Morriston of Yesteryear
Photos and memories of Old Morriston submitted by readers to this web site - last update 10th November 2009
Carmel Chapel Cricket Club - Season 1912
This photo was submitted by Merlyn Williams, originally from Morriston who now lives in Yellowknife, Canada. Merlyn's grandfather William John Williams was a deacon at Carmel and he believes he helped build the Chapel.
Martin Street School Play 1951
This photo again from Merlyn Williams was of a production of St. George and the Dragon performed in 1951 at the Forward Movement Church on Woodfield Street.
The 'actors' from left to right are John Morgan (Sion Y Banc), Ambrose Thomas (Twm Sing High), Gren Thomas (Twm), Merlyn Williams (Will the Dragon), Dennis Francis (St. George), Talfryn Griffiths (the Damsel with the viel) and Alan Williams (Beelzebub).
Woodfield Street Scenes
Looking North
Looking South
View of Morriston from Brynrock
The above 3 photos were submitted by Alberta Stevens (nee Gordon), who's grandmother Lizzie East was a well known photographer in Morriston
People of Morriston
These gents are sitting on the seat outside the Forward Movement Hall in Woodfield Street. The photos were submitted by Sue Nelson (nee Harris) and she thinks it would be around the 1940's or 50's. Sue's uncle, Fred Hopkins, is the only one without a cap on. He lived in the Mill Cottage (attached to the Mill House Pub) on Cwmbath Road. He was blind but used to pump the bellows for the organ at the Forward Movement Hall. Some readers may recognise some of the other men in the pictures. Thomas the Lan
This was William Thomas of Lan Manor, who became Mayor of Swansea in 1877. The photo was taken in 1878 in his Mayoral regalia and below is a newspaper cutting from the 'South Walian' in Nov 1896 which was stuck to the reverse of the main photo. It gives a glowing account of his service to public life in the mid and late 1800's.
This photo again was submitted by Alberta Stevens. A Poem by Susan Nelson
I'm sure that this poem will bring back many memories to many people who grew up in Morriston in the 50's and 60's.
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I don't know when I found it
But it was in my second decade, That I followed previous generations, And began The Monkey Parade. |
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We'd start at the Top by St. John's Church And walk down Woodfield Street, We'd try to look smart and interesting, With stilletoes and winkle pickers on our feet. |
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We'd look in all the windows, And study all the range, We'd start at Woolworth and end at Kitty Jones, And were quick to spot any change. |
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And as we walked down during the daytime, Those shops looked a wonderful sight, Maybe we were going shopping then, But we only thought of the night |
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And as I stand here reminiscing, My thoughts return to my young days, I think of the shops that were in Woodfield Street, And the places for Songs of Praise. |
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The wooden floors in Woolworth, That made your shoes clip clop, And further down there was Woodleys, Where you'd buy your joint or a chop. |
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Remember Hunts the bakers, And the lovely smell of his pies, And the lofty spire of Tabernacle, That seemed to reach for the skies. |
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And opposite there was the department store, To buy stockings, or material straight off the loom And when you gave your cash to pay for your things, It went whizzing around the room. |
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Led Davies for Cycles, Broken biscuits at John Bull And I remember the Forward Movement, There were times when that was full. |
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Cinemas, now that's another thing, Our Town had two of them, I saw Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Regal, And the Student Prince at the Gem. |
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Evan Glyn the Paper shop, Now his window was always full, And if you were fond of knitting, You went to Llewellyns for wool. |
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Now pubs there were loads of them, Always one near and handy, I remember going for my very first drink, Twas the Lamb & Flag and a ginger beer shandy |
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Now we didn't have a Supermarket, We had small shops for all our nices, We had Maypole, Lipton, and Harry Stores, And we shopped round for all the best prices |
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There were many bargains at Sayers, And Greeps for a pot or a pan, And Bakers had plenty of vegetables, Not forgetting Ces the Milk Man |
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You could get your furniture in Albany, The Dorchester for lovely flowers Baby clothes at London Hosiery, I could keep going here for hours |
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Now our clothes were a different thing, But you could buy you shoes at Penhale, But for anything really fashionable, T'was to Town for the C. & A. Sale. |
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At the Cross there was Pompas Café, You could buy sweets or a box of Chocs, But what I remember most of all, Was the coffee and the old Juke Box. |
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You could make a coke last for hours, We had so many small joys, We'd listen to 60's music, And share our time with the boys |
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As a youngster I had a talent, Which my parents used to Inspire, Those were the days I used to sing, And was a Soloist in the Ladies Choir |
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Yes I remember Morriston, In those days not so long ago, What happened to all those people, Where did those old friends go |
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So I joined the Guild to look for them, And now I've a request you see, Cos I'm happy since I've been here, Do you think the Drama group has room for me? |
Many thanks Sue for sharing your wonderful poem with us.
