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Written by Maura Maguire
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Friday, 06 May 2005 |
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The
Lamplighter: In
my childhood the street lighting was supplied by gas. Men were employed to carry a long pole with a
small hook on the end, and a wick to be lighted, from lampstand to
lampstand. They returned at dawn to
extinguish them. Since they had to be up
and about at this time, their services were often utilised by the like of
factory workers, to wake them up by knocking on doors or tapping on
windows. The last lamps in operation
were in the South Ward. Does anyone
remember them?
The Fishmonger’s
Handcart: Each Friday
the fishmonger would pull his handcart of fish around the streets. Housewives would run out with their plates to
select their fish; most chose herring in season as this was cheap and filling.
The
Old-Fashioned Drapers: These
had long wooden counters fitted with brass tape-measures. They provided chairs for customers! The cashier sat in a glassed office and money
and receipts were passed between the salesperson and cashier by means of
‘electric’ pulleys.
The
Telegram Boy: Often
news, both good and bad was delivered by means of a telegram. The Post Office employed a number of young
boys to make these deliveries. Each was
issued with a red bicycle and wore Post Office livery including a forage cap.
I was once wooed by a telegram boy who would post flowers
(probably stolen from a neighbour’s garden) through our letter box.
The
Bakery/Butcher’s bike: Some
small home bakeries and butchers would employ boys after school and at weekends
to deliver to customers. My brother John
was employed by Foley’s bakery for this task. The bike used was a three-wheeled affair with a small cupboard in front
in which goods were carried.
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Reminiscence 
