In Part One of this series, on the history of the Crusoe Hotel, the origins of the building as a granary in the 1820s were covered, as well as the establishment of an inn. Early innkeepers included George Duff and Alexander Selkirk but it seems probable that James Gilchrist was the innkeeper to introduce the 'Crusoe Hotel' name to the establishment in the early 1870s. In 1881, former farmer John Forrester began his long run as hotelkeeper. Born in Newburn in 1820, to William Forrester and Jane Hodge, John was a farmer until the age of 60.

He had just completed a seven year lease at Auchendownie Farm prior to taking over the Crusoe Hotel. Perhaps it's no coincidence that a former agriculturalist should take over an inn within a granary building that he would have known well. Hotel-keeping offered an alternative occupation for his later years, as well as employment for his wife and children (some of whom would continue in hospitality for the rest of their lives). A number of changes to the building took place during Forrester's tenure. Looking at the pair of photographs above, there are several differences.

The top image dates to circa 1880 and the lower one to closer to 1900. As demand for granary storage space declined, but the need for visitor accommodation rose, the hotel expanded into the attic floor of the seaward end of the building. New larger dormer windows were created, a new slate roof put on and new chimney pots added. The hotel exterior was freshly painted and its sign spruced up. The later image features the 1888-constructed fishermen's bothy set into the wall by the pier as well as the 1894 station building (elevated to the left). The chimneys of the circa 1890 Edina View can been seen just about the Hotel roof.

The shift in use of the building from granary, to hotel and other leisure pursuits, didn't end there. In 1890 a 'smoking concert' or 'smoker' took place in the granary loft. In aid of the Lundin Golf Club building fund, this event saw a "bevy of ladies" convert the space into "a beautiful apartment decorated with flags and bannerettes, floral devices and trophies of clubs and cleeks". Over 150 visitors and residenters were present. The Dundee Courier of 26 August elaborated further and included an accompanying sketch (below) of the scene at Largo pier:

"For the first time in its existence, Largo indulged one night last week in the luxury of a "smoking concert." ...The old Crusoe Hotel was gaily decorated with flags, and the interior...was very prettily set out with floral decorations, mottoes, and lanterns.....It is fully expected that the proceeds from the concert will free the clubhouse from debt."

Such was the success of the event that it evolved into the "Annual Festival of the Lundin Golf Club" running over a few days in what was now being referred to as the "Hall of the Crusoe Hotel Buildings". The 1891 festival involved not only a smoking concert in the granary but also a 'children's frolic' for 200 youngsters and a dance for adults. The song below, composed by a golf club member, was sung at the concert. Note the people mentioned in the song include architect and regular visitor Peter Lyle Henderson (who did go on to become Captain of the Lundin Golf Club) and William Hearsey Salmon of Homelands, who was Captain of the Lundin Ladies Golf Club in 1891. The 'good old Crusoe' is honoured in the final verse.

The following year, 1892, the Crusoe was decorated with "Moorish Temple decorations" for the Golf Club Festival. Each evening's entertainment saw the railway viaduct "illuminated by lime lights". Large flags were supplied by Mr Clapperton of Edinburgh. A new golfing song had been composed by club poet Robert Johnstone. Again there was a concert, a children's frolic and a golfers' dance. The new song for '92 includes reference to "Crusoe's charming hall" and the "jolly golfers". The final verse, printed in the 1 September 1892 Fifeshire Journal, was as follows:
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Now let all the wide world know
That the charms of Largo grow
Ev'ry year there are new "beauties" to behold; 
Since our Ladies Links were made
There is quite a grand parade
Of our charmers, who at Golf can ne'er grow old

By 1893, the hall in the Crusoe Building, was referred to as the "Band Hall" because the Largo Brass Band had taken a lease there. Other tenants of the granary portion of the building were Thomas Buttercase (Potato Merchant) and Gordon the Poulterer from Leven. For the smoking concert in the Band Hall, once again a new golfing song was composed. The lyrics are shown below and once again feature Peter Lyle Henderson and the old Crusoe.