Men of Steel
Two more photos from Merlyn Williams. These are the steelmen of one or both of the Steelworks in Morriston having a well-earned break. The works in question were The Dyffryn Steel and Tinplate Works and The Worcester Tinplate Works. The Worcester works later merged with The Upper Fforest Tinplate Works and became known as The Fforest and Worcester Tinplate Works. Maybe some relatives of these men may know where they worked
Team of 1955
This photo of Martin Street School rugby team 1955, was sent in by Barbara Rees who together with her husband Gareth, emigrated from Morriston to Western Australia in 1977.
Gareth is the one in the lower left hand corner of the photo, but sadly he passed away after a long illness in 2003.
Does anyone know any of the other members of the team?
Peacock's Stores
This photo of the manager and staff of Peacock's Stores in Woodfield Street was submitted by Jeff Lang. His mother worked in the store as a young woman and is 7th from the right in the picture. Jeff estimates that the photo was taken about 1930. Morriston Council School
This photo of Morriston Council School was taken in 1911 and was submitted by Paul Rees of Swansea. Paul's grandfather Ivor Rees is in the photo.
Paul is currently researching his family history and wondered whether anyone had information about the Rees family who lived in Market Street, Glantawe Street, Wychtree Street and Clyndu Street.
Anyone with any information can contact me via the link below and I'll pass on the information to Paul.
Dyffryn Steelworkers
These were Stonemasons and labourers taking a break from their work at the Dyffryn Steel and Tinplate Works in 1947. The photo was sent in by John Thomas who grew up in Birchgrove, attended Morriston Comprehensive Shool and emigrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1988.
John's grandfather, Thomas Thomas was a stonemason and is in the top row of the photo, second from right. Sunshine Corner
This photo of the children of Elim Church (Sunshine Corner) Wychtree Street taken in 1943, was sent in by Noreen Todd (nee Finselbach) who used to live in Wychtree Street. I'm afraid that Noreen didn't include any further information. Maybe someone else can provide some more details about the photo. Martin Street
This photo looking up Martin Street from near the Duke Hotel was sent in by Jan Clatworthy, whose family used to own the Swan Hotel. The tram lines can clearly be seen as they pass the Swan Hotel on the right in the 1920's. Jan's father, Denzil Clatworthy, was brought up in Morriston before emigrating to South Africa. Jan now lives near London. Carmel Chapel Operetta
Merlyn Williams sent in this photo of an Operetta entitled The Royal Jester which was performed at Carmel Chapel Vestry in 1951.
The gentlemen seated from left to right are Mr Roberts, Minister of Carmel, Willie Evans, Gwilym Rees and the young boy in the front is Ambrose Thomas (Twm Sing High)
Star Laundry Girls
Noreen Todd (nee Finselbach) sent in this and the following 6 photos. Football Team
This photo was taken about in 1957 and shows Noreen (2nd from left) with Sal Thomas, Edna Jones and Hilda Bateman taking a well earned break.
Noreen's brother Billy is 2nd from left front row, in which she believes could be a Birchgrove team in the 1950's. Maybe someone can confirm this?
Neath Road Infants School
Noreen estimates that this was taken in about 1940.
Coronation Party
A party in Wychtree Street to celebrate the Coronation. Neath Road Youth Club
Noreen's mother, Betty Finselbach (nee Cery) is the 3rd from the right, front row.
A splendid photo of a very popular Neath Road Youth Club taken in about 1950.
Christmas Party - Dyffryn Club
Happy times at a Christmas party in the Dyffryn Club in the 1960's.
Family
A formal portrait of Noreen's father George Finselbach (standing) and her uncle Dai taken in about 1930.
They lived at that time in Neath Road.
Many thanks Noreen for sharing these wonderful photos with us. Noreen was brought up in Wychtree Street, but now lives in Clydach.
Morriston Carnival
Another photo submitted by Merlyn Williams, this one of the Morriston Hospital Nurses entry in Morriston Carnival of June 25th 1963.
The nurses involved are standing from left to right; Joyce Williams (nee Lewis), Ann Kilpatrick, Margaret Jones, Mair Gibson, Gillian Hopkins, Kirky, Maralyn Magoogan and Margaret John.
Seated; June Powell, Pat Feivan, Dorothy Llewellyn.
A great bunch of Care Givers.
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On the theme of Morriston Carnival, these two photos are of Jeff Lang in the carnivals of 1953 and 1954 (approx). Jeff is the guard on the right of the picture, I'll say no more!!!
Morriston Council School
Another photo of Morriston Council School this one of the Infants Department, Group II taken in 1915.
The photo was submitted by Jackie Evans whose father, William Glyndwr Rees (known as Glyn) is in the photo, 3rd from the right in the 2nd row.
Jackie's grandparents, David and Sarah lived at 114 Glantawe Street all their married lives and her father, Glyn was also born there.
Lan Street Parties
Andrea Atkinson (nee John) sent in this photo together with the following 2 photos of events held in Lan Street in the early 1950's. Lan Street
This photo (the date written on the back is 13th July 1951) shows Pastor Trevor Lloyd of Pentremalwed Mission with his wife Myfannwy.
Andrea's mother Margaret John, is seated on the right wearing the apron.
Andrea believes the young man standing behind her is Michael Phillips, perhaps other visitors to this site can recognise the other people in the photo.
