From Glasgow to the Mills: A Scots Story of Immigrating to Manchester

We are so excited to be joined by Manchester’s own Charlie Barker, great-grandson of Donald Murray who immigrated from Glasgow. Charlie will take us back to the Scottish scene in Manchester in the early 1900s, sharing stories of a vibrant community made up of pipe bands, the Scotch church, the Daughters of Scotia, and the British American Association. He’ll regale us with tales of life in and around the Manchester Mills, painting a picture of a proud Scottish-American heritage rooted in the Queen City.

“My family grew up in the Manchester area, living in the tenement housing along Canal St. and later living up the hill on Hall St. My grandmother was a big participant of the Daughters of Scotia in Manchester and we were members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, also known as the Scotch church. My family was also involved in the British American Association that was located on Hollis St, I believe it’s on Central St. maybe. I remember hearing all the stories of living in and around the Mills from my grandmother and mum. We moved to Hooksett when I was 4, that’s where I grew up, also where all the bricks were made for the Mills. But as Manchester was home to my grandmother and the church we spent most of the time in Manchester. I have been lucky enough to have received my great grandfather’s kilt and jacket and his Henderson Center Pipes that I am trying to learn to play. By the way, his kilt fits me!”

Join us as Charlie brings to life a chapter of Manchester’s history shaped by Scottish hands and hearts. This Saturday only, April 12, at the Indoor Scottish Festival, starting at 12:30PM!