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operated from East Point through Greenvale (then a well populated neighbourhood) to the Baltic and to all communities inside this

area. A separate route was designated for each of the six working days of the week and this program was faithfully followed from May through November, weather conditions not withstanding. The

country people depended on it in large measure for their supplies.

The wagon operated by J. F. Mossey and Sons was itself a well equipped and colourful vehicle. Drawn by one sturdy patient horse, it had a red body and bright yellow under—structure. It is regrettable indeed that it is not around to be seen as a museum piece by the children of today. It probably measured nine feet from the ground to the top. The superstructure from end to end was divided into compartments for carrying neatly packed mer- chandise. Three or four trunks carried above were for small dry goods, boots and shoes, while a variety of patterned yard goods, etc. was stored in the back and above a drawer having the capacity for several dozens of eggs, brooms, garden hoes, or other such hardware in season were secured upright to both sides of the wagon box, along with an ample supply of kitchen tinware.

The wagon called at the door of nearly every customer, but those homemakers who wished it so (perhaps because their lanes were long and hilly) awaited their weekly summons to the roadside by a horn that was blown lustily and again as "the wagon" left its last stopping place. At meal time the feed-bag was put on the horse and the driver—salesman joined, with a welcome, in the family meal, usually at no financial cost. Perhaps a 12 cent package of sugar would be accepted by the hostess, with objections. At the same time, however, she may have spent a few minutes before dinner bargaining for a 1 cent per yard reduction on the price of calico. They were two separate things — essential family economics and "Island” hospitality.

The wagon was stocked sufficient for the day's route with a representative supply of whatever merchandise was carried at the store, except that some things, like molasses and oil for the lamps and chicken feed were supplied on one week's notice.

Some of the weekly purchases were "charged" while many were paid for at wagon-side with things produced on the farm. Home— ward bound at nearly dusk, the wagon was more colourful still, with its dozens of breakable eggs stored in bulk and sheep skins on the axles and sundry bartered commodities including old rubbers and horsehair where they could be tucked on board. In

the early days of "peddling" it would be a good day when the cash receipts were $20.00

This wagon service was discontinued in 1929 as by then many had cars or a younger generation preferred to visit the store.