Another photo from the party in Lan Street on the same as day as the photo above. The Union Jack is flying but Andrea isn't sure the reason for the party. Can anyone remember this occasion? Children's Parade
Andrea's mother Margaret (pointing) has Muriel Hover behind her.
This photo shows a children's parade with Andrea John second from the left front row, with Joan Kerkin on her right. Andrea thinks that the little boy next to her is Richard Harding.
The reason for the parade is not known, but could it possibly be to celebrate the Queen's Coronation? Any-one know?
Many thanks Andrea for sharing these photos with us. Andrea was brought up in Morriston, but now lives in Scotland
Carmel Chapel Cricket Club - 1924
Another photo of Carmel Chapel Cricket Club, this time it's the 1st & 2nd XI from the 1924 season.
The photo was sent in by Mike Isaac whose grandfather William Isaac is on the far left of the second row of the photo. Mike was brought up in Morriston but has now emigrated to Waunarlwydd!
Verse Chorus - Martin Street School
A photograph of the Verse Chorus of Martin Street School in 1951 submitted by Merlyn Williams (3rd from left front row).
I wonder if you can recognise any of the other 'angels' in the photo?
More Morriston Scenes
The Cross
Pentrepoeth Road
Woodfield Street
Crown Street
The above 4 photographs were submitted by Barbara Hill of Ynysforgan. Many thanks Barbara for sharing these photos with us Pentrepoeth School Football Team
Barbara is a keen collector of old photos and postcards and these are genuine postcards two of which have previously been posted complete with 1d stamps on the back.
Barbara was born in Hayes, Middlesex as her father left Manselton to find work in London. He soon returned with his family to Swansea and when Barbara married Dave Hill they lived in various parts of Swansea before settling in Ynysforgan 30 years ago.
A photograph of the Intermediate team during the 1947-48 season.
Rear left to right, Mr Gwyn Griffiths (teacher), Mr Daniels (Headmaster), Mr Edward (Teddy) Jones (teacher)
Back Row: Dai Lewis, John Alford, Stan Davies, Dai Powell, Dai Pugh, Des Gray.
Middle Row: Terry Hanney, Roy Williams, Lyn Davies, Ray John, Joe McNeil.
Front Row: Dai Roberts, Brian Gilchrist.
Salvation Army Sunday School
A very old photograph of the Salvation Army Sunday School in approx 1922.
The sender's mother Bessie May (Jessie) Bellew is on the teacher's left, her sister Beryl is directly behind the teacher and another sister Muriel is in the front far left of the photo. They were all born in Graig Terrace, Morriston.
Tinplate Workers
These workers of the Dyffryn/Worcester tinplate works taking a well-earned break in the late 1940's.
The sender's mother Jessie Davies (nee Bellew) is third from right in the back row.
Many thanks Lynn for sharing these marvellous photos with us
Martin Street Scenes
The two photos above were submitted by Barrie Mitchell whose father Oswald took them in the 1950's. The Mitchell family lived 2 doors up from the Post Office in number 34a Martin Street (now no.79) and Barrie lived there from 1945 to 1965 and now lives in Wrexham. Thanks Barrie for the photos and the idea. Martin Street School
How different today's scene is comparing the amount of traffic on the road.
When Barrie submitted these photos, he thought it might be interesting to see them joined as one, so with the aid of modern technology, I had a go and came up with the following.
Keen eyed viewers will have noticed that the boy now appears twice in the the same photo!!
The two photos above were submitted by regular contributor Merlyn Williams, of a Martin Street School Production "A Trip to Egypt" in 1952.
Can any readers recognise any of the Egyptians?
Duke Hotel
A photo of a familiar landmark in Morriston, The Duke Hotel (now The Duke's Arms) taken in about 1940.
This was submitted by Martin Griffiths whose grandparents, Gordon and Millie Griffiths were licensees at the time the photo was taken. Thanks Martin for this fine photo.
King's Head Hotel
This photo was sent in by Brian Morgan who now lives in Cardiff of what he believes is the King's Head Hotel in Banwell Street at the start of a Peace Outing in July 1919.
Brian thinks that his grandfather William James Sayce (also spelled Saice) is the man standing just under the first name John on the licensee sign over the door at the age of 38 but is not absolutely sure and wonders if anyone can throw more light on the photograph.
Brian was born in Treboeth in 1939 went to Pentrepoeth Infants and then Martin Street School, until 1950, then in Swansea Grammar/Bishop Gore/University College Swansea, leaving there in 1960 to work in England for a while, then back to Neath, then Cheshire, then Herefordshire and finally back to Cardiff in the eighties.
Carmel Chapel Tea Party
This photo of a Tea Party held in Carmel Chapel Vestry in Cwmbath Road around 1961, was submitted by Nancy Craven.
I'm sure quite a few local people will recognise themselves in this photo. Thanks Nancy.
If you have any old photos or any memories of Morriston and you would like them to be included in this page, please get in touch with me, Jeff Lang, by clicking HERE. Thank you.
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