The days of tinkers, peddlers and a squaw

WITH reference to David Owens’ excellent article on The Hayes Island Snack Bar on September 18. In my book Cardiff Remembered first published in 1997, and reprinted on a number of occasions since, there is a photograph of the snack bar and the open market c.1940 which was held there and which I well remember.

As for the historic Grade II-listed Victorian toilets, said to be the oldest in Wales having opened in 1898, I recall reading during my research for the book that at one time the toilets were thought to be the wine cellar to a hotel called the Royal Hotel (not the one in St Mary Street which I believe is Cardiff’s oldest).

Some Cardiffians of a certain age and sex will remember the goldfish that used to be in the water tank above the urinals.

A Mr D Condren recalling The Hayes back in 1945 in an article to a local weekly newspaper and which is fully reprinted in my book wrote: ‘The open market on The Hayes was a flourishing place in bygone days. Scores of barrows and stalls were loaded with goods of every description.

“Mountebanks, tinkers and peddlers made frequent visits as they wandered along the highway from the market place and fairs in other parts of the country,and much amusement they created. Marionettes, Punch and Judy,sword swallowers,fire eaters and handcuff escapees all gave show on occasions.’’

He also goes on to mention the Salvation Army singing and praying, the Indian chief adorned with headfeathers and face bedabbled with paint and his squaw distributing penny packets containing a powdered secret root guaranteed to whiten and preserve the teeth.