Llanhilleth Hotel (Top Hotel)

A Brief History Of The Llanhilleth Hotel (Top Hotel)

Researched by Graham George Bennett and published to Facebook.
I felt this was a useful addition to this blog but can be removed if Mr Bennett objects.
I am not sure of the exact construction date of the Hotel, though Partridge, Jones & Co records shows deeds were issued August 7th 1891. It seems it was built with an Assembly Room attached. The first Landlord was Mr John Bohannah Yendoll, the Yendoll family was influential in the pub business and many of the Webb`s houses were run by members of the Yendoll family.

In November 1901 Mr J. B. Yendoll gave the Pontypool Magistrates use of his Assembly Room at the Hotel to hold Court Sessions and gave permission to turn it into a Court House for the Llanhilleth area. Previously all cases were heard at Pontypool though as the Llanhilleth Village was rapidly growing in population there was need for a local Court House to hold the sessions. 

In August 1904 Mr Yendoll left Llanhilleth because of health reasons to a smaller place in Llangryney and put a manager in the Hotel to run it in his absence. 

In Feruary 1906 Mr Yendoll severed ties with the Hotel, the new Landlord was named as being Mr and Mrs Henry Lewis.

In 1905 the Central Hotel was built but a licence was not issued by the courts because of objections from the Llanhilleth Hotel and the Walpole. After 4 years of legal wrangling the Central Hotel was at last given a full licence in March 1909 and was officially opened to the public on May 26th 1909, its first Landlord was Mr Albert Symmonds.

In 1926 it was reported that Mr H. Lewis was still the Landlord of the Llanhilleth Hotel but his name varied from different reports as being - Henry the Licencee and Harry the Landlord? Mr Lewis had appointed a manager Mr and Mrs W. E. Harper to look after the Hotel in this year.

In September 1929 the new Manager of the Llanhilleth Hotel was Mr William Brown, Mr Brown was well known and he had managed other pubs in Llanhilleth and Aberbeeg.

In December 1933 planning permission was applied for to construct a new Skittle Alley at the Llanhilleth Hotel. At the same meeting the Council was given permission by the Hotel Landlord Mr Henry Lewis to erect a Telephone Kiosk in front of the premises. 

In 1936 a function was held at the Llanhilleth Hotel and the report stated the hosts were Mr & Mrs B. O`Reilly. 

Graham Bennett - Out Of The Blue Artifacts.

The Clock

The clock visible at the front of the building is a prominent feature of the ‘Stute and has played an equally important part in the lives of the people of the Fields and further away, over many years.   It was possibly not included in the original 1906 building, but added later, in 1910 or so.   Suggestions have also been made that it was added when the porch was erected, around 1914-1920.

The clock face originally consisted of ceramic, and the mechanism used counterweights attended regularly by the Caretaker to ensure it kept the correct time.  Cables extended away from the clock, down both sides of the gable end and into the outside corner of the rooms on either side of the entrance hall. These cables were encased in wooden boxes still visible though not obvious today.    The timing could be adjusted by opening a small door in the front of each of these boxes and placing old pennies on the counterweight inside to adjust the balance.   These pennies, were known to mysteriously disappear into little boys pockets while everyone’s back was turned.   We have already heard of an important use small boys would have for a 1d. – entry to the cinema upstairs.

In 1947 Robert Roberts (Bob), was the Caretaker of the Institute.   He ensured that the clock was always showing the correct time.   “Never a minute out.”   He knew its importance for the miners starting work.   Often they would rely on this clock as their only timepiece.   If a minute late for work they were sent home immediately and would receive no pay for the lost shift.   At a time when alarm clocks were not always available or affordable, both men and women used this clock to plan their daily lives.

A lady, now in her seventies, remembers, aged 3 and living in GLANYNANT, using binoculars to view the valley below from her bedroom window.    The more the wind and rain lashed the scene, the more she enjoyed the view from above.    One thing she always enjoyed looking down on, was the Institute clock.  

In later years girls, out chasing boys, would use the clock to time the last bus home to Swffrydd, (boys as well, I suspect.)    They would catch the bus outside Peglers (one of a chain of grocery stores), in the main street.    Courting couples would check the clock to ensure they made the most of every minute of their allotted time, before the girl was escorted home to her front door.   The couple would arrive at exactly the allotted time, not a second over the deadline, otherwise they would receive a tongue lashing and grounding from her upset parents.

