Charles Watson.
6-8 Greenhaugh Street, Govan, Glasgow.
In the 1890s John Watson spirit merchant owned these premises, the pub only had one entrance then with one large window. John Watson was the president of the Glasgow Wine Beer and Spirit Trade Association, his father was Charles Watson wine & spirit merchant, who had his headquarters in West George Street and was one of the agents for Talisker whisky.
John Watson also owned some of the best bars in the city of Glasgow, Govan was not part of Glasgow then, he owned pubs at 164 Garscube Road, 330 Garscube Road, 57 Maitland Street, 130 Main Street, Maryhill, 136 Rottenrow and 121 Shamrock Street, a business his father set up many years before hand.
John met Maggie Yuill, a farmers daughter who was living out at Haghill House, East Kilbride, they were married and moved to Glasgow to set up a family. When John passed away around 1903, his wife took over the business, John owned most of his establishments which meant he was quite a wealthy man. Over the next few years some of the pubs were sold off, Miss Anne H Watson there daughter then took over the licence's which then consisted of Greenhaugh Street and Garscube Road premises.
In the 1930s Charles Hall Watson became the licence holder for a while, Miss Anne H Watson was still connected with this pub for many years. In 1960 Archibald S Mitchell was trustee for the late Anne H Watson, he was also licence holder for many other pubs in the city including, Secretary for Rogano Ltd, 137 Kilmarnock Road, North Street and Royal Exchange Place, and trustee for the late David Dunbar, 62 Renfrew Street.
A few years later James Ballantyne took over as licence holder on behalf of Watson Govan Ltd, he stayed in this position until the 1970s.
There was another well known gentleman in Govan called Charles C Watson who owned the Old Vic, 669 Govan Road. The bar was refurbished in 1955.
Group of friends and licence holders at the opening of the Old Vic, Mr G C Millen, N Foulger, G Grier, I Sinclair, J E Jackson, C Cullen, J H Wylie, W Johnston, R Lemon and J Millen.
Govan Ward at an annul dinner dance at the Marlborough. 1959. Back row Mr C C Watson, Mr & Mrs Mulholland, Mr & Mrs W Coggans, Mr & Mrs J Whyte, Mr James Anton, Bailie Robertson, Bailie Wardley and Mr Neil Foulger. Front row Chief Superintendent Donald Campbell, Mrs Campbell, Mr T F Flynn, Mrs Johnston, Mr W M Johnston, Mrs Wardley, Mr J R Matheson, director of James Murray Ltd and Mrs Robertson.
End.