The two images above, taken on Leven Links with Largo Law in the background, appeared in the 25 March 1892 edition of Golf Illustrated. The two men are Archibald Smith (dark jacket) and James Kerr, who were both one-armed golfers belonging to Leven Thistle Club. One of the images also includes two young caddies. These men were proficient one-armed golfers well before the days of the First World War and the Society of One-Armed Golfers which later came into being because so many men lost limbs in that conflict.

Archibald Smith, son of local blacksmith John Smith, was born in Leven in 1852. By the age of 19 he was working as an apprentice boiler maker. This line of work took him to Glasgow for a spell before the depression of trade brought about by the failure of the City of Glasgow Bank in 1878. That year, he returned to his native Leven and found employment attending to the breaker machine at Hawkslaw Mill. Shortly after his return, an accident took place there involving that machine, which required the amputation of his right arm at the age of 26. Mill owners Messrs Boase continued to employ Archibald as a timekeeper. Having been a keen golfer, he was keen to continue to play and became a prominent member of Leven Thistle Club.

Coincidentally, James Kerr had lost his right arm in an accident on the very same breaking machine several years earlier. As a boy of 13 in 1871, James was already working at Hawkslaw mill. His income was important for his family, as his father had drowned in the River Leven in 1868 while trying to rescue a small boy. The young James Kerr's right hand was severed in the machine and an amputation was carried out above the elbow. However, the resourceful lad learned how to write with his left hand and in time rose to a position of trust at the Durie Foundry.

Having mastered the pen, James took up golf and to the surprise of his friends proved to have great dexterity in wielding the driver and the cleek. He had worked as a golf caddy as a younger boy and recalled the move of the Innerleven Golf Club from Dubbieside to the green at Leven when he was about nine years old. In 1877 he joined Leven Thistle Club, becoming Secretary the following year. He went on to be Captain on three occasions. In spite of his injury at such a young age, James Kerr went on to have thirteen sons and a daughter, and the poem below was written about him by club mate David Jackson (29 Sept 1909 Leven Advertiser).
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The Society of One-Armed Golfers was formed on 12 November 1932 in Glasgow, when sixteen men met at the inaugural meeting, held the offices of solicitor Archibald Pollock. The previous year had seen the first national meeting of one-armed golfers, when a contest at Moor Park attracted 38 competitors. Initially established for golfers who had lost limbs in the First World War, the Society, which is still active today, has since evolved to include those who have been affected by any condition, accident or incident resulting in the person being able to play with only one arm. 

Membership of the Society had reached around 75 people when events were paused during the years of the Second World War. Activity resumed in 1946 with a full meeting at St Andrews, involving 34 players. A pattern was established whereby an annual World Open Golf Championship was played in June on rotation between England or Wales, Scotland and Ireland. ​Back in 1949, the championship was held at Lundin Links. The photograph shows the competitors with one of trophies being played for, with Lundin Golf Club House in the background. Circled in the version of the photograph below is James Hunter Aitken (1896-1982) who was aged 54 in 1949. He lost his right arm in the First World War. It was his grandson who kindly shared this fantastic image.
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The 15 June 1949 Leven Mail reported on the occasion and some key results are given above. Mr G. Jackson of Kent triumphed in the main championship, while Australia's J.B. Todd won the President's Prize. A Team Championship Cup was also played for, and Scotland triumphed in that (see 9 June Dundee Courier below). The whole series of events was rounded off with a dinner at the Lundin Links Hotel, at which the awards were handed out by the then Captain of Lundin Golf Club, Fred Horne. Present at the award ceremony were representatives from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and 'Golf Monthly' magazine.

The Team Championship Cup was displayed in the window of a Kinghorn butcher's shop, as local councillor John McDougall had captained the Scottish winning team. Councillor McDougall was also elected President of the Society for the year ahead. Below are more-detailed images of the group. The British One-Armed Golf Championship returned to Lundin Links fifty years later in 1999.  If anyone has further information about either event held at Lundin Links or any of the individuals seen in the photograph, please do comment or get in touch.