 “You’re under the clock,” has had an ominous ring to it over the years.   Originally this phrase was a euphemism, meaning you were due for a visit to the Magistrate’s Court held every other Tuesday in what is now the “Red Ash Cafe.”  

Parents, the world over, are always ready to proffer a warning to their children, and the parents of Llanhilleth were no different.   If they felt the children were not trying hard enough in school or behaving themselves in the street, they were warned, “If you don’t behave you’ll end up under the clock,”  inferring in later life they would end up before the Magistrate’s Court.

Later, the same phrase was used to mean you would be appearing before the Social Club Committee for some misdemeanour such as swearing or fighting.   A ban could last from a few days to a few weeks or more, depending on the committee’s decision.

Over the years, this clock has been part of the community.   Children learnt (and still learn) to tell the time by its large friendly face.   “Come in for your tea when the long hand is on the twelve and the short hand is on the four!”   

On New Year’s Eve neighbours would stand on their doorsteps along The Fields anticipating the strike of midnight, whilst nearly two hundred revellers inside the Institute would sing “Auld Lang Syne” and burst balloons let down from the customary ceiling net.

Inside the main hall, the face of the clock was boxed in and hidden for many years as part of a ‘modernisation,’ but is now displayed as part of the current refurbishment.   The automated mechanism has no need for winding or to be adjusted with pennies.    Events in the ballroom are intermittently disturbed by the clock striking the hour, but the original chime has not been reinstated.    

Although watches and alarm clocks are now commonplace, I like to think of people still using this clock to check they are on time as they go about their business. 

The following song was created with Cheryl Beer and is included in a book of community work, “Write in the Heart of the Community.”    This piece was created when the Institute was being renovated, but just before the clock was refurbished.   

Heartbeat of the Village
Inspired by Hayley Brown

There was a clock, tick tock,
Told the children when it was time for tea;
Told the men that the miners were free;
Told the Mrs that her hubby might be late,
Holding onto another beer at the Institute gate.

CHORUS
But that clock has stopped ... ticking
Time has stood ... still, till now
And though the bells still ring out
We must count the minutes somehow.

With every penny, every shilling
That the miners were willing
Every brick is a piece of Llanhilleth
each window frames a scene
Of how your life might have been
When the clock was the heartbeat of the village.

CHORUS

So do come and see
How good it can be
To read in the rooms
Where your fathers have been.
Do come and listen.
See how the windows glisten.
The floors have been re-laid,
And the walls are skimmed clean.

CHORUS

The old dance floor shines, remembering times
When Saturday nights
Were full of dances and beer.
Pull back the layers,
Raise the wood ceiling,
Close your eyes.
It’s just like the past were here.

And yes, I have travelled, and yes, I have roamed,
And though I’m just passing through, somehow this feels like home.

A peace and warmth restored, they won’t stop
Until life is breathed into ...  The Institute clock.

                                   

                                    --oo0oo--

Llanhilleth Heritage Centre, South Wales

The Llanhilleth Heritage Centre is located at Llanhilleth Miners' Institute near Abertillery. The Centre is manned every Tuesday afternoon from 2.00pm to 4.00pm and anyone interested in the heritage of the Llanhilleth Ward, that's Aberbeeg, Brynithel, Llanhilleth and Swffryd, is welcome to call in and have a chat. 

The aim of the Centre is to preserve and record the heritage of the ward. They have a Community Archive for photographs, documents and digital recordings - a link is given below.  There is a Chronicle of Events which lists many interesting events from the 13th Century to the present day. A few are listed here. Do you have any you can add?

 "Chronicle of Events" 

 1213  the completion of St. Illtyd's 

 2014  Llanhilleth RFC winning their League

 2014  Alun Davies AM opening the Heritage Centre. 

This chronicle will never be complete and the Trustees are always looking for any additional information they can add. Anything interesting about buildings, people, sporting or cultural organistions is more than welcome. Display space is limited but small donated items can be accommodated.


http://llanhilleth.gwentheritage.org.uk/

Youth Committee, 1944

By 1944, and after D-Day, the Government drew up legislation concentrating on the Youth Service. All sixteen and seventeen year olds had to register and every area (including Llanhilleth and Aberbeeg) had to organise a local Youth Committee tasked to promote activities for that age group.  H W Bailey then a pupil at Newbridge Secondary School became very much involved.   Possibly too involved as in September 1945 he went to Caerleon (a College at that time,) for a two-year Teacher Training Certificate Course instead of doing a University Degree.  Later he served two years national service with the Royal Navy.   Men of 18 served full-time for eighteen months and then part-time in the reserves for four years.   In 1950 this was changed to two years full-time, and three and a half years in the reserves.

