She Works Hard for the Money - Carmel Doll Shop

German papiermâché
peddler dolls
on wooden bodies.
He is quite unique
for his applied beard
and she for her
unusual basket.
Note the fully
constructed dress
she offers, most
peddlers do not sell
ready to wear!
It should be no surprise that for
many peddlers, dolls were a featured
item, especially during the early years
of the reign of Queen Victoria, which
began in 1837.
Through classic doll examples, the
cultural importance of the peddler is
recognized.
Several factors led to the demise of
the street peddler and the greatest was
the Industrial Revolution itself. The
arcade, specialty shops and eventually
the advent of the postal service, which
allowed the offering and purchasing of
items through the mail, all contributed
to the end. Further, the rail system also
allowed the farmer and handcrafter to
move their goods and services with
great ease, also affecting the livelihoods
of the hardworking, humble peddler.
7