Interestingly, half a century before this 1949 event, earlier one-armed golfers had been photographed on these links. More on that in the next post....
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​Largo's third Arts Week took place 16-24 July 2022 and, like the first event in 2019 and the second in 2021, the weather was (mostly) kind.  With 66 artists exhibiting in 36 open studios, a varied programme of live events and a painting challenge open to all, this was a fantastic community effort and a real treat to visit. The Friday night was a particularly memorable highlight - with an open-air concert for the community at the harbour. Live retro 80s music rocked the pier, echoing far and wide and inspiring spontaneous singing and dancing. And that was only one of three live events taking place that evening, with entertainment on simultaneously at the Upper Largo Hotel and the Aurrie. Many thanks to all involved in making the week happen. It's now part of Largo's history.

It was brilliant to see both the Aurrie and the revamped Crusoe thriving one year on from their respective openings in July 2021. The Largo Bay Art Society also put on a super exhibition in the Montrave Hall. 

​The 2023 Largo Arts Week will take place 15-22 July 2023.

​www.largoartsweek.com/
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On 18 August 1874 a marriage took place at Largo House between Robert Rintoul and Margaret Jack Jeffrey. Robert was the Glasgow-born proprietor of Lahill House (pictured above) and Margaret the daughter of John Jeffrey the Kirkcaldy linen manufacturer. The Jeffreys had taken the tenancy of Largo House in 1872 and had become well-known in the Largo area. After their marriage, Robert and Margaret settled at Lahill and in 1878 their daughter Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul was born. She would go on to become a pioneering ornithologist along with her great friend Evelyn Baxter. Two years later, on 30 March 1880, another daughter, Jane Helen (known as Jean) was born at Lahill. 

The 1881 census recorded the household at Lahill Mansion House. Robert was described as a "Proprietor farming 726 acres of which 706 are arable, employing 15 men, 14 women and 2 boys". In addition to Robert, Margaret and their two young daughters, the household included a cook, house maid, table maid and nurse. There was also a visitor - cousin of Margaret, Charles Maxton, a linen manufacturer. Other staff were living in the Lahill Coachman's House and Lodge House. Two years later, in 1883, a son was born - Andrew Jeffrey Rintoul. Robert Rintoul (who had been the very first Captain of Lundin Golf Club when it was first founded in 1868, having learned golf on Dubbieside links) died on 26 January 1887 just before his son's fourth birthday. 
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Growing up Leonora and Jean were educated privately and had the opportunity to travel on the continent. At home, they were often mentioned in the papers as "the Misses Rintoul" when attending social occasions. Jean also featured in newspaper reports for her pianoforte solos and theatrical performances. On example above is from the 29 June 1899 Leven Advertiser in relation to a fund-raising event in Kirkcaldy. Perhaps it was at such an event that Jean met her future husband.

On 4 August 1910, Jean married Captain Thomas Kershaw Gaskell of the 89th Punjabis at Upper Largo Parish Church. She was 30 years old and he was 39. Reverend Duncan Macmichael and Reverend James Robert Burt (Macmichael's predecessor) officiated. Sister Leonora was a witness. The 6 August Fifeshire Advertiser described the wedding as "fully choral" and noted that there was "a large and fashionable assemblage" at this "pretty wedding".

Thomas Kershaw Gaskell was born on 1 October 1870 in Portsea, Portsmouth, one of 8 children. His father, also Thomas, was in the army and this required the family to move frequently, including a spell in Cupar in the late 1870s when young Thomas was still a boy. So he had a connection to Fife from an early age. Thomas junior served as Lieutenant in the Suffolk Artillery Militia from 1890 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers on 19 October 1892. He was promoted Lieutenant in the Indian Staff Corps on 12 January 1896, whilst serving with the 29th Burma Infantry. He was made a Captain with the 89th Punjabis on 19 October 1901. He was still a Captain at the time of his marriage.