 Many of the already established organisations such as the Scouts, Guides and Ambulance Cadets were helped and pre-service Air Training Corp and Girls Training Corp came into being. An Annual Youth Week Sunday Parade was followed by a Sunday Evening Rally in the Workmen’s Hall.   Football and rugby matches between teams from Llanhilleth and Aberbeeg as well as other events were organised on a daily basis during these Annual Youth weeks.  

On Friday Night would be a Dance in the Drill Hall which was always well attended.  Volunteers ran all these organisations and events.   They regularly gave their services without expenses or advantage of any kind, often for several nights each week.   Respected members of the Community were often called upon as judges, referees and speakers, but all gave freely of their services.

Llanhilleth Workmen’s Hall Committee supported all of these events, and the use of the hall was freely given.    Any charity could apply for free use of the committee rooms or the 500-seater theatre. Though no function was allowed to clash with Sunday Services.

Note: The numbers for seating in the 'Theatre' varied with time and fire regulations. I believe today it would be nearer 200.

Glee Singers & St Illtyd's Operatic & Dramatic Society

The Illtyd Operatic & Dramatic Society

The Illtyd Glee Singers were founded in 1919 by seven enthusiastic singers, led by  David Edwards, who lived near St Illtyd’s Church.   Fame was to spread far and wide and contributions to charities enriched its reputation.   Hundreds of singers can speak of their association with the “Illtyd,” but the solid foundations and strict discipline insisted upon by the giants of those early days ensured the Society’s success.

In 1926 the society, then known as Illtyd Operatic & Dramatic Society organised its triumphant entry into “operatics,” with the “Bohemian Girl,” to be followed by success with “The Gondoliers,”

A great many folk still have cherished memories of Blodwen, Aeis and Galatea and Belshazzar’s Feast.   The great singers of that day set a high standard and team spirit ensured complete success.

One lady enthusiastically remembered a performance of the Mikado back in 1937.   Alf Bayber took the comic lead.   Unfortunately, I cannot find any information on this gentleman although his name has cropped up in various places during my research.

War brought a halt to activities, but when hostilities ceased there was an immediate return with the Pirates of Penzance.   Traditions were maintained, but the cost of productions was rising, and the search for talent ever more difficult.

Three generations of a family were often involved in a single production.   This involvement could span perhaps 20-30 years of performances.   Roles were taken seriously and many hours spent on learning lines and creating character.   People still remember a father or mother ‘living’ their role for the week of the performance, then reverting to their original personality when the show was over.

School girls as young as 13 and 14 were involved with the Pirates of Penzance in 1951.   One young lady can still remember performing the sailor’s hornpipe and suffering afterwards with muscles aching from the strain.

This photograph of a performance on the Institute stage, around 1954-5 was donated by Walter Harris and includes his mother and sister, Joyce in the chorus of The Gondoliers by Gilbert & Sullivan.

The musical ‘The Arcadians,’ played to a packed house in the Workmen’s Institute for a week in March 1954.   The cast is listed under "The Arcadians" on this blog.

In 1956 very few households would have owned any entertainment technology, other than a radio to be plugged into the electricity supply.   TVs were only just appearing in homes.   Many were purchased to view the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.   Being able to take part in, or go along to watch an Operetta or Musical in the local hall was a real treat for everyone.    ‘The Illtyd’ performed the musical Maritza.   Mary Simmons took the romantic lead and in 1957, she also performed as Saffi in their 21^st presentation since 1926, The Gipsy Baron.   It was  performed on six nights, commencing Monday, 18^th November 1957, in the Workmen’s Hall by kind permission of the Institute Committee.  See Appendix 4 for a further history of the society included in that programme and other details.

Participants practiced for months, and costumes would have been made by Society members in their spare time.   During the years of the Illtyd Operatic Society, large number of amateur artistes of great ability took part and others provided services behind the scenes making every show a success with many still remembered.  

