Tuesday 3 July 2007

Shutters needed to protect facade of one of Letterkenny's oldest buildings

Shutters will protect the ornate facade of one of Letterkenny's oldest buildings because of another attack of vandalism last weekend.
Ernest Speer, a drapery, is a listed building which is one of the few remaining premises which has retained links with days gone by in the Donegal town.
The Lower Main Street premises retained its original facade as modern shop fronts became the norm in the town.
However, Lester Speer has confirmed that they have been forced to order shutters to protect the award-winning building following vandalism last Saturday night.
"It's disappointing that it has come to this.
"It's the second time in recent months that the large plate-glass window has been smashed. It costs over €1,000 each time to replace. A replacement window has to be specially ordered.
"I remember not that long ago watching Match of the Day on television one Saturday night when I heard a commotion down stairs. When I looked out the window I saw a fella drawing his boot off the window.
"We've been looking at putting in the shutters since February, but the town council stopped us. We're a protected building and have to go through them, but something will have to be done. It's disappointing it has come to this stage."
Visitors to Speer's are immediately drawn to the big pot-belly stove in the centre, which is still used to heat the store, while wooden floorboards, wooden counters, old photographs and antique furniture provide a reminder of life in Letterkenny at the turn of the century.
Maud Speer and her late husband Ernest watched the town grow through the years but they refused to modernise their premises.
While the shop provides a comprehensive service to its customers, it does so without using modern interior design.
The outside of the building has been freshly painted, while some restorative work is planned for its glass ceiling.
The building dates back to the later part of the 19th century, and first traded under the name of George Magee, of Magee and Co, Donegal Town, before being taken over by James Benson in 1925.
Ernest Speer, a native of Ballybocurragh on the outskirts of Letterkenny, worked in Benson's until 1955, when he took over the premises.
Following his death in January 1983, the business was taken over by his widow Maud and son Lester.
Many of the town's elderly still refer to the premises as "Benson's".

Harry Walsh
© 2007 The Irish Times

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