Now widowed, Jean continued her active life in the Largo community and beyond. The newspaper archives record her opening fetes, hosting social events, assisting in the Girls Guildry, being involved in church events, presiding over the East of Fife group of the W.R.I., being part of the wartime work parties making provisions for the troops, acting on the Kirkton of Largo school management committee and continuing to entertain by playing the piano. In some of these endeavours she was joined by her sister Leonora Rintoul and friend Evelyn Baxter, both of whom were also extremely prominent in the W.R.I..

Another of Jean's interests was the newly-created Scotland's Gardens Scheme (a scheme which continues today). She acted as organiser of the scheme for Fife in 1930s and 1940s. Gardens were opened to the public in order to raise money for the Nursing Association.  Jean was able to arrange for gardens at houses such as Lahill, Strathairly and Cambo to be open to visitors. The notice below from the 10 April 1937 St Andrews Citizen notes an opening of the Lahill gardens - often timed to show the daffodils at their best each year.

In 1940, Jean bought Grove Cottage in Upper Largo, which was adjacent to both her sister's home, Balsusney, and the home of Evelyn Baxter, The Grove. The three properties can be seen in the map below. 
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In February 1943 Jean Gaskell was co-opted as a member for Largo and Newburn of the Anstruther District Council. The same year she was Secretary of the Wings for Victory committee for Largo. A few years later she funded the building of a hut within the grounds of the manse at Newburn Church to be used as a community hall. Groups using the hall included the Newburn Women's Guild and the Newburn Men's Club. 

In the weeks immediately prior to her death she conducted the opening ceremony of the Robinson Crusoe Social Club's Sale of Work in the Club House at Mill Wynd (see 11 Feb 1948 notice below from Leven Advertiser). She also attended a meeting of the local housing committee and made a recommendation which resulted in the naming of Durham Crescent (see 10 January 1948 Courier below). The Housing Supervisor had suggested the name Crusoe Crescent but Mrs Gaskell thought the Crusoe name was already overused and made her alternative suggestion.

When Jean Gaskell died on 27 March 1948 at St Margaret's  just days before her 68th birthday, the official record of her death described her as a 'housewife' but there was so much more to this talented, independent, community-spirited lady. Aside from the pursuits mentioned above, there were no doubt many other strands to her activities. Unfortunately, I have been unable to unearth a photograph of Mrs Gaskell so far - if anyone has a photo of her, please do get in touch.

The previous post looked at Largo Cricket Club's four-and-a-bit season run from 1949 to 1953. After that time the club went into abeyance for three decades before being revived in 1983. It was Yorkshireman, Peter Norton, who was living in Largo, that played a pivotal role in the resurrection of the club, along with a number of keen locals. Initially, games were played at Silverburn on the outskirts of Leven (where apparently donkey droppings had to be cleared from the grass before play). Some play also took place at Waid Academy in Anstruther. However, after three years, the club made a return to their Upper Largo playing field at East Drive (pictured above).

The 10 May 1986 Courier piece below tells of the inaugural game at the ground, which was due to take place the following day. The article noted that the return to the home ground had been made possible through a combination of the efforts of local people, funding from North East Fife District Council and the agreement of land owner Charles Makgill Crichton. The opening gala day saw Largo play against "Fife's most famous cricketers" Freuchie Cricket Club. Just the year before, in 1985, the Freuchie side had risen to fame by winning the National Village Championship at Lord's, with a victory against a side from Surrey.

Around 500 people attended this special occasion but unfortunately the Largo team went down by 135 runs to 66 against the National Village Champions. This was in spite of a guest appearance for Largo by Mike Denness the former England and Kent cricket captain. Denness was, and remains, the only England captain to have been born in Scotland. Scotland did not have an international team at the time of his career.

