Peddler’s Wagon, 1850-1880, wood, metal and paint, H: 73, x W: 68, x D: 126 in. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown, New York, Museum Purchase from John Gray, F0132.1945.
- Going Green
How much gas does your car guzzle up to create how many Horsepower? Cut back and go green. All you really need to get by is one horse power. Literally, the power of one horse is enough. The Peddler’s Wagon from The Farmers’ Museum collection is geared for one trusty steed to carry you along your way. The best part? You’ll start helping the environment and saving on gas immediately!
- Ride in Style
Wagon’s used by peddlers in the 19th century often sported a sleek and traditional red, black, and yellow trim, and this Peddler’s Wagon is no exception.[1] It is also complete with custom painted markings, such as “ENAMELED WARES,” and “NO CREDIT,” so you can let everybody know what you’re all about as you clomp on by.
- Make Money!
Forget driving for Uber, become a peddler today! Peddling is the best way for an entrepreneurial individual to make a profit while traveling about. You’ll sell a variety of goods and commodities, depending on what’s in demand. As an added benefit you’ll also be able to spread news and gossip between remote townships.
- More Storage Space
Now that you’re a peddler in the 19th century, you might consider tin-ware as a popular and profitable commodity for you to sell from your Peddler’s Wagon. Since the 1780’s, tin smiths have been able to make enameled kettles, lanterns, plates and pots in large amounts.[2] This particular wagon is outfitted with ample room to store all of your tin merchandise (The entire wagon is 73 inches tall, 68 wide, with a depth of 126 inches). It will also do all the marketing work for you, since “ENAMELED WARES” is already painted on the side.
- Support Local Business
The peddler is an individual who trades in crafts and merchandise on a local and/or regional level. In order to be successful peddlers, the people engaged in this form of entrepreneurship must make use of bartering and their knowledge of local economies. Peddlers, as a result of their work, stimulate these same local economies by encouraging trade within and among them. By joining the ranks of the peddler, you can become a part of the movement to support local businesses!
By James Matson
[1] Simsburg Historical Society, “Peddler’s Wagon, Ca. 1869,” http://www.simsburyhistory.org/buildings/peddler.html
Kelly McKenna, “Adirondack Museum Offers New Audio Tour” July 9, 2012, http://www.suncommunitynews.com/articles/the-sun/adirondack-museum-offers-new-audio-tour/
Jenn Lee, “Pioneer Village,” May 25, 2011, http://jenn-lee.blogspot.com/2011/05/pioneer-village.html
Scott Garren, “The Turnbridge World’s Fair,” September 15, 2014, http://garrenshay.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-tunbridge-worlds-fair.html
[2] Slavin, Richard. A Study of Some Specialty Vehicles. Master’s Thesis, The Cooperstown Graduate Program, SUNY Oneonta, 1972, pg. 43.
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