Diphtheria Outbreak
A very sad report from the Fifeshire Journal – Thursday 18 June 1863
‘BALMULLO. For some time past diphtheria has been very prevalent around Balmullo, in Fife, and more than one family has been called on to mourn over the loss of some of its members in consequence of the fatal results of the disease. One case, in which a woman has been bereaved of nearly her whole family, is of a peculiarly sad and melancholy nature. The first death, that of a girl seven years of age, occurred on the `28th of May, and was followed by the death of another girl, aged thirteen years, on the 1st June. On the following day the father himself fell • victim to the same disease, and on the 6th instant another girl, aged ten years, also died. A fourth member of the family died on Sabbath afternoon, and the only remaining child was just at the point of death on Tuesday morning- On Wednesday last week the child of • next door neighbour also died from diphtheria.’
The Opening of Pitcairn Hall
Fife Herald – Thursday 21 March 1878
A lengthy story about the opening of Pitcairn Hall. The old hall is now the home of Mary Reilly. It is on the corner of Lucklaw Road and Main Road.
OPENING OF A NEW HALL AT BALMULLO. MUNIFICENT GIFT BY MRS PITCAIRN OF PITCULLO. Mrs Pitcairn, of Pitcullo, having lately purchased suitable stance the village of Balmullo, in the parish Leuchars, has erected thereon a very elegant commodious hall from plans by Messrs Hall & Hendry architects, St Andrews.
Mrs Pitcairn has further, by trust-deed, conveyed and made over this valuable property to six trustees, who are empowered to take the management of it for behalf of the inhabitants of the village and neighbourhood. The trustees are Mrs Pitcairn herself; her nephew. Mr Cecil Pitcairn of Englefield Green* ; the Rev. Robert Johnstone, minister of Leuchars parish; Dr Constable, Leuchars; Thomas Ham, Esq. of Balmullo; and John Meldrum, Esq. of Edenbank.
In terms of the trust disposition, the trustees are to allow the use of the hall for prayer meetings, religious services, lectures on popular, literary, scientific, and useful subjects, and generally for such purposes as may be deemed by the trustees fitted promote the social and moral condition and improvement of the village and neighbourhood, at such times and occasions, and subject to such rules and regulations, the trustees shall from time to time sanction and approve.
Mrs Pitcairn has also provided a library of books, commencing with upwards of 220 volumes; and the trustees are to allow said books, and any which may be added to the present number, to be read by the inhabitants of the parish on receipt, and subject to such provisions as the trustees may make for their safe return. Mrs Pitcairn has further, in the most generous and considerate manner, assigned, conveyed, and made over to the trustees £500 four per cent. Debenture Stock of the Highland Railway Company, and she appoints the trustees to hold the capital sum or stock and apply the annual interest towards the expense of managing, upholding, lighting, and keeping in repair the hall and subjects conveyed, and in remunerating the hallkeeper, and for purchasing with any surplus interest additions to the Library, &c. The hall was formally opened on Thursday evening last week. It was crowded in every part by a most appreciative audience. The Rev. Mr Johnstone occupied the chair. The proceedings were commenced by the singing of the Hundredth Psalm, the reading of a passage of Scripture, and prayer. The Chairman then read and explained the trust disposition, and in Mrs Pitcairn’s name made the formal presentation of the hall to the inhabitants, stating that it was Mrs Pitcairn’s wish that it should be associated with the memory of her late husband, John Pitcairn, Esq. of Pitcullo, who had always taken such warm interest in the welfare of the inhabitants of that part of the parish of Leuchars, and who, had he been spared a little longer, was firmly resolved to do more for the glory of God.” Mr Johnstone then referred to the cloud of sorrow that came over the district by the death of Mr Pitcairn, and the warm sympathy universally expressed for the family of Pitcullo by many humble yet loving hearts in that place. He hoped they would receive the gifts in the same spirit in which they were given, taking every advantage of this beautiful and commodious ball, and this would be an ample return to Mrs Pitcairn and Miss Burnett, who was closely associated with her in all her good works. (Applause.)