Freuchie's George Wilson was man of the match. President of Largo C.C. Andrew Duncan was delighted that such a high profile opening match could be arranged at the new ground. There was a "carnival atmosphere" with side shows, beer tent, teas and coffees. Since that day many visiting clubs have enjoyed the hospitality and picturesque surroundings of the East Drive ground. ​The Largo club's second period in existence continues its almost 40 year unbroken run to this day. You can read more about recent club history here and on the club's website: www.largocc.org.uk/. Long may the club's second run continue.....
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Largo Cricket Club has been active in two distinct phases. It first existed for a few years shortly after the Second World War. Reformed in 1983, the club's second phase continues to the present day. More than seven decades ago, the 12 January 1949 Leven Mail announced that in Largo a "band of enthusiasts" had started a cricket club and had "acquired a suitable field for play near the Church". On 2 February, the same paper told of the club's "first public appearance" when they hosted a whist drive. This event took place on 20 January 1949 in the Simpson Institute and was attended by 130 people. The Club's Honorary Secretary George N. Donaldson presided and Mrs Muriset of the Lundin Links Hotel presented the prizes. Club President, and minister of Largo Parish Church, Reverend C.W. Fraser thanked Mrs Muriset and all those who had helped to make the occasion a success. 
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The first season included a match against R.A.F. Leuchars in August 1949. The same month a fund-raising dance was held in the Simpson Institute (see notice below). On 12 October 1949, the Leven Mail reported on a "successful first season" which had consisted of six wins, eleven losses and eight draws. Leading averages for the season were listed (see below).
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The fixtures for the club's second season were listed in the 8 February 1950 Leven Mail (see below). A fund-raiser that year was a Grand Fete at Lundin Links Common followed by another dance at the Simpson Institute (the 19 July 1950 notice from the Leven Mail is further below). At that point, everything seems to have been going well for the fledgling club.

The third season, which began in April 1951, saw a new Honorary Secretary take over. This was Harry Williams of Jesmond House, Upper Largo. Below is a list of the fixtures lined up for that year. Social events that year included a November concert in Simpson Institute and Ne'er Day dance to see in 1952. The year that followed would bring change for the club. Perhaps those involved already had an inkling of what was to come, given that the roof had just been removed from Largo House and the contents of the mansion put up for auction.

The fourth season began positively.  On 16 April 1952 the Leven Mail reported on the club's A.G.M. where Reverend Fraser emphasised that "the club was now firmly established and had built up a good reputation, not merely in the district but also among the many clubs they had visited outside the area". Below are more details from that meeting where the officials for the year were elected. A highlight of the season was a friendly match in June 1952 against H.M.S. Largo Bay (an anti-aircraft frigate of the British Royal Navy). At this point the team were still playing at The Paddock.

However, by the end of the 1952 season Largo Cricket Club had (according to the 5 November 1952 Leven Mail) applied to Leven Town Council to use one of the cricket squares at King George V Playfield in Leven. This was granted and the club became Leven-based having lost their ground at The Paddock. Details surrounding the move are unclear, however, it seems likely to be connected to the demise of Largo House and local feeling around that. The move to Leven must have been inconvenient and disappointing for the club. The local press also noted concern around the lack of "stripping accommodation" and facilities to entertain visitors at King George V Park. 

So, Largo C.C. began their fifth season, sharing a ground in Leven with Henry Balfour Cricket Club. The season got underway and early matches were played, however, by June it was clear that the club were struggling with their new circumstances. The 1 July Leven Mail noted that "circumstances have compelled Largo C.C. to disband for what it hoped will be a temporary period". It was suggested that any unattached cricketers would be welcomed by Balfour's Club. The situation was confirmed two weeks later when the notice below appeared in the Mail. Sadly, the "temporary period" would last for thirty years but eventually Largo Cricket Club did rise again. More on that in the next post.
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Two centuries ago, a hoard of silver was discovered at Norrie's Law - a cairn on the northern edge of the farm of Bonnyton within the Largo estate, close to the boundary with Teasses estate. The find is now known to be one of the largest hoards of Pictish silver ever to be found and has been dated to 500-600 A.D.. Unfortunately, back in circa 1819 the unnamed person who unearthed the finds was an unscrupulous individual who, rather than report the find to the appropriate authorities, sold the silver to an intermediary allegedly named Forbes who sold the pieces on to silversmiths. The objects, reportedly including a full suit of scale-armour, a shield, a helmet and a sword handle were melted down and recycled by the purchasers. Thus important historical artefacts, and the knowledge that they could have unlocked, were forever lost. 

