Jean MacLennan was born Jean Pinkerton on 26th May 1929 in Thorliebank. Her parents both came from Glasgow's south side, as their parents had. Her father worked for some time in the family dental practice, but after his return from World War I he went into the auto business. He chauffeured the owners of Thornliebank's printworks until it closed down. Her mother never worked outside the home; with 5 sons and 2 daughters, she was very busy! All the boys were put into a trade; one boy died of heart disease at 21. Jean's sister now lives in Canada, where she moved after World War II. Jean's one living brother still lives in Thornliebank. She has a good relationship with both of her living siblings.
Jean's mother would always go to the shops to get clothes and shoes for all the children and bring them with her. She would sit them down in the shop and ask the shopkeeper what kind of deal he would give her if she paid in cash. He would usually offer her something like one pair of boots and one pair of shoes for free. She would go to all the other shops and do the same thing, and get something like 5 jumpers with money off of them. She saved money every week so she could pay cash and get something off of her purchases.
Jean (pictured left with her schoolfriends) went to Thornliebank schools from ages 5 to 14. She was not very good at her work, but her sewing, knitting and cooking skills have served her well to this day. She left school on the Friday and started work on the Monday as a dress machinist. She is now retired, and goes to church every Sunday, to the O.A.P. club twice a week, and "Salt of the Earth" meetings on Tuesday morning.
Jean and her husband Donald, a buyer for an engineering company, were married for 40 years; he died 5 years ago. They have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren, and she has a good relationship with all of them. She lived in the house she was born in - 2 rooms, a kitchen, a scullery and a small toilet - for 9 years, until the family moved to a 4-bedroom house. When she and Donald got married, their first house was one room and a small kitchen with an outside toilet. They stayed there for three years, then after the birth of their first son they moved to her present 2-bedroom house, which they bought from Eastwood council some years ago.
The best times in Jean's life were: the end of World War II, when all her brothers came home safe (including one who was a prisoner of war) and there was a great family party for them; the day of her wedding; and the births of her two sons and grandchildren. The worst times were the losses, those of her mum and dad, of four of her brothers, and of her husband Donald, her life partner. Her hope for the future is for good health. She also hopes to make the most of her time, to be as happy as she can be, and to be thoughtful to others.
Created by
Paula Cuccurullo and Howard
Mitchell
Updated 25 August 1999
© 1999 WEA Scotland