The Chairman then read a letter of apology from the Rev. W. D. Beattie, Free Church, Monimail, who had been prevented from being present. The Rev. Beattie, Cupar, next addressed the meeting, and was very warmly received. He said that for 28 years he had been the minister of the congregation worshipping in .the old church at Balmullo, that he considered himself a Balmullo man, and looked upon them all as his friends and brethren. His congregation was small, but he had great comfort in it. It was a model congregation, for there was altar every house. One man came regularly all the way from Crail to attend his ministrations. Mr Beattie then referred to the changes that had taken place since he left the district, and concluded by urging them to take full advantage of this new hall and library, and to store their minds with knowledge, especially Bible knowledge, and to lead pure and holy lives. (Applause.) The meeting then addressed by the Rev. Mr Cleghorn, Free Church, Leuchars; the Rev. Mr Somerville, Free Church, Logic; the Rev. Mr Wright, E.C., Dairsie, who said his parish had largely benefited by the good deeds of the Pitcullo family; the Rev. Fenwick, E.C., Logie Free Church, Dairsie. The Chairman announced that the library would be open for giving out books every Wednesday evening from 7 till 8 o’clock. Leuchars Parish Church choir, under the able leadership of David Henderson, was in attendance, and varied the proceedings by giving at intervals some excellent selections of sacred music
*Englefield Green is in Surrey
The Dangers of Firearms
The dangers of firearms are highlighted in this article from the Fife Herald – Thursday 10 February 1848
BALMULLO. On Saturday last, an Accident happened in the railway store at Balmullo, calculated to show the extreme danger arising from the incautious and careless handling of firearms. Two navvies were examining a gun which lay in the place, which they supposed was not loaded. Then, one of them, in order try the lock of the gun, put the percussion cap he happened to have with him, when the gun, which was charged, went off, and the contents were lodged in the other man’s thigh. It is understood the wound is not considered serious.
Trading Standards?
Cheating didn’t pay for these people as reported in the Fife Herald – Thursday 14 November 1844
Illegal Weights and Measures. —At Cupar on the 12th inst., David McGain, grocer, Balmullo, Elizabeth Bell or Scott, grocer, Ferry-port-on-Craig, and John Nicol, oatmeal-dealer, Ferry- Port-on – Craig, were fined in the sum of £1 5s. each for using incorrect and unjust scales for the sale of oatmeal and grocery goods. James Henderson, grocer, Craigfortune, for using light weights, was fined in the sum of 15s. R. Birrell, grocer, Balmullo, for using light weights, was fined in the sum of £1 5s.
Ferry-Port-on-Craig forms part of Tayport. I couldn’t locate Craigfortune
No to a Fever Hospital in Balmullo
Balmullo appears to have a tradition of protest. Recently some have objected to the digestate Lagoon near Moonzie Mill, in the 1990s there was considerable protest about the building of 140 new houses beyond the burn and in 1896, according to the St. Andrews Citizen – a fever hospital was the object of concern.
‘THE BALMULLO HOSPITAL. So long irrevocable step has been taken by the St Andrews District Committee of the County in regard to the proposed erection of Fever Hospital at Balmullo, it may be well to consider some the arguments advanced against it. Mr Douglas Govan said truly in the letter which appeared in our columns a fortnight ago, that the reasons adduced the villagers are not to be treated as hysterical, or laughed to scorn. Balmullo is a little industrious community of 300 or 400, who, in the enjoyment of a sheltered situation and a climate qualified by the ozone from the not far distant sea, depend almost entirely on the raising of fruit and the selling of milk. Now, these are two articles that are consumed their natural condition, without passing through any boiling or heating process, and if infectious germs are floating about in the neighbourhood, there is a considerable risk of contamination. not wonder, therefore, that the villagers are up in arms against the proposal. Even if their fears are not well grounded, even if they are founded on mere sentiment or pure alarm, they are not to unceremoniously brushed aside. The inhabitants themselves might soon get inured the institution, but what if their customers in Dundee, Andrews, Cupar, and the county generally get frightened and refuse to buy either fruit or milk from the villagers ? In that case, Balmullo would be ruined. Of course, the District Committee must find a site somewhere, and the hospital cannot be placed in a wilderness, or in some out-of-the way solitude. For a variety of reasons it is desirable that it be within the reach of civilization—not too far removed from some community where the necessaries of life can be obtained, and where the conditions of health and sanitation shall be complied with. If the hospital is to be set down amid such surroundings. is clear that some community must hear with its proximity. Bile. It is the duty of the Committee to study as far as possible not to injure the interests of any set of villagers, the inhabitants of hamlet must, on the other hand, give some consideration to difficulty the Committee has in finding a site perfectly void of offence. Whatever the ultimate decision of the Committee as to the erection of infectious diseases hospital, it will, no doubt, he careful to see that every precaution is taken in building the structure to prevent the spread of contagion. Cases treated in such institution, with qualified attendance, are much less likely to lead to the spread of disease than if they were retained at home, where inadequate provision exists for isolating them. As a matter of fact, good-class houses have been built near to fever hospitals in many towns, and those living in these houses have not suffered in consequence. But while we admit all things, think that if the St Andrews District Committee cannot find suitable site elsewhere than Balmullo, it should be built as far away as possible from the village. ‘
The Fever Hospital was built at Pinewoods called ‘St Michael’s Wood Infectious Diseases Hospital’. The building that is now Pinewoods Country House provided accommodation for medical staff.
See historic hospitals in Fife at: /historic-hospitals.com/gazetteer/fife-