Step back in time... and travel the world

Jul 9 2009 by Kenneth Speirs, Paisley Daily Express

AFASCINATING exhibition at Paisley Central Library is giving visitors the chance to step back in time AND go globetrotting into the bargain.

Dozens of historic photographs taken in Paisley and Linwood a century ago are on display in the main lending library as part of Scotland’s Year of Homecoming celebrations.

And alongside them are amazing old snaps which were taken in two of their ‘namesake’ towns in the United States of America – Paisley, Oregon, and Linwood, New Jersey.

The display is dubbed ‘The Ice Cutters’ after two photos which were taken in Paisley, Oregon.

And most of the snaps of our own Paisley and Linwood here in Renfrewshire that are on show have not been on public display for some time.

They include images of the Paisley Militia, a prison ship in Paisley harbour and women handwashing clothes in a back court.

Searched

Jean McLean, assistant librarian at Paisley Central Library, said: “We searched on the internet for places that had the same names as those in Renfrewshire and Paisley, Oregon, and Linwood, New Jersey, were the two that replied.

“They sent us old pictures by e-mail and they are quite eye-opening.

“Oregon calls itself a city but it only has 260 inhabitants.

“There’s even a picture of the present-day Mayor of Paisley, Oregon, riding a bull!”

Other photographs from across the pond that are on display include images of cowboys and a school which looks like something straight out of the 1970s TV show Little House on the Prairie, complete with stern schoolmistress.

A library spokeswoman added: “Like so many of our local photographic exhibitions, this current one is proving extremely popular.

“Many of the photographs haven’t seen the light of day for a long time. It’s well worth a visit.”

The exhibition runs until Saturday, July 18, and admission is free.