Lismore window: a picture of times gone by
A sight to behold is the window displays at the former combination pub and grocery shop M Greehy’s, located on Main Street, Lismore.
Adorned with traditional signage including Player’s Weights Cigarettes, Wills Gold Flake Cigarettes and Guinness, the building itself holds many a traditional characteristic, while old signage on the doors points to times gone by.
A sign for ‘Fruitfield’ preserves exclaims that their jars now come with a ‘patent twist-off lid’, a modern convenience that is often taken for granted.
While the building’s exterior and associated signage is certainly remarkable, it is the window display that might intrigue many a reader or visitor to the town.
Recently, many items that could now possibly be considered vintage were on display, ranging from Osmond’s Famous Ringworm Ointment to The Steamship brand Molasses Candy, made by Stewart and Young.
Old fashioned packaging for common modern items on display include Colman’s Mustard, KP Peanuts, Ovaltine, Lucozade, Cow & Gate (advertised as ‘ Milk Food’), Cadbury’s Chocolate Biscuits, OXO Cubes and Barry’s Gold Blend.
Some less common items nowadays which are on display include Clarke’s White Cap Snuff, Clem Travelling Iron, Virol, Borax Soap, Hack’s (lozenges) for Throat and Chest and some vintage glass baby bottles.
Greehy’s Bar Lounge and Grocers was owned by a Bridget Greehy who we understand, used to bottle her own Guinness on the premises.
While the pub and grocery shop shut for good in 2003 after fifty years in business, the owners of the building continue to maintain this truly wonderful window display.