The Story of Chalmers Street

Norma grew up in Chalmers Street and she gave a detailed account of the life and times of the Dunfermline street.

In 1774 Chalmers Street was constructed for George Chalmers owner of Pittencrieff Park until 1865 reportedly to avoid travellers having to cut through his estate.

In 1913 Woodhead Street (at the north end) changed its name to Chalmers Street.
In 1809 painted street names
In 1834 property numbers introduced 
Tramlines went up the street (Introduced in 1909 - ended 1939)
In 1932 the Glen Bridge opened and 1933 first traffic lights in Dunfermline
In 1926 demolished buildings at south east end and three years later the Louise Carnegie Gates opened on the Gala Day

There were many trades and services in the street. It did actually have a Butcher, Baker and Candlestick maker!

Also Ice cream makers, Upholster, undertaker, joiner Cabinet maker John Fergus 23 Chalmers St d 1886 (75)Milliner, tailor.
Donald Stenhouse a habit-maker
Florist - Ferguson
Dry salter - George Fairley
Shoemaker - Buchanan
Tallow and Candlemaker 1825 - Mrs Gentle
Stationer bookbinder - Duncan Campbell Publisher of the Fife and Kinross Liberal and almanac.
William Stevenson - auction house

By 1912 Coull and Matthew - Ironmongers 
Berturelli no.35 ice cream and confectioners

In more recent times The Howff was a popular folk club down the close between Julia Hart and Donna Gilchrist.

Morris Allan - the first to film a Scottish football match - had his business based there.

Macpherson’s bookshop on the north side of the entrance created by demolishing a church to create access to the City Hotel car park.