Drawing on the past: Extracts from an ordinary Glasgow man's diaries that offer an extraordinary glimpse into early 20th century Scottish life

• The Clydesdale Supply Co Ltd where Tommy bought his new wireless set

Now we get this special diarist's take – accompanied by his witty illustrations – on his day-to-day-life after the war, with the release of Tommy's Peace which covers his entries from 1919-1933.

Born in Rutherglen in 1882, the son of a mercantile clerk, Tommy's Peace covers the years Livingstone lived at 14 Morgan Street, Govanhill, with his wife, Agnes, and their only son, Tommy. The youngest of six children, he worked as a mercantile clerk and began courting Agnes in 1903. They married in 1910 and were together until her death in 1950, aged 71. Thomas died in 1964 at the age of 81. He had lived in Glasgow for his whole life.

The Livingstones' lives were not always easy, but they were a cheery bunch. Thomas and Agnes were immensely proud of their only son, born in 1911, who was very bright and went on to teach English Literature at Glasgow University. Money was a little tight, but the family passed their time going to the cinema, listening to the radio, socialising with their neighbours and enjoying long walks in Glasgow. Most years they went on a family holiday to Largs, and the diaries document a number of family hobbies from indoor golf to stamp collecting.

Troubled times:

• 1919 – Livingstone and his family have to deal with industrial and social unrest caused by demobilised workers returning to claim their jobs after the war. Rationing hangs over them as does an influenza pandemic:

Wednesday 1 January

STARTED the new year by being 'first fitted' with the Carmichaels. After a sumptuous tea we had a little music. They went away at 1:30am,. After a few hours' sleep we went to Coatbridge by 3.38 train from the Cross. We were their 'first foots'. Mr Crozier and I toasted in the good old-fashioned way. We came back by the 9.18 train and arrived home 10pm.

Friday, 31 January

WILD scenes in George Square today with the strikers. Riot Act read by the proper official. Documents torn from his hands, and he gets bashed with a bottle. Mounted police charge with batons, and about 50 people qualify for the hospital. I went to the square at night for a constitutional, but kept a wary eye on police. The soldiers arrive, fully armed, steel helmets etc. So I gradually faded away. I'm afraid there will be bloodshed.

Saturday, 1 February

THOUSANDS of troops drafted into Glasgow today. All public buildings, stations and bridges have sentries with fixed bayonets and 'tin hats'. In the afternoon, I took Tommy and Agnes into the square to see the unusual spectacle. Troops billeted in the Post Office, municipal buildings and all round about. The hooligans, loafers or strikers kept quiet. The three strike leaders, Gallacher, Kirkwood and Shinwell arrested. We got safely home. There must be a hundred or so shop windows smashed in the town. We are the people.

Tuesday, 4 February

FIVE tanks arrive in Glasgow. The minister here tonight. He embraces Tommy (great joy). Agnes ironed all night. I went over to Calder Street library for a little.

Sunday 16 February

NICE sort of day. Before dinner, I took a walk through Queen's Park and Shawlands, along Dumbreck Road and car back from Fleurs Avenue. It brought back old times again. Agnes worked hard all day. I, being a gentleman, just smoked.

Monday, 17 February

BITTER, cold day. Agnes in the wash house and rubbed 'cloots' at night with a hot iron. Tommy very sick. Kept him in bed all day. Is it . . . ? Or is it . . .? More grey hairs on my head.The military are now away from Glasgow.

Friday, 21 February

DIRTY, dull day. Took a walk out to Langside Library at night, and a walk home again. The infuenza is very bad again all over the country.

Thursday 27 February

AGNES took a run out to Ruglen to see Nellie. Tommy kept the house until I came in at tea time. We got our gas bill. It will be handy as a pipe-light.

Wednesday 6 August

AGNES in town this afternoon. She called in at factor and paid the rent. I broke a few sticks at night. Tommy growing too big for his bed. So I knocked a hole in the end of it to let out his feet. I'll finish it some other night.

• 1920 – Industrial unrest continues with strikes disturbing transport and fuel supply. Unemployment is on the rise, as are food prices:

Thursday, 13 May

WORKING late at night. 113 cases of smallpox in hospital. Time I was getting vaccinated.

Friday, 14 May

TOOK Tommy over to doctor and both got vaccinated. Tommy collapsed after the operation, so I led him gently home. Took a run over to Greenlodge at night.

Tuesday, 18 May

WORKING late. Tommy off school today, seeing he has a 'pock'. My arm beginning to feel sore now.

