Records of 'Morvet' Post Office Building, Hardgate, Clydebank

Collection includes papers related to Walter Morrison's death, correspondence with manufacturers regarding the contruction of 'Morvet' Post Office, loose hand-written papers, and building plans.

Originally the Post Office in Hardgate was based at 2 Victoria Place. The Morrison family were employed to run the post office from 1931 - Walter Morrison was the sub-postmaster from 1931 (while also working as an Engineer's Machinist at the Singer Sewing Machine factory), Walter's wife Isabella Vetters worked in the Post Office until her death in 1934, and their daughter Janet (known as Nette) worked in the Post Office, and became sub-postmistress following Walter's death in 1955.

In 1956, the Morrison family built a new Post Office building at the junction of Faifley Road and Glasgow Road (previously Bearsden Road) at Hardgate Cross. The building had two floors - the ground floor was split between the shop and family's home, with the first floor being used exclusively for the house. The building was called "Morvet" as a contraction of the family names Morrison and Vetters.

The main point of contact for the build appears to have been Jack Morrison. Jack was a draughtsman and drew up the plans for the build. He was also a significant figure within Clydebank and District Golf Club, and worked on producing the 16th tee which bears his name. He was secretary of the club for many years, and the Morrison lounge in the clubhouse is named for him. His portrait hangs in the clubhouse and a bench outside the building is marked with his initials in brickwork on the ground. His twin brother William was also Honorary Vice-President of the club.

Nette ran and lived at the Post Office in Morvet. Her brother Noel also lived at Morvet, and worked at Singers in charge of internal transport until it closed in 1980, and looked after the Post Office books during this period. He then worked in the Post Office along with Nette until his death in 1995.

The building and business were subsequently sold and the building is currently (as at December 2018) occupied by J Drummond Funeral Directors.

This collection is open to use. To view the collection, please contact the archivist to arrange a visit.

Records were gifted by family members to West Dunbartonshire Council Archive.