MUSSELBURGH CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY
- Reference:GB 1878 EL18/1
- Dates of Creation:1951-2008
Scope and Content
Records of the Musselburgh and Fisherrow Co-operative Society Women's Guild. Includes records for Newcraighall branch and Central branch, Musselburgh.
Administrative / Biographical History
The Musselburgh and Fisherrow Co-operative Society was founded in 1862. Following a disagreement over business premises in 1875 some of its members broke away to form a rival co-operative, the Musselburgh Industrial, which operated until 1896, at which time it was re-absorbed into the original Society. As membership and trade increased, the Society expanded its premises and diversified its operations within Musselburgh. In 1904, additional premises were acquired in Newcraighall. \r\n\r\nThe Scottish Co-operative Women's Guild (S.C.W.G.) was established in 1892, and the Musselburgh and Fisherrow arm was founded in 1908. The wives of working-class men had long shown loyalty to the co-operative movement by shopping at co-operative stores, but despite this they had had no say in the running of co-operative societies. Women's Guild meetings gave the women of the movement a forum to voice and discuss issues important to them and were opportunities to socialise with like-minded people. \r\n\r\nWeekly meetings of the Newcraighall branch of the Musselburgh and Fisherrow Co-operative Women's Guild are documented in detailed minutes throughout the 1960s, and regular meetings of Musselburgh Central branch are recorded in attendance registers dating from 1972 to 2002. Traditionally the Guild was responsible for managing funds which provided assistance for children and the elderly as well as its own general fund. \r\n\r\nThe Guild's activities included organising socials and outings for its members, notably Burns Suppers, Halowe'en and Christmas dances, and excursions to S.C.W.G. annual congresses. The Musselburgh and Fisherrow archive shows that the branch had some association with Section IV of the S.C.W.G., which encompasses Edinburgh and the Lothians, but was independent from it. \r\n
Access Information
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Geographical Names