To continue on the theme of bakers....I am grateful to a reader of this blog for sharing an interesting find. The image above is of a 1920s paper bag from Watson the Baker of Lundin Links, found under the floor boards of a house. The bag commemorates the prizes won in 1926 by David Watson. He was winner of the 'Hutchison Centenary Challenge' held in Kirkcaldy on 30 June that year (the trophy features on the bag). He also enjoyed success that year at 'The Confectioners, Bakers and Allied Trades Exhibition' in London.
An example of a bronze medal from the London event is shown inset. The 'Hutchison Centenary' related to the 100th anniversary of the beginnings of Hutchison's Flour Mill in Kirkcaldy. In the late 1820s Robert Hutchison had began trading in wheat, barley, oats, flax, butter and flour.
An example of a bronze medal from the London event is shown inset. The 'Hutchison Centenary' related to the 100th anniversary of the beginnings of Hutchison's Flour Mill in Kirkcaldy. In the late 1820s Robert Hutchison had began trading in wheat, barley, oats, flax, butter and flour.
David Watson was born in Crail in 1868 to a young single mother. The 1871 census finds him living with grandparents, Thomas (a brewer's assistant) and Georgina, and their many children at Back Green in Crail. By 1881, David's mother had married baker John Hutchon and David was, at the age of 13, apprentice baker with him, living in Dove Street, Kilrenny along with his new siblings.
In 1887 David married Isabella Skinner in St Andrews. The 1891 census finds Isabella and two daughters (Maggie and Jessie) in South Street St Andrews with her parents, while David Watson was recorded in Edinburgh as a baker. At some point in the next 10 years the family made their move to Largo Parish. In 1901 they were listed at Church Place, Upper Largo with David described as 'Journeyman Baker' while in 1905 the family were living at Crichton Place in Upper Largo. By 1911 census the family are to be found at Cupar Road Lundin Links, David having set up business at the Keilside Bakery. From then until his death in 1935, aged 67, David Watson was tenant occupier of the Largo Road bakehouse.
In 1887 David married Isabella Skinner in St Andrews. The 1891 census finds Isabella and two daughters (Maggie and Jessie) in South Street St Andrews with her parents, while David Watson was recorded in Edinburgh as a baker. At some point in the next 10 years the family made their move to Largo Parish. In 1901 they were listed at Church Place, Upper Largo with David described as 'Journeyman Baker' while in 1905 the family were living at Crichton Place in Upper Largo. By 1911 census the family are to be found at Cupar Road Lundin Links, David having set up business at the Keilside Bakery. From then until his death in 1935, aged 67, David Watson was tenant occupier of the Largo Road bakehouse.
There is a wonderful photograph of David Watson outside his baker's shop in Lundin Links with family members and the delivery horse and cart on display at Largo Library and Community Hub on Crescent Road, Lundin Links.
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