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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Lee Dalgetty

Things Glasgow folk remember from their childhoods that we just don't see anymore

From the wedding scramble to lost city centre toy shops, there's a lot to miss from a childhood in Glasgow.

We asked our readers what they pine for from days gone by, and while many long for the simple days of playing in the streets - some brought up the great places and spots Glasgow used to offer.

Take a look back at your childhood and the fond memories Glasgow Live readers recalled.

Let us know if we missed out your favourite recollections from your youth have been left out....

The Walrus and The Carpenter

From hand-made wooden toys to Russian dolls and toy soldiers, this Sauchiehall Street toy shop was a cave of wonders.

Some Glasgow kids may be lucky enough to have a hand me down from The Walrus and The Carpenter, though the shop is long gone.

When asked about favourite memories of growing up in Glasgow, many readers told us that the toy shop played a massive role in their childhood.

Ann Reid told us: “I loved the toy shop in Sauchiehall Street, and then playing out late in the summer until the street lights came on and then it was home time.”

ABC Cinema

Throughout its 146-year history, the now-derelict O2 ABC on Sauchiehall Street has been host to a theatre, cinema, dancehall and circus.

The building was even transformed into an ice rink for a few years in the 80s.

Most will remember it as a cinema, before it became a music venue in 1999.

Gillian Leckie recalled a trip to the cinema: “First time my pals and I went to the cinema alone was to see Clueless in the ABC".

The wedding scramble

A wedding tradition in many parts of Scotland, the wedding scramble is rarely seen today - probably for fear of a 2p coin taking someone's eye out.

Traditionally the father of the bride throws a handful of coins for children to collect, whether part of the wedding party or just some local kids looking for a wee penny.

Many Glasgow kids will remember almost being crushed by the wedding car, desperate to get their hands on a couple of coins.

Playing outside

Back in the days of tenement homes where many Glasgow families spent their lives, playing out in the street for hours on end was no strange thing.

The street lights were your clock, and it was unlikely that you’d hear from Mum through a whole day of playing.

Whether it was kick the can or a game of rounders, endless entertainment was available without a screen in sight.

Angela Hillan was pining for these days when asked about childhood memories: “Staying out till 11pm in the summer nights playing kick the can, two man hunt, hopscotch, cat and mouse - great, great memories.”

Susan McEvoy agreed: “It was a real community.

“Knowing everyone in the street where you lived and playing with all the local kids.”

Tower Records

Prior to Tower Records closing for good in 2002, teens across Glasgow would flock to the music shop at every given opportunity.

A lucky few may remember Bon Jovi performing from the window, with crowds gathering on the street bringing the city centre to a standstill.

Kasim Mahmood recalled his trips to the store: “I miss Tower Records, and Woolworths as well.

“It was really interesting to grow up in the 90s, I really miss those days.”

Buck Rogers Burger Station

This iconic restaurant opened on Queen Street in the 80s, after the popularity of the TV show Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

Robots and aliens dressed like the characters from the show would serve food and drinks, in the venue which had been decorated like a spaceship.

The restaurant was known for birthday parties, and while its time in Glasgow was short lived - the impact on Glasgow kids remains.

Gareth McMorrow said the Buck Rogers Burger Station was one of his most missed spots in Glasgow: “Buck Rogers restaurant on Queen Street, where the waiters move like robots.”

City Bakeries

Glasgow’s City Bakeries are just a fond memory now, but for many children of the city the shops were an absolute treat when Mum was feeling generous.

The bakery was famous for its Halloween treats, though most will remember a good serving of chips and gravy.

Several Facebook users looked back on City Bakeries.

Sharon Dawson said: “Every Saturday my Dad would take us to City Bakeries for a meringue and juice - good times.”

Mark McLure had similar memories: “Can remember my Mum taking me into City Bakeries under Central for a wee pie and chips with mince gravy all over it.”

A trip to Lewis’s

The Argyle Street department store is long gone, but a day out at Lewis’s is a fond memory for many Glaswegians.

Famously housing the city’s first escalator, the shop was known for their Christmas celebrations and a chance to sit on Santa’s lap.

Lewis’s shut in the 90s and was later turned into Debenhams - though many of our readers are pining for the iconic store.

Glasgow Live reader Bernadette Campbell recalled her time in Lewis’s: “We used to get 2 ounce bags of sweets there.

“I used to get candy alphabet or oddfellows.

“We then went to the cafe upstairs for sausage roll, chips and beans.”

Lorna Gillies had fond memories of the festive period at the store: “Lewis’s Christmas windows, they were spectacular.”

Ride the tram

A ride on the tram is a big thrill for a wee kid, something Glasgow children these days have no idea of.

At one point in Glasgows history, trams ruled the roads - operating until 1962 with a fleet of over 1,000 cabs offered passengers routes across the city.

Some may remember the last tram to drive through Glasgow, in a ceremony with over 250,000 people lining the streets to say goodbye to the yellow shuttles.

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