A few names are listed below:

Musical Directors:-  David Edwards, Harry Hill, Jack Jenkins, Luther Evans, Arthur Hill, Miss L. Edmunds, Tom Watkins, Frank Watkins, Horace Grayford, Sam Mounfield, Martin Budd.

Producers:-  Tom Addis, Emlyn  Blissett, Albert Price, Grantley Baker, Mrs Morfydd Davies-Green, J M Roberts, Fred Carpenter.

The list of non-performing members of the society, during 1956, illustrates the huge local following of the Society, and the importance of these annual performances to the community:

            County Councillor George Gibbs, President of the society
            51 vice-presidents,
            25 Officers and Committee
             Hon. General Secretary
            36 people “serving the society” from stage mgr., stage carpenter to call boy.
            Producer,
            Accompanist,
            Musical Dir.,
            Guest Dir.

An advertisement for Webb’s brewery in the programme for 1956 “had pleasure in drawing the attention of patrons of the society to Golden Bitter Draught, IPA Draught, Golden Ale bottled, Special Ale bottled, CLEARLY THE BEST.”

Corona  advertised their fruit squashes and sparkling drinks:  “For value, variety and all occasions keep Corona at your side.   If you experience any difficulty in obtaining supplies, just send a postcard to: Thomas and Evans Ltd. Head Office, Porth, Glam.”  

H. Kibby and Sons, probably later to become one of the first supermarket chains in the UK , advertised as “Over 50 years in the trade, HIGH-CLASS GROCERS & PROVISION MERCHANTS,   THE STORES,  ABERBEEG, Telephone 247.”

H.Gore advertised ‘“Formica” hardboard.’   People handy with their hands would purchase these sheets to glue over  their Victorian wooden kitchen cupboard or table to make it ‘wipe clean.’”   

Although death often came suddenly during the first half of the twentieth century, communication was difficult and news moved slowly.   Hence the note on C. Williams’ ad:

“Wreaths and Crosses made at short notice.”

Shows and the years they were performed by the Illtyd Amateur Operatic Society.

                                    The Bohemian Girl     1926
                                    Gondoliers                  1927
                                    Pirates of Penzance   1928
                                    The Yeoman of the Guard 1929
                                    The Mikado                 1930
                                    Ruddigore                   1931
                                    The Count of Como   1932
                                    San Marino                 1933
                                    Gretchen                     1934
                                    Iolanthe                       1935
                                    San Marino                 1936
                                    Mikado                         1937
                                    BREAK  DURING WWII
                                    Ruddigore                   1947
                                    Mikado                         1948
                                    Merrie England           1949
                                    The Gondoliers          1950
                                    Pirates of Penzance  1951    Conductor H Crayford
                                    A Country Girl             1952
                                    The Geisha                 1953
                                    The Arcadians            1954  (March)
                                    Lilac Domino               1955
                                    Maritza                         1956
                                    The Gipsy Baron        1957  (Nov)  21^st Presentation
                                     The Gipsy Baron       1958
                                    The Gypsy Princess   1959  (April)

The Gipsy Baron performed in 1957, although documented as the 21^st Presentation, was, according to the above list, in fact the 23^rd.  

The Operatic Soc. often performed two or even three shows a year and they were always a highlight of village life.   Excitement and anticipation grew as it became time to purchase tickets and dress up for show nights.   The audience would wear their best clothes, generally reserved for Sunday chapel, for this special night out.  

Ithel the Giant & Old Wives Tales

In 1947 Harold Wm Bailey wrote:

             “...the people (of Llanhilleth) until comparatively recent times were very superstitious and their lonely existence coupled with the vivid Celtic imagination (and perhaps, the presence of a large number of public houses per head of population) makes it easy to understand why Llanhilleth came to be regarded as the haunted mountain.”

           Material was gathered by Bailey from two folklore sources.   One, was Prophet Edmund Jones, for many years pastor of the congregation of Protestant Dissenters at the Ebenezer Chapel, near Pontypool, and lived at 'The Tranch,' nearby.   He wrote and published two books, an Account of the Parish of Aberystruth, printed at Trevecca, and a Relation of Apparitions of Spirits in the County of Monmouth and the Principality of Wales, printed at Newport;   Bailey’s second source book was Wirt Sikes British Goblins.

According to J A Brooks, Wirt Sykes, (or Sikes) was the American Consul in Cardiff in the 1870s.

The following story is attributed to:   Anon. 1872. “St. Illtyd’s Church, Llanhilleth”, Archaeologia Cambrensis XXVI, 153-8.

