Once upon a time the Old Half-Way House Inn stood proudly. It was located halfway between Glasgow and Paisley. This is the story of the Halfwayhouse.
Halfwayhouse wasn’t just a name. It was a literal description. The area got its name because it was equidistant from Glasgow and Paisley. That’s about three miles or five kilometres from each city.
Imagine the year is 1800. A dark December night. Two lovers seek shelter and refreshments at the Old Half-Way House Inn. The gentleman playfully insists the woman pay. She produces a guinea-note and he scribbles his name on the back. It was a joke.
The girl, a future farm servant, receives the note back. Her sweetheart escorts her onward, then returns to the inn for another drink. Suddenly, two suspicious men appear. They try to pay with the same guinea-note. The sweetheart recognizes his autograph.
Chaos erupts. The doors are locked. Labourers arrive. The girl’s body is soon discovered nearby. The men are tried, convicted, and their remains buried in Jail Square. A grim tale indeed.
But the Halfwayhouse is more than just old tales of crime. The Old Half-Way House Inn, dating back to 1608, was a local treasure. It boasted eight apartments on the ground floor and five more upstairs. A large garden and outbuildings completed the picture.
Mrs. Hunter, the proprietor in 1893, kept the inn’s traditions alive. She loved sharing stories of the area’s legendary lore. She was known for her genial nature.
The Old Half-Way House Inn attracted many visitors. It was more popular than other inns in the district. The original building, dating to 1608, stood just behind the newer one.
In 1926, Halfwayhouse became part of Glasgow. This happened along with Cardonald, Hillington, and Crookston. Many local roads were renamed to avoid duplicates.
The 1940s and 1950s saw significant development in Halfwayhouse. The original village’s traces faded along the main road between Glasgow and Paisley.
Today, little remains of the original inn. It was demolished around 1964. But the name Halfwayhouse lives on. It reminds us of a time when it was a true halfway point. The manager before demolition was Mr Carmine di Giacomo.
Next time you pass through Halfwayhouse, remember its history. Think of the travelers, the stories, and the Old Half-Way House Inn. It was a place where legends were made.