Printed: 2024-11-11
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Collection TS10 - KJ Macdonald Ltd, chemist, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
Identity area
Reference code
GB GBX TS10
Title
KJ Macdonald Ltd, chemist, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
Date(s)
- 1899-2001 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
2 linear metres
Context area
Name of creator
KJ Macdonald Ltd, 1921- , chemist
(1921-)
Administrative history
A pharmacist’s had occupied the site at 29 Cromwell Street since at least 1899 when it was occupied by Samuel Lawrence. In 1904, W J Tolmie is listed in the valuation rolls for Stornoway as the pharmacist with Hugh Martin taking over in 1910. It is believed Kenneth John Macdonald came to work either with or for Hugh Martin. In 1921, Kenneth John acquired the shop outright and it became K J MacDonald. In 2011 it is in its fourth generation of family ownership.
The business expanded when the adjacent cosmetic business was bought by Kenneth John Macdonald, though they continued to operate as two separate businesses.
Kenneth John passed it on to his children, Isabel and William. Isabel worked in to the shop until her retirement at the age of 88. William passed his share on to his son Kenneth ‘Kenny Fags’ Macdonald, who in turn passed it on to his daughter and present owner Karen Macdonald.
Under the second Kenneth Macdonald’s ownership, the two businesses combined into one, and extended their range to include the chemist and pharmacy business, cosmetic business, gifts, baby clothing and accessories, and handbags amongst other items.
The shop is locally known as ‘Kenny Froggans’, a nickname given to Kenneth John Macdonald, who was renowned for calling after his dog, who was named Froggan.
The business expanded when the adjacent cosmetic business was bought by Kenneth John Macdonald, though they continued to operate as two separate businesses.
Kenneth John passed it on to his children, Isabel and William. Isabel worked in to the shop until her retirement at the age of 88. William passed his share on to his son Kenneth ‘Kenny Fags’ Macdonald, who in turn passed it on to his daughter and present owner Karen Macdonald.
Under the second Kenneth Macdonald’s ownership, the two businesses combined into one, and extended their range to include the chemist and pharmacy business, cosmetic business, gifts, baby clothing and accessories, and handbags amongst other items.
The shop is locally known as ‘Kenny Froggans’, a nickname given to Kenneth John Macdonald, who was renowned for calling after his dog, who was named Froggan.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Cash books 1943-1981, customer accounts 1915-1954, ledger 1922-1945, wages book 1981-1982, day books 1914-1931, invoice book 1967-1979, stock record c1957, dispensary practical book 1942-1943, drug records 1960-1982, advertising 1976, receipt book 1996-2001, letter books 1994-1999, prescription book 1899-1971
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
The records are held privately and access is at the discretion of the owners. Please contact Tasglann nan Eilean Siar in the first instance.
Records containing information on individuals who may still be alive are closed to public access for 100 years in order to protect personal data. Such records are marked in the full catalogue.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Manual and digital item level list available in the searchroom of Tasglann nan Eilean Siar, Stornoway
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- KJ Macdonald Ltd, 1921- , chemist (Creator)