Word of the event eventually reached land owner General James Durham of Largo House. He had the site rechecked and further silver items were recovered, having escaped the notice of the original finder. Although General Durham had succeeded in preserving an important subset of the hoard, a mix of intact objects and hacksilver (fragments for recycling), he did not immediately share the news of his discovery. It was not until around two decades later that a man named George Buist brought the story into the public domain. Buist was a journalist and keen antiquarian. While researching sculptured stones, he heard of a stone recently rediscovered by General Durham (now known as the Largo Pictish Stone). While learning about the rediscovered stone at Largo House, Durham presumably told Buist about the silver.
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So with General Durham deceased and Buist in India (where, aside from a couple of brief return visits to Scotland, he would live out the rest of his life), investigations into the hoard were discontinued. The surviving silver remained in the possession of the Durham family. In 1856 Mrs Dundas Durham sent the relics to an exhibition of antiquities and in 1864 she gifted part of the collection to the National Museum of Antiquaries of Scotland in Edinburgh. The remainder of the silver was donated to the same museum in 1883, following her death.

For over a century the 170-piece silver collection was assumed to be one cohesive group of medieval artefacts. The additional items 'rescued' by Buist's efforts in 1838-39 were treated as a genuine part of the hoard. However, in recent years the objects and their origins have been re-examined as part of the Glenmorangie Research Project on Early Medieval Scotland. Project findings have thrown up a surprise and cast doubt over the authenticity of a couple of the key objects. The writings of George Buist have played a key part in unravelling the truth.

The inaugural show of the East of Fife Chrysanthemum Society was held in Upper Largo's Simpson Institute on 24th November 1892. The notice below from the 11 November East of Fife Record heralded the event as "something new in East Fife". With its focus on late season produce, and its independence from existing horticultural societies, the display was hailed as "a most welcome new departure at this season of the year and doubly so when it relies for its attractiveness mainly upon the chaste chrysanthemum".

Turning the Simpson Institute into a haven of colour on a grey November day, large tables of pot plants including ferns and palms, were brought from Gilston and Lahill Houses (homes of the Baxter and Rintoul families). The feature of the day was of course the chrysanthemum display but there were also other plants, fruit and vegetables on show, plus a small handicrafts section. Society Secretary, William Short, head gardener at Lahill, was instrumental in the creation of the show. Originally from Dorset, his connections there resulted in cider apples and a flowers making the journey from the gardens of Lord Wimbourne of Canford Manor in Dorset. These flowers were described as "very fine albeit their long railway journey had told somewhat against their appearance". Several prizes were contested for at the inaugural show and local entries came from John Watson of Eden Cottage, William Laing of Church Place and Robert Smith of Largo Place, among others.

The duty of opening the exhibition fell to Mr Gilmour of Montrave, honorary president of the society, who was accompanied on the platform by president Dr Stuart Palm. The former generated laughter when he remarked that he thought flowers were much better at opening themselves than in trying to have anyone do it for them. He supported the decision to start up such a society and hailed the chrysanthemum's ability to brighten the shortening days. Music was provided by Mr Adamson's string band from Leven - a "pleasant change from brass".

