4 June 1923 diary of Dr John Stewart Muir (1845-1938) of Selkirk

Wind back to N.E. but slight + not so cold. Dull sunless day but no rain. Made 13 town calls walking including Gib. + Lum.¹ + Hospital where 2 fresh cases of Scarlet from the same family have been admitted during my absence.² Dined at Elmpark³ [for] Mrs Mack’s birthday. John⁴ + Charlie Roberts⁵ were there [and] Nancy⁶ + Helen.⁷

¹ Gibson & Lumgair, St Mary’s Mill, Level Crossing Road, Selkirk.

² This is another example of the sporadic outbreaks that had been occurring in Selkirk since the major problem with Diphtheria and Scarlet Fever that occurred during 1921-22.

³ Elm Park, Selkirk, home of Dr Muir’s friend Agnes Mackintosh née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946).

⁴ Perhaps this refers to John ‘Jack’ Roberts junior (1876-1966), mill owner and Provost of Selkirk, and Dr Muir’s son-in-law, though Dr Muir has invariably called him Jack in his diary.

⁵ Assume Charles Henry ‘Charlie’ Roberts (1877-1954), born New Zealand, tweed manufacturer, of Thornfield, 25 Scott’s Place, Selkirk and the brother of Jack Roberts junior.

⁶ Agnes Amelia ‘Nancy’ Roberts née Muir (1878-1948), Dr Muir’s daughter and Jack Roberts’ wife.

⁷ Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter and sometime housekeeper.

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/26, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1923]