04-15-2014, 12:12 PM
Brakie Wrote:As a side note drummers(salesmen) would either rent a horse or horse and buggy once they arrived at their destination..
Before WW1, most townspeople or cityfolk did not own a horse (or a car). Land for pasture, feed, and other maintenance was far too expensive for the average individual. In the cities and larger towns, public transport - trollies and taxis - served the purpose when it was too far to walk. Horses and buggies were also available to rent. The general store, the livery and stables, fuel (usually coal, could be wood and/or oil and gas) dealer, ice, a church, a saloon, a bank, and a hotel were the standard commerical requirements for a town.
A rail connection - or at very least a stage coach stop - was critical to get what couldn't be produced locally brought in. Which is why every town that wanted a future would build their own short line if a nearby railroad passed them by.