A number of pithy essays by Michael O’Donohoe sit among the vast quantity of papers in the collection.
Topics covered are wide in variety, for example, the GAA, Lord Headley, local streets and lanes, Sir Richard Griffith and The House of Progress.1
The House of Progress, transcribed below, provides an informative sketch of the business from its foundation to date.
The House of Progress
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In the rush of modern living, it is rare to be afforded an opportunity to reflect on Castleisland’s changing social history.
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In the year 1911 David Twomey opened his business at 91 Main Street, Castleisland, trading as D J Twomey & Sons Ltd, The House of Progress. It was located in an elegant three storey town house situated in the heart of the commercial centre of the town.
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Early in the last century, few could resist entering through the splendid glass doors set in a mellow classically styled facade which replicated the extravagance of Edwardian opulence. The shop was an elegant blend of tradition and modernity. It was a leading provincial town store with its Mantles, Haberdashery, Millinery, Linen, Shoes and Ladies and Gents Outfitting departments.
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The founder, David Twomey, was born in Knockane in 1879 and in the early 1890s, was apprenticed to J K O’Connor of 63 Main Street. Later he took a position with Grants of Cork and subsequently moved to Kelletts, George’s Street, Dublin as a floor superintendent. There he wore the three-quarter-length coat and striped trousers which was the appropriate dress code for the position in that era. Ambition then took him to one of the world’s leading stores, Selfridges of London.
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Returning home in 1911 with a wealth of experience, he opened his own store 90 years ago in premises originally owned by Thomas Moore. In the same year he married Julia McElligott. It was the custom of that time for members of staff to live on the premises.
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Staff names through the years include Brosnan, Wall, Clancy, O’Keeffe, Touhy, Sheehy, Hartnett, Reidy, McGee, O’Connor, Behan, Murphy, Brosnan, Broder, Coffey, Prendiville and Hughes. These, and many more, worked at The House of Progress.
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Paddy Twomey, who married Agnes McGee, succeeded his father David in 1952. They carried on the business up to their retirement in 1974. For seven decades, the Twomey family had been part of the commercial life of Castleisland and The House of Progress epitomised elegance for generations of its customers.
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The House of Progress, now the property of the Hickey family, is still a commercial premises.
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1 Series ref IE MOD/26. This essay was also published in the Maine Valley Post 5 June 2016.
