Comments on: Commercial Travellers

By: Ranker

Ranker — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 06:13:39 +0000

Thanks for the lovely poem, loved it!! A story about the traveler

By: Shelley

Shelley — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:51:27 +0000

Thanks so much for this post. My great-grandfather was a commercial traveler for a printing company. I’ve never really looked into what I might be able discover about his work so it’s great to read this article. Thanks again.

By: Kerry Farmer

Kerry Farmer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:55:38 +0000

I just came across a ‘patriotic song’ – “A new line of goods” (http://nla.gov.au/nla.mus-vn5448687) – about commercial travellers selling items to fund raise for the war effort in WW1. Also Trove (trove.nla.gov.au) has articles asking commercial travellers to spread “patriotic messages” as they travel around the country during both world wars.

By: rebelhand

rebelhand — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:37:11 +0000

What a vivid portrait of your grandfather – a great snapshot of history.

By: luvviealex

luvviealex — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:58:58 +0000

I love the poem. It says it all!

By: Judy Webster

Judy Webster — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:23:40 +0000

I grew up in outback Queensland, 45 miles from the nearest town, and I remember the travelling salesmen who came once or twice a year. There was one man from whom my mother always bought sheets, pillow slips, towels, table cloths etc. They were of such good quality that we are still using many of them now!

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:16:12 +0000

Thanks for the essential service provided by your grandfather to the families of ours who lived in more remote areas of our country. I have heard stories about how exciting it was when the travelling salesman arrived.

By: geniaus

geniaus — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:52:22 +0000

What a coincidence! Both of my inlaws worked at White Signet in the late 1930s. Father-in-law on the road in Sydney and Mother-in-law in the office.

The life of a commercial traveller must have been tough with long distances and rough country roads.