The show returned the following year and the Simpson Institute again provided the venue in the "stormy month of chill November". This time the show was opened by Mr J.H. Baxter of Teasses. The third show in 1894 had a change of venue, taking place in Anstruther Town Hall. The show date and schedule of competition classes were advertised many months in advance, as the 13 April 1894 East of Fife Record notice below shows. William Short was the key point of contact for the schedule.
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The fourth show took place in Leven Town Hall in 1895 and saw entries larger than any previous year. The following year saw a return to the Simpson Institute. The committee at this time included chemist Andrew Hogg (president), William Short (Secretary) and John Watson of Upper Largo's Eden Cottage (Treasurer). By now there was a cup (for the best 24 Chrysanthemums) and a silver medal (for the best 12 Japanese blooms) among the prizes, which also included many valuable money prizes. Unfortunately in 1896 the "climatic conditions were not of the first order" and this fifth show was hampered by "the muddy state of the roads" which "prevented those in the outlying districts from being present in such numbers as would otherwise have been the case". ​Nevertheless the centre table was "literally a blaze of rainbow hues, radiating from the phenomenally large chrysanthemum blooms".

The sixth show was held in Anstruther Town Hall in 1897 and the seventh in Leven Town Hall in 1898. On the latter occasion, the newly knighted Sir John Gilmour commented on how he preferred opening this type of event to a bazaar with its "tea cosies and carpet slippers". He also noted that he believed there to be 100,000 Chrysanthemum Societies in the country now. The eighth event in 1899 came home to the Simpson Institute (see notice below from Leven Advertiser) before visiting Leven Town Hall once more in 1900, where the display provided "a magnificent scenic effect as viewed from the gallery".

The Leven Advertiser commented that the Society had "grown from the friendly rivalry of a few Largo cultivators to quite a county organisation" able to send competitors to the national shows at Edinburgh and Dundee. The opening speech by Dr Durward included facts such as that chrysanthemums had been introduced to Britain a century ago, that they originally came from Japan and that the name meant 'golden flower'. Both John and James Brown received a mention in the newspaper reports on exhibits, as did Robert Smith of Largo Place, who was in the unique position of having won a particular category every year since the show was instituted - namely potatoes.

In 1901, a new venue hosted the event - Beveridge Hall in Kirkcaldy. The following year, the tenth anniversary year, the show was held in Leven (Kirkcaldy growers having been inspired to set up their own society by that time). Captain Gilmour opened the show. That year (1902) was considered to be one of the worst summers ever, providing a challenge to the growers. In 1903, the display returned to Largo once again, with Dr Stuart Palm presiding at the opening ceremony. It was noted in the local press that the Simpson Institute proved quite small for the large number of entries. Thus in 1904 the venue switched to the Co-operative Hall in Methil - the larger hall "showing the blooms to great advantage".

The 1905 show took place in Leven Town Hall and the 1906 one in the Free Gardener's Hall, Buckhaven. The Simpson Institute hosted in 1907 (following a smaller display the previous year). As the notice below from 6 November Leven Advertiser shows, this was presided over by Robert Paxton (who was yet to move into Homelands and resided at the time at Elphinstone). George Lumsden of Aithernie House (now the Old Manor Hotel) performed the opening ceremony. The entries overflowed from the main hall into the entrance and an awning was formed outside from the door to the gate, where the vegetables were laid out.  Lumsden used his speech to inform the crowd that the chrysanthemum was not in fact the national flower of Japan as many thought but that the cherry blossom was. The blue ribbon of the show was won by William Short of Lahill and the prize for best twelve blooms by local John Watson.
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It was back to Leven Town Hall in 1908. This time one of the founders of the society was absent. John Watson, of Eden Cottage a stalwart of the show since its inception, had passed away in June that year. However, his widow continued to contribute and made the prize list on this occasion. By now, it would appear that all agreed that Leven Town Hall was the ideal venue for the show and it became the permanent home of the event. In 1909 Major Shepherd gave the opening speech and called for the provision of gardening plots for miners. He noted that these men may not have a garden of their own and ought to have the option of following the outdoor pursuit of gardening. He hoped that in a few years time this would come to fruition and that men of the mining communities would have prize winning entries at the show.