            Ithel and Phillis were two friendly giants who lived in the Parish.   Ithel feeling the need for a dwelling-place set off for Cefn Crib to collect some stones which he carried back in his apron.   On one return journey however, he let fall a load – thus forming the mound which is still to be seen next to the old Parish Church.   Thus, according to legend, did the place take its name and become known as Llanithel while Phillis in like manner gave her name to Caerphilly.

Author’s Note:  Other versions state the castle mound next to St Illtyd’s Church, was the result of Ithel dropping his stones.

--oo0oo—

            As Thomas Andrew was coming home one night, with some persons with him, he heard, as he thought, the sound of hunting.   He was afraid it was some person hunting the sheep, so he hurried to meet them.   He heard them coming towards him, but he could not see them.   When they came near their voices were small, but became louder as they went away.   They went down the steep towards the River Ebbwy, dividing this Parish and Mynyddislwyn, where he knew there were the Cwn-wybir (Sky Dogs).   In central parts of Wales these creatures are known as Cwn-annwn (Dogs of Hell).  These spiritual hunting dogs have been heard to pass by the eaves of several houses before the death of someone in the family.   Jones described Thomas Andrew as “an honest religious man, who would not have told an untruth for fear or for favour.”   The Andrews family are about the oldest in the Parish, having lived in Pleasant View Farm for centuries.   “Old Farmer Andrews was a Church Warden in the time of “Parson Hughes.”

--oo0oo--

            Henry Edmund of Hafodafel was one night visiting Charles Hugh, the conjurer of Aberystruth, and they walked together as far as Llanhilleth where Hugh tried to persuade his companion to stay the night with him at a public house.   Edmund refused and said he would go home.   Edmund went out into the street and was seized by invisible hands and carried through the air to Landovery, in Carmarthenshire, a distance of fifty miles as the crow flies.   There he was set down at a public house where he had been, and talked with people who knew him.   He then went out into the street, when he was seized again and borne back to Lanhilleth.   Arriving there the next morning at daybreak, the first man he met was Charles Hugh.

--oo0oo—

The next two tales were related to me by a resident of Llanhilleth.    I have been unable to identify the particular  Dr Frost mentioned.   I have names of several who practiced in Llanhilleth, including one who laid a foundation stone at the Institute. This could, perhaps be him!

‘Peggy’ Evans

Dr Frost the new GP of Llanhilleth was relating his urgent wish for a telephone to a local parishioner.   He found it very difficult having to go to the Post Office or the Police Station every time he needed to make a call.   He felt it was even more difficult for his wife, isolated in Wales from her friends and family.  

The parishioner then decided it was time the Doctor was told of Peggy Evans.   Apparently there was a young lad who went to work down Llanhilleth pit.   He was there for a few years before losing his leg at age 13.   (Hence the name ‘Peggy.’)   When he recovered, the supervisor found him a new job signalling.   The men organised for him to move himself about when necessary, but mostly he sat and sent signals around the pit.   This job he did very successfully for 42 years before he died.   Then, according to the parishioner, he started visiting the local doctor, Dr. Reynolds, (Dr Frost’s predecessor).    The Doctor didn’t quite understand at first.   But according to the tale told by Dr Reynolds, if ever he was needed urgently at the pit, Peggy Evans would appear in Dr Reynold’s lounge and signal by pulling the thick red bell-rope with the big tassel at the side of the fireplace.   Hence, Dr Reynolds had no need of a telephone.   Dr Frost reportedly only saw Peggy Evans once.

Old Ben

            Dr Frost had been up the mountain to visit a patient.   He usually took his pony Jason, but the roadway was rough and unmade, so he decided to walk up.    As he returned, it was turning dusk and he decided to take a shorter route home.   It was then he came upon a tunnel of tall trees covering the lane.   Inside was black with not a chink of light.   He tried to enter several times, telling himself it was only trees, but he retreated back into daylight.   Suddenly he realised there was a black and white sheep dog standing next to him.   The dog licked his hand and they entered the dark tunnel together.   In the darkness the Doctor felt the dog beneath his hand.   They walked together until the Doctor emerged at the other end.   Looking around, he found he was not fifty yards from Maescynew Farm gate.   A thatcher saw the Doctor, and thought he appeared quite pale and shaken, so offered him a drink and a seat to recover.   The Doctor approached, but looked around for the dog beneath his hand.   Not finding the soft fur, he thought the dog had changed sides.   But there was no dog.      He questioned the Thatcher about the dog.  