Wednesday, 19 May

AGNES' arm not showing much sign yet. Tommy's and mine at the juicy stage. In spite of my wounded arm, I cleaned the room windows at night.

Tuesday, 25 May, 1920

THIS is a holiday. Beautiful weather again. We took car to Dalmuir and meandered along the canal to Old Kilpatrick. We went into the glen and sat down and sucked oranges. Got the train home. Wound up the day by patronising the Cinerama

• 1921 – Shortages of coal and gas – due to miners' strikes – make life difficult for the Livingstones:

Thursday 31 March

AGNES went into Josephine's shop in afternoon and saw Lily and wee Jean. Josephine living at Fairlie. Agnes got presented wih a nice blouse, in appreciation for all she has done etc. When she came home, she continued the ironing. All the miners go on strike tonight. Very serious times.

Friday 15 April

ROSE at 6am and tidied up the kitchen. Got a letter from Agnes at my work saying they would be at home tonight and would I meet them. I would. Word this evening that railways and transport strike is off. The triple alliance is split.

Monday 18 April

WE got in some coke today as we are not allowed any coal at all. We went to the Majestic at night. The miners are furious with railwaymen.

Thursday 12 May

AGNES went out herself in afternoon to Coatbridge. The strike situation is very serious. Next week we are only getting gas during meal hours, and are not allowed either coal or coke. Agnes brought home a small paraffin stove.

• Tanks on the streets of Glasgow in February 1919

• 1922

Thursday 16 February

AGNES spent the evening usefully in ironing, and I spent it usefully (or otherwise) in stamp arranging.

Tuesday 9 May

OUR wardrobe arrived this forenoon. A fine place to put my Sunday hat. Helped Agnes to wash the dinner service. We are going to be spring cleaning. Ah, me!

• 1923 – Broadcasting arrives in Glasgow and the Livingstones are among the first families to 'listen in' using a wireless built at home:

Sunday, 13 May

BRIGHT and sunny at times. Dull and wet at other times. Warmer at times. Took a walk to Pollok Estate in the afternoon and had a seat. Basked in the sunshine and thought it fine to be alive.

Sunday, 24 June

AGNES being a lady, and I a gentleman, the first named party got breakfast in bed. Dull, bleak, windy day. We rusticated in Queen's Park etc at night. The wind played tricks with Agnes' hat.

Tuesday, 31 July

STOPPED today for my holidays. I got my hair cut so that I will get all the sun going at Largs. We spent a hectic night packing up. German mark now stands about 5 million. In other words, its value is nil.

Saturday, 11 August

BLAZING hot sunshine all day. After breakfast, I had a seat at the putting green. Nannie and Tommy then joined me, and we putted. We then had a stroll around. After dinner we all went to Douglas Park. Nannie took our photo in various attitudes. While basking on a seat, an impious bee bit my hand. After tea we took motor to Fairlie Glen, and motor back. A perfect day.

Thursday, 13 September

RAINED heavily all morning. Rained heavily all forenoon. Rained heavily at mid-day. Rained heavily all afternoon. Rained heavily all night.

Thursday, 27 September

RECEIVED today 600 million marks from Germany for 20 shillings. It was for a friend of mine. I kept 50 millions, so I am a millionaire.

Wednesday, 10 October

AFTER my usual allowance of porridge, my appetite failed me. Quite evidently I'm not well. Felt better at night. My 50,000,000 marks are now worth a penny.

• 1924 – The first Labour government comes to power:

Tuesday, 22 January

WE have now a Labour government. Ramsay MacDonald, our first Socialist premier.

Thursday, 21 February

AGNES in wash house today, first time for a year. She survived (so far). I am going to erect a wireless receiving station, so bought a few parts.

Friday, 31 October

OUR gas fire is now finished. It gives quite a heat, and will save Agnes a lot of work, be cleaner and will give Glasgow a purer atmosphere. Amen. Tommy at a Scout Hallowe'en beanfeast tonight. I cleaned all the windows.

• Pollokshields Library

• 1925

Monday, 20 April

FINE summer-like day. Tommy out on the bike during the day. He says he can now manage it. My turn next. Agnes and I had a walk by Pollokshields at night.

Saturday, 4 July

ANOTHER rare day. Spent the afternoon chiefly sitting on the lawn and getting sunburnt. We went down to the village at night, as I required tobacco. Being in Milngavie, the said tobacco was nicely scented, which displeased me greatly. We saw a stand-up (or lie-down) fight between two natives.

