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The Callan family were dairy farmers at the turn of the 1900s. Their farm, Fenwickland, was located in, what is now, built up Belmont. The family retailed butter and milk to the people of Ayr. Several carts went out every morning selling milk, dispensed in jugs.
It was after the 1914-18 war that Callan's founder, Thomas Callan turned his back on farming and started his apprenticeship with Dewars Auctioneers in Ayr’s Kyle Street. Dewars sold livestock as well as furniture and the first sale the young Thomas conducted was cattle.
It was when Dewars went into liquidation in 1933, that Thomas decided the time was right to set up his own business, and opened his auction hall in Ayr’s High Street, on the site currently occupied by BHS. Two auctions a week were held – on Tuesdays for second hand clothing and on Thursdays for household furnishings. The first Callan auction was on 17th November in 1933 and the total takings amounted to £22/5s/9d.
During the Second World War, Thomas Callan served in the Royal Navy. On demob in 1946 he expanded Callans and bought his first removal van. Ten years later his son, David Callan, joined the business and in 1971 David took over upon the death of his father. With the redevelopment of Ayr’s High Street, the business moved to its current address at 22 Smith Street, Ayr. Michael Callan became a partner in 1998 and is the third generation of the family to join the business. more ›› |
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