THE McEWAN FAMILY - Ann J Pow

Among all the families of note in Prestonpans I think the McEwans should be well remembered. Dr McEwan Senior and his two sons. Dr George and Dr William, better known as Dr Willie. lived in Walford House on the sea front and at the foot of what was then known as the Doctor's Wynd but is now called Ormiston Place. I have often wondered why there is no street or place named after this highly respected family. I am sure there are many residents in Prestonpans who were brought into the world by these men as at that time Maternity Hospitals were unknown.
Dr McEwan was well known for his work with the boys of the district. He held a meeting every Sunday in the Town Hall which was called The Lads Meeting. The boys sang hymns with real gusto and there was always a "Chalk Talk" on religious subjects. They Finished with a trip down the coast. all packed on to a motor vehicle of some sort. This was at the end of their winter meetings and a real highlight in their lives.
Dr MeEwan Senior held first-aid classes for young miners in the 1910s, probably the fore-runner of Mine Rescue and Dr Willie was to follow in his footsteps many years later when he was in charge of the training of the first aid team of the ARP at the Mary Murray Institute during the Second World War.
Dr Willie was an Elder in Grange U F Church, opposite the Library (now St Andrew's Episcopal Church) and gave the same faithftil service to his District members as he did to his patients. He eventually retired to Longniddry and enjoyed many happy days at his golf.