Based on childhood recollections
of shops in north London in Edwardian times.
The corn chandler sold animal food:- bran, corn, maize and other meal and
grains. Each type was in its own large wooden container fixed against the wall,
and there was a scoop to ladle out whatever customers ordered into individual
paper bags. The shop had its own unique smell, mainly because of the chicken
feed.
A Victorian or Edwardian birdcage, photographed at the Museum of
Nottingham Life.
The corn chandler's shop was well-used because many families kept chickens
and rabbits for food, even though their gardens were small. There was also a
need for seed for birds kept as pets in cages and for the sand in their trays.
The shop also sold something that I haven't seen for years: rock sulphur.
It was sold for dogs' drinking bowls as it was supposed to make them calmer
and more comfortable. It was not uncommon to see dogs' drinking bowls outside
shops and they always contained a lump of rock sulphur. I don't know whether
it worked.
The shop also sold garden goods, like fly papers which were about two feet
long and 4 inches wide. Some women hung them indoors from their gas brackets
to attract and kill flies.
This website Join me in the 1900s is also known as
Join me in the 1900's and is ©
Pat Cryer.
