, the first President of the United States, died. His Virginia home was named Mount Vernon.  At that time there were strong links between Liverpool and the east coast of the USA and a ship named 'Mount Vernon' regularly sailed between the two places. A road in the growing city of Liverpool became known as Mount Vernon Place and the name has continued to be used to this day. Incidentally, the reason for George Washington's home being named Mount Vernon was that George's half-brother Lawrence, who owned the property prior to him, served under Admiral Edward Vernon during the War of Jenkins' Ear and renamed his estate in honour of his former commanding officer.