Went to Edwards1 about an enlarging the photo of Professional Golf Tournament2
Where there was traffic the snow was slushy but out of the town it was firm. I walked to Bridgelands to see Agnes Rodger3 + back to Bridge Street intending to go on to Beechwood4 but it began to rain so I came home but after lunch as it had faired I walked up to Beechwood. Letter from Jean5 to say she won’t be out at New Year + seeming unsettled about her house + business. Helen6 + I went by the 7.20 to Gala + had supper with the Patons7 returning by the 10.45. I discovered Bella’s age to be 85. It was clear + frosty as we walked up the road.
1 A R Edwards, photographers, of Tower Street, Selkirk. By this time A R Edwards was long gone and the business was run first by Thomas Hughes Milner Colledge, who had worked for Edwards but moved to Innerleithen around the turn of the century, and latterly by Robert Edwards with assistance from other members of the Edwards family.
2 It is not clear what the excitement was about the old golf tournament. The Editor will try to find out when the archives re-open.
3 Agnes Christina Rodger (1875-1959), Dr Muir’s wife’s 1st Cousin Once Removed, daughter of George Rodger, shipping merchant, and Elizabeth Charlotte Rodger. Agnes was a wartime Red Cross V.A.D. with over 1000 hours’ service, of Bridgelands [‘Selkirkshire V.A.D.s.’, the Southern Reporter, 6 April 1922].
4 Beechwood, N.N.E. of Philiphaugh Saw Mill, visible on Ordnance Survey six inch Selkirkshire Sheet XI.8, published 1899, had been visited by Dr Muir a few times over the year or so from late 1922.
5 Jane Henderson Logan ‘Jean’ Pike née Muir (1877-1941), Dr Muir’s eldest daughter, widowed but still living in Newington, Edinburgh.
6 Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter and sometime housekeeper.
7 Isabella Clementina ‘Isa’ or ‘Bella’ Paton (1838-1929), had lived with her sister Marion Agnes Paton (about 1841-1940) at Galashiels since moving there from Selkirk in May 1918.
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/26, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1923]
Rumbling Clint's Scottish Notes 