Tuesday, 24 November

CALLED in at the Clydesdale and got my new wireless set. With a flutter at my waistcoat, I hooked it on at tea time, put on the 'phones and listened. It worked. Quite as good as the old one, so couldn't wish for anything better.

Thursday, 3 December

FROST and fog. Have a pain in my side, to my great alarm. I blame spring cleaning.

• 1926 – The General Strike and the coal miners' strike see industrial unrest escalate:

Thursday, 15 April

AGNES says I smoke too much. My toe very sore. Agnes ironed handkerchiefs all night, and for ever and ever.

Monday, 3 May

AGNES had a bad night. Not well at all. The Trades Union Council calls a general strike to take place at midnight. Made the kitchen table so that the wringer could stand on it, but it did not work very well.

Tuesday, 4 May

THE great strike is now in operation, No trains, cars, papers, no nothing. A few cars running, but no papers at night. Have to get my news now by wireless.

Wednesday, 5 May

VERY cold day. About 100 cars running today. The Glasgow press publish an emergency newspaper. Business at a standstill. Some small riots in town at night. Serious times.

Wednesday, 12 May

COLLAPSE of the Great Strike. The TUC calls it off unconditionally and so the great plot fails. In gratitude, we go to the Majestic at night. We are now preparing for spring cleaning.

Saturday, 21 August

WENT out with Agnes in afternoon to see a mirror that had tickled her fancy. We ordered same which, being duly delivered, I hung up at night. We went to Shawlands picture house with the odd change.

Sunday, 28 November

AGNES and Tommy at church. I stayed in and mismanaged things as usual. Gave them cold pie for dinner. Agnes told me a few home truths as to my general character and disposition. I was not flattered. To regain my self respect I went on a long walk to Barrhead.

Friday, 31 December

GOT away at 1 p.m. Took a run over to Greenlodge in afternoon. After tea, Agnes and I went to the Majestic. Great events of this year: the General Strike; the big coal strike; Tommy starts a new school, Albert Road Academy; we stay two months in Milngavie for the summer; I started to eat butter and jam on the one piece.

• The Cinerama in Govanhill

• 1927

Wednesday, 29 June

WENT to the paint shop and got 4lbs of paint for 2/8. I am going to paint a picture, maybe. The professional here in due course, and decorated the kitchen in a pleasing manner with paper. We allowed him once more to sup with us, and he got away 12.30 a.m.

Wednesday, 13 July

AGNES in town in the afternoon and got a new waterproof coat. I went to the library for a little at night.

• 1928

Thursday, 26 April

AGNES having a big day in the wash house. I went down at night to my dentist, and got my lower jaw filled with teeth. Got home 10.15 p.m. feeling very uncomfortable. I may get used to them, and I may not.

Sunday, 29 July

TOMMY started shaving today. He has the razor I bought 20 years ago.

• 1929

Saturday, 22 June

TOMMY brought in the Herald this morning to see results of the bursary examination.To our joy and pride, he is first out of 438 competitors. Spent the day saying: 'Is it possible?' Bought a new paper on the strength of it.

Monday, 9 September, 1929

BRILLIANT day of sunshine. Tommy got a letter of congratulation today from Sir John Gilmour. It had come to his notice etc etc. He is the bloke who keeps Pollokshields School up in gold medals. I went out for a little to Pollokshields Library, where the gentry get reading the papers for nothing.

Tuesday, 31 December

FROSTY but some rain. Got away from work at 3 p.m. Mrs Carmichael from Furnace dropped in to see us at dinner time. Appalling disaster at Glen Cinema, Paisley, today. Panic – 70 children lose their lives.

• 1933 – The depression begins to affect the Livingstones directly. Tommy eventually stops writing in his diary, returning to it just once, 17 years later, for one final entry:

Monday, 24 April

NICE warm, sunny day, but a dull, wet night. My throat a wee bit tight, but otherwise I'm well. Tommy took our wireless to the shop that does our radio wants, to get it wired over again. With these few remarks, I will now close this diary, and never write in it again. I have kept it faithfully for 20 odd years. It has seen many changes and dire events, and as for the future, I hesitate.

So, amen.

1950

Monday, 27 February 1950

AGNES, my darling wife and sweetheart, died early this morning. 'At the going down of the sun and in the morning, I will remember her.'

• Tommy's Peace by Thomas Cairns Livingstone is edited by Ronnie Scott and is published by Mainstream Publishing on 30 September priced 20