John Muir's Birthplace

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Content updated Mon, 14 Jun 1999 18:13:52 GMT

John Muir's Dunbar... [home]

130 - 134 High Street

139 High Street

109 - 113 High Street

Margaret Rae's cottage

[B] John's aunt, Margaret Rae, owned a very old, two story cottage - the top floor still pokes above the more recent chip shop at 137 High Street, over the road [3]. Aunty Rae's stories of her sea captain husband were part of family folklore. The Captain had ranged the coasts of Europe and the Channel and ventured to Russia in his 120 ton sailing ship 'Union'. Aunty Rae was given space within the large garden for a flower patch. Her exotic lilies were a source of wonder for the growing children. Her daughter, Margaret Hay Rae, later Lunam, remained close to John, even in old age. It was, in part, to see her that John returned in 1893. Margaret, slightly older than John, helped to look after her younger cousins. In the manner of girls, she and her friends would torment the boys with kissing games - events they recalled many years later. Not a favourite pastime of harum-scarum young John!

Leaving the houses for a moment, look up and down the High Street. This was, and is, the principal thoroughfare of Dunbar. In John's time all life was to be seen on the street. He relates

...before I was sent to school my grandfather, as I was told, had taught me my letters from shop signs across the street...

Once, on receiving a penny for learning 'Rock of Ages' by heart, he

...ran in great excitement up and down the street, examining the tempting goodies in the shop windows...

Markets, assemblies for national events and annual fairs were held on the street. There was a continual traffic to and from the harbour and bustle around the many workshops in the closes leading off the main way.