“The name dates back to the American Revolution,” explained Jim. “Certain families who were direct descendants of the Pilgrim Fathers emigrated to Nova Scotia during the war. These were known as Bluenose families; and the term came to be used more generally later on as a mark of high quality.”
On the way back to Chester they passed an enclosed wagon with two doors at the back. “That,” said Jim, “is a traveling store. It carries everything from crackers to kerosene.”
“How very funny!” exploded Martha, leaning out of the window a bit to get another look.
“Be careful,” warned Miss Ashton. “That is always dangerous.”
“She might fall out!” laughed Nancy.
“How could anyone fall out of the window!” Martha was indignant again.
“Many of the people of this country,” continued the driver, “live at great distances from stores; and as the automobile is not yet so common as it is in the States, they find it difficult to get to the towns to buy what they need.”
As they drove along, they passed another traveling store standing in front of a small house; and from it the proprietor was taking several garments on hangers.
“That fellow,” said the driver, “operates a ready-to-wear shop. Most of them do not limit their lines; they carry everything. He believes in specializing.”
“Wouldn’t it be convenient to have things brought in instead of having to go after them,” said Jeanette.