             “Oh, that’s old Ben,” said the man.  “He won’t go any further than this.   He only comes this far when he knows the children are afraid.”     They chatted for a while, the Doctor being a little upset at being compared to a child.   When the Thatcher felt Dr Frost had recovered sufficiently from his scare, he explained that Ben had died at the age of sixteen, three years earlier. 

The Railway Man

Author’s Note:  This tale was related to me a few years ago by a well-known local resident who sadly died in 2011.

            More recently (almost within living memory, so no names), a railway worker approached and held a conversation with his colleagues, who knew him well.   They carried on with their lunch break in their hut near the line, and he left with a cheery word and a wave.    But later, according to others, he had been killed a few hours before the apparent meeting, in a tragic train accident further down the line.

The Bacon & Ham

            There is also the well-known disappearing act of the contents of a lorry which became stuck on the bridge going into Llanhilleth late on a particularly icy winter's afternoon.   The lorry contained bacon, and ham, for delivery to shops further along the valley, but there was no refrigeration in those days.   According to rumour, after trying unsuccessfully to move his vehicle, the driver decided he could no longer continue his journey. He climbed down from his cab and said to the onlookers that had gathered to study his predicament, “that will all have to go to waste now.”  

When the driver returned to his lorry the next day, apparently its contents had magically disappeared, and despite his enquiries, and questions from the local police, it was never seen again.    Noticeable the following day was a wonderful smell hanging over the village.    Some say it was like bacon cooking…

Lucky Coal  

            Coal would have been lucky in several ways.   Firstly it provided a living for the man of the house, and it also provided warmth and hot water and allowed people to cook their food in the fireside oven.

Version 1.   When someone moves into a new house a matchbox containing a small piece of coal, bread and a coin should be hidden within the house by a visitor.   Should the inhabitants discover the item they should leave it untouched.   The coal ensures the house will always be warm.   The bread, that the inhabitants will never go hungry, and the coin, that they will have money, although not necessarily be rich.

Version 2.   When walking should you come upon a piece of coal, to ensure good luck, it should be thrown over your shoulder.   Alternatively, and probably more realistically, it was more usually kept and thrown on the open fire at home, also to bring luck.   This second option was probably introduced by those who couldn’t afford to waste coal by throwing it away.  

Old Wives Tales, Cures and Superstitions

Please do not try any of these at home!!

Generations have seen omens or predictions in happenings we, today, would probably ignore.   With less knowledge of the world, they linked happenings and reverted to ‘cures’ we no longer use, but may seem very familiar.    Superstitions were common in many parts of the UK.   The Valleys share was added to, no doubt with those brought by migrants to the mining community:

The skin inside eggshells, if played with by children, would give warts.

Should anyone develop warts, then they should be rubbed with raw meat.   This meat should be buried in the earth and as the meat rotted away, so the warts would disappear.

Premonitions of death were made after hearing a bird tapping or a bat bumping against a window pane, or a bird fluttering indoors.   A dog howling incessantly, or a picture falling from the wall was also said to precipitate a death in the family. 

Spiders if found in the house, should be put safely outside, after, of course, brothers take the opportunity of teasing sisters and mothers, threatening to let it loose on them.   If you deliberately kill a spider you will have bad luck.  

A child named after a previous child who had died in infancy would never thrive, and would be taken by the first child.

Abscesses and boils could be cured by a poultice of cow dung.  

Kitchen or table knives should never at any time be crossed, otherwise this would lead to arguments and possibly violence within the family.

Should there be lightning about, all mirrors should be covered, all cutlery or shiny objects hidden away or covered, and curtains closed.   This practice would also be carried out when thunder was heard, just in case lightning should appear.

The prevalent “birds-eye,” or speedwell flower should never be picked as birds would descend and pluck out the eyes of the gatherer.  

The dandelion, although very attractive, and particularly prevalent along our roadsides today, should also never be picked as this would ensure the gatherer would be teased by friends and even passers-by that they would inevitably “wet the bed.”  Despite this many households made dandelion wine from the yellow petals.

A sweaty sock wrapped around the neck would cure a sore throat.   As would a piece of goose-grease tied with string and repeatedly swallowed and retrieved.  
 

--oo0oo--