In 1910, a female opened the show for the first time - Lady Eva Wemyss of Wemyss Castle. The 16 November Leven Advertiser commented that, although "cradled in Largo", Leven was the most popular venue for the show. Major Shepherd introduced Lady Wemyss and commented on her great achievement in the creation of the Randolph Wemyss Memorial Hospital. Now a new tradition had begun with a lady performing the opening ceremony and in 1911 Miss Leonora Rintoul of Lahill did the honours. Miss Rintoul was already a well-known ornithologist by this time. The 16 November Leven Advertiser extract below recalls her introduction by Provost Balfour.
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The 1912 show was opened by Mrs Sprot and the 1913 event by Mrs Shepherd. A date was set for the 1914 display, however, the onset of World War One saw this, like many other events, cancelled. The concise notice above from the 17 September 1914 Leven Advertiser informed the public of this. Life changed in many ways over the years that followed and the East of Fife Chrysanthemum Society was never re-established, in spite of pleas such as the one below from a reader of the Leven Advertiser on 18 January 1923.
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​Previous posts have looked at the origins of the Largo Parish Community Council and their early work on foreshore improvements around Massney Braes. Another of their endeavours was the production of a handy guide to Lundin Links and Largo for visitors. A guide book was produced each year from 1932 for at least six years and an example of this is shown above. The man responsible for compiling the guide was James Peebles Greig, a member of the LPCC.
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​James Peebles Greig was born in Duke Street, Leith on 3 April 1881, the son of gas works blacksmith George Greig who was born in Lundin Mill in 1850. James became a clerk in the Leith Town Chamberlain's Office, later marrying Jean Donaldson in Milnathort in 1910. He went on to become Town Chamberlain of Montrose between 1922 and 1930, before moving to Lundin Links, to 'take up a business opportunity'. This opportunity was to run Mount Vernon Boarding House, which was owned by his sister Agnes Peebles Watters (nee Greig).

Agnes had been widowed in tragic circumstances in 1923 but had continued to run Mount Vernon. In 1930 she took on Victoria Boarding House as well and so James and family took the helm at Mount Vernon. They remained there up until the outbreak of the Second World War. After that James worked in the Costs Office at Leven Foundry as an accountant. He was very active in various aspects of local life in Largo, including Lundin Golf Club, Largo Silver Band and of course Largo Parish Community Council. Moving from Lundin Links to Upper Largo in 1947, James Greig died on 6 September 1953 at Dunedin, 38 Main Street, Upper Largo. He was survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

James was the natural choice for co-ordinator of the Largo Guide. With his clerical background and later interest in tourism and hospitality, he had the skills and connections to compile the content of adverts, information and a bit of flowery language to entice visitors to the 'Scottish Riviera'. The first guide went on sale in March 1932.  Printed by J. and G. Innes Ltd, Cupar, the booklet had a reproduction of Alexander Selkirk's statue on the cover and copies could be had free on application to the LPCC Secretary, Mr Charles Raeburn. The 22 March Leven Advertiser commented that "the explanatory material is both interesting and informative, while the illustrations are well produced."

Almost 1,000 copies of this first edition were distributed and £48 was raised from the advertising within the guide. Seen as a successful venture, a revised edition was produced in 1933. That year 128 copies were sent out to people that had written to the LPCC, a further 725 were distributed through the L.N.E.R railway enquiry office, 56 copies through libraries and 72 copies were sold in local shops. The Guide became an annual publication, however, by the end of the 1936 season concerns began to be raised about the decrease in income from advertising. On balance is was decided to proceed with a 1937 edition and also to place adverts in two Civil Service journals to entice civil servants to spend their holidays in Largo.

However, this may have been the final year of publication, as there were no further references to the guide book. It was also noted that repetition of the same information each year, as well as reliance upon the same people to place adverts each time, was becoming problematic. Although a local guide in this format had run its course, guide booklets for visitors continued to be produced on and off over the years in a number of different styles.