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Blantyre Folk

The Mains

Diamond Wedding

1924

We are pleased to associate ourselves with the many congratulations which during the present week have been received by Mr and Mrs John Mains, a well known and highly respected old couple, who have had the happy and unique experience of celebration their Diamond Wedding.

In their home in Cemetery Road, High Blantyre, on Tuesday night there was a happy family gathering and these were augmented a few old friends. At this supper Ensign Wm. Bryce the late officer of the local corps of the Salvation Army presided. When the company were at tea some congratulatory telegrams came in - one from a daughter in New Zealand, one from a grandson in America and five from old friends in Rutherglen. During the evening Mr Frank Mains, a brother of Mr John Mains on behalf of the family, presented the worthy couple with a well filled purse of Treasury notes.

A very pleasant surprise was in store for the company when the Salvation Army Band appeared outside and rendered selections for a couple of hours. They were afterwards taken inside and given their tea.

Mr Mains was born in Colraine, Ireland, 82 years ago and was only three years of age when his parents arrived in Rutherglen, and at the early age of nine years he started to work as a trapper in the High Pit at Eastfield. His wife Grace Maxwell was born in the Polmadie district of Glasgow, and is slightly older than her spouse, but we are pleased to say that both of them are in possession of all their faculties, and we may say they are both hale and hearty with the exception of a little deafness.

The worthy old couple were married at Rutherglen on 3rd June 1864 by the late Rev. Mr Stephenson of the Parish Church and after a few years they removed to Blantyre . Over 50 years ago Mr Mains started to work at the limestone pits at Auchintibber, and on these stopping 46 years ago he again went back to coal mining. Up till six years ago, when he returned he was able to pursue his calling.

The old couple had nine children - four boys and three girls being still alive. There are 40 grand children and 15 great-grand children and quite a number of them were present.

When the Salvation Army came to Blantyre 36 years ago Mr and Mrs Mains at once identified themselves with the movement, and they have been actively connected with the Army ever since.

Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 7/1/1924. Page 2.

Wilma Bolton. 2005.

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