I HAD a conversation with a reader last week during which we discussed local businesses which once had substantial workforces but are now gone.

We also talked about other concerns with a vital role in providing services to the district’s traditional industries.

I have previously written about the large number of small shops in Greenock 100 years ago. There were also many other businesses of varying sizes.

The Greenock Directory of 1923 listed four bag merchants and manufacturers. The best known name was that of Thomas Boag.

It would be impossible to calculate the number of bags the town’s refineries – there were seven in the directory – once went through every year.

Raw sugar arrived by ship in bags and the finished product was distributed in bags.

The last cargo of bagged raw sugar was discharged at the former Albert Harbour in February, 1958. Subsequent deliveries utilised the James Watt Dock’s new bulk handling facilities.

Although not all would be involved in the shoeing of horses, there were 16 blacksmiths in the 1923 directory.

That was the same number of businesses in the section for engineers, machine-makers and foundry operators.

Four names were in the category for brassfounders and coppersmiths.

It is difficult to imagine now but 100 years ago Greenock had no fewer than 19 ironmongers supplying domestic and trade customers.

There were 12 commercial printers, including the Telegraph’s then owners, Orr, Pollock & Co.

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TODAY'S photo flashback shows the Peat Road area of Greenock.

It has seen many changes since this image was taken in 1968.