THE 2024 PHOTO BLOG

PASSES THROUGH THE VILLAGE

Stillorgan’s Transformation: From Village to Suburban Hub

The area now known as the ‘Old Stillorgan Road’ was simply ‘Stillorgan Road’ when I lived in Woodlands Drive in the 1960s. Stillorgan was then a small, rural village, a far cry from the bustling suburb it is today. While I personally found it aesthetically unappealing, its transformation throughout the latter half of the 20th century is undeniable. I should mention that I liked living in Stillorgan and that I remained there until I accepted a job offer in California in 1979.

My childhood experiences in Stillorgan were starkly different to those in Rathgar, where I had previously lived with my grandmother. In Rathgar, the local shops offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere, particularly for a child. The shopkeepers were friendly and helpful, creating a sense of community. Stillorgan, in contrast, felt cold and impersonal. The local shops along Stillorgan Road were generally unpleasant, with staff often dismissive or unhelpful towards children. There was, however, one shining exception: Baumanns.

Established in 1947 by Jack and Catherine Baumann, Baumanns of Stillorgan quickly became a local institution. This remarkably diverse business catered to a wide range of needs, offering everything from high-class delicatessen items and pet supplies to hardware, gardening equipment, and even hairdressing services. Jack Baumann, affectionately known as the “King of Stillorgan”, was a beloved figure in the community, renowned for his generosity and charitable work. He also showed a strong commitment to local employment.

In 1978, Val Baumann took over the business, streamlining it to focus on hardware, pet supplies, and garden sheds. The business continued to adapt and evolve, with the addition of an aquatic centre and fishing and shooting supplies in 2002. Baumanns remains a thriving business in Stillorgan to this day, a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability.

The arrival of the Stillorgan Shopping Centre in the 1960s marked a significant turning point in the area’s development. As one of the first shopping centres in Ireland, and indeed one of the first outside of the USA, it revolutionised the retail landscape. The convenience and variety offered by the shopping centre drew customers away from the smaller shops along Stillorgan Road, leading to the closure of many. Baumanns, however, withstood this change, demonstrating its resilience and strong community ties.

Across the road from this new retail behemoth sat Nimble Fingers, a beloved arts and crafts shop. Now, Nimble Fingers also found itself at the centre of an unexpected drama involving the nearby Oatlands school. In the late 1960s, the school issued a rather startling decree: all students were forbidden from visiting Nimble Fingers. Naturally, this caused quite a stir amongst the parents, who demanded an explanation for this seemingly arbitrary ban. The school, with an air of grave seriousness, declared that the owner of Nimble Fingers was a known member of the Irish Communist Party! One can only imagine the whispers and raised eyebrows that followed this revelation. However, the truth, as it often does, proved to be far less dramatic. It turned out that the owner was not a communist revolutionary, but rather a member of the ICA – the Irish Countrywomen’s Association. This venerable organisation, dedicated to social and educational opportunities for women and the betterment of rural and urban life, was evidently mistaken for a hotbed of communist activity. The misunderstanding, once cleared up, no doubt provided much amusement in the community.

The construction of the Stillorgan Bypass and the M50 motorway further contributed to Stillorgan’s transformation. Improved transport links increased accessibility and spurred further development, solidifying Stillorgan’s position as a key suburban hub.