George Rountree’s main claim to fame is as an author of three meticulously researched histories of Pollokshaws:
Old Pollokshaws (Stenlake, 2002)
Bygone Pollokshaws (Stenlake, 2004)
Pollokshaws Through Time (Stenlake, 2009)
In the foreword to the first volume, George provides some insight as to why he was so well qualified for this task
Between 1945 and 1959, he worked for the Pollokshaws Co-operative Society, and although mainly employed in branches outwith Pollokshaws, became familiar with the burgh and its history. After marrying a Pollokshaws girl and coming there to live in 1958, he became better acquainted with the burgh's character and learned more of its origins. Retirement in 1983 meant that he had time to conduct research into his own family history, which expanded as an interest in local history. Through time, having collected some old prints and other more recent images, as well as having read all he could find about the history of Pollokshaws, George felt in 2002 that the time had come for him to ‘go public’ and produce a book of photographs - ‘Old Pollokshaws’ (2002)
As far as possible the pictures in this first volume were arranged in sequence as a walk round the old burgh.
Two years later he produced a second, companion volume ‘Bygone Pollkshaws’ (2004).
In his third volume ‘Pollokshaws Through Time’ (2009) George acknowledges the support provided by the Pollokshaws Heritage Trust, particularly in allowing him access to its collection of some 500 local images. He makes specific reference to Nettie Wren, who took a number of the photographs shared in his books.
George’s work provides a unique and invaluable contribution to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Pollokshaws
Old Pollokshaws (Stenlake, 2002)
Bygone Pollokshaws (Stenlake, 2004)
Pollokshaws Through Time (Stenlake, 2009)
In the foreword to the first volume, George provides some insight as to why he was so well qualified for this task
Between 1945 and 1959, he worked for the Pollokshaws Co-operative Society, and although mainly employed in branches outwith Pollokshaws, became familiar with the burgh and its history. After marrying a Pollokshaws girl and coming there to live in 1958, he became better acquainted with the burgh's character and learned more of its origins. Retirement in 1983 meant that he had time to conduct research into his own family history, which expanded as an interest in local history. Through time, having collected some old prints and other more recent images, as well as having read all he could find about the history of Pollokshaws, George felt in 2002 that the time had come for him to ‘go public’ and produce a book of photographs - ‘Old Pollokshaws’ (2002)
As far as possible the pictures in this first volume were arranged in sequence as a walk round the old burgh.
Two years later he produced a second, companion volume ‘Bygone Pollkshaws’ (2004).
In his third volume ‘Pollokshaws Through Time’ (2009) George acknowledges the support provided by the Pollokshaws Heritage Trust, particularly in allowing him access to its collection of some 500 local images. He makes specific reference to Nettie Wren, who took a number of the photographs shared in his books.
George’s work provides a unique and invaluable contribution to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Pollokshaws