New Britain herald., 1924-05-07
Travelled on Foot


 Travelled on Foot
 "1n the early days when Patterson was the only timer in the colonies, he would make up as much of the ware as he could carry in basket and then tramp over the surrounding country, from hamlet 10 farm and from farm to hamlet, selling the new kind Of utensils, which the women found most convenient. The value Of the business became known and soon others took IL up and so it spread all over the country. But the demand could not be supplied by hand baskets, so large baskets were carried on horseback, and then two-whceled carts were used. Finally, that institution peculiar 10 New England, the red, four-wheelcd, tin-peddler's wagon, came into existence and every tiny settlement and the inter> ening farm houses. of New England and eastern New York, were visited by these tin peddlers who, besides tinwsre, carried notions useful to the housewives.
 "rhese peddlers were a welcome sight 10 the farmer and his house. hold, as they were for many years the only source Of news from the other parts of tho country and from the out side world. Speaking generally these tin peddlers were the social equals of the people whom they traded with and also speaking generally, they were of superior intelligence. The very fact that they took 10 the road" showed a disincination to remain in the ruis and desire to see the world, or as much of it as their horse and four wheeled. rcd cart could cover, between Easter and Thanksgiving. So, being shrewd. they stored their memories with all the important and interesting news, and while they were impartins it 10 the news-hungry families. they made their bargains. gave the smallest possible price for the rags they took, and charged the largest possible price for the tinware and notions they gave in exchange. This was purely matter of business with the peddlers. and as for their customers. they received full value for the excess they paid for lin. as the news Of the outside world which they received, saved them from utter stag nation.
 Tt is notable fact, that the foundations Of man yor the greatest fortunes in the east were laid by these merchants on- wheels. And many Of the great merchants of New York, Boston and some of inc smaller New York and New England cities, in the period just after the revolution, were farmers sons who had been stimulst- cd to something better than their placid. turnip-like existencss on the farms, by the information given by the tin peddIers, in regard to the oppor- tunities ID the towns. The Yankee psddler was a man worth knowing: the scum of Europe which has sue ceeded to the business, are things 10 be summed.
 Berlin will always be notable as of the most profitable business of the first half of the nineteenth century," . The talk was much enjoyed by fhe large number of members present. Dancing followed and refreshments were served.
 Library 8Ssosiation Annual
 Robert c. Clark was reelected president Of fhe East Berlin Library association at the annual meeting Of hat organization Held Issi night in he library room. Mrs. E. W. Mill rum was elected secretary and ! as Irer and Walter Root was chosen librarian. The executive committee IS chosen last night. consists of <. 4 Norib. Ernest ". Miidrum and JSrar I5enson
 Ter z44s cf the officers were !. .rrd lnI t kas slIoaa that ths ear has