Lebanese Peddler Questions/Answers

·         Read the excerpt from “Ellen’s Diary” describing an encounter with author Margaret Dixon and a young Lebanese peddler (probably George Ghiz). This boy's attitude was shared by many of the Lebanese immigrants. What was this attitude and what connection might it have to the success of the Lebanese as businessmen/women?

·         The boy was a Lebanese peddler who enjoyed being around people --> he was smiling (positive outlook); I like being around farm people -- "You see, I'm learning, always learning something. After all, I've got much to learn -- I haven't been in this country long". This quotation is significant because it shows that people who crave knowledge, will go far. They want to be challenged and are usually successful.

2.            What "pattern" did most Lebanese immigrants follow when they arrived on the Island? Explain                 why this pattern was logical.

·         Started as peddlers -- moved to "corner stores" adn then to other related commercial ventures.

·         peddlers: arrived here with nothing -- you didn't need much money to start peddling.  The Lebanese had built a reputation of being industrious and reliable and people trusted them (gave them wares to sell (local wholesalers) and put them out on the roads to sell them).

3.            Explain the meaning and significance of the quotation with regards to the Lebanese "he can       make a wine cellar out of one grape".

·         The Lebanese had a long history of commercial activity (buying and trading -- Phoenicians).  Their peddling of small goods laid the foundation for bigger financial success (they made something big out of something little).

4.            What were the main reasons for massive Lebanese emigration?

·         Religious persecution (Christians were persecuted by the Turkish Empire); over population, lack of opportunity, and simple momentum

5.            What costs were associated with becoming a licensed peddler? How and why did these costs    change?

·         Horse and wagon license: $20

·         Foot license: $10

·         1906 changed to a flat rate of $20 for all --> thought of as an attempt to reduce the number of peripatetic (travelling from place to place usually by foot) Lebanese coming into the Island at the time.  Most Lebanese were foot peddlers.

6.            What caused a significant reduction in the Lebanese peddling?

·         Ads routinely appeared in the newspaper asking people with info. regarding illegal peddlers to turn them in (get a reward) --> one third of all fines payable to the person informing and suing for same"

7.  How were peddlers usually received in homes? Why were they received in this way? Do we receive door-to-door sales people in the same manner today? Explain why or why not.

·         They were welcomed and people usually bought goods from them -- they were bringing news of the countryside.

·         Answers will vary

8.            After reading the primary accounts, explain how children reacted to pack peddlers Tom Michael and Joe Mayme

·         Most children delighted in seeing the peddlers -- Tom Michael was well loved, but Joe Mayme had a reputation of hating dogs and children -- he was gruff and scared the children.

9.            How is the demand for the peddlers' services during the first half of the 20th century a reminder of the isolation and lack of mobility of those times?

·         Peddlers travelled b/c people did not - usually only took annual trips to Chtown or Summerside

·         Farming communities were self-sufficient and had little need for outside goods

·         Foot peddler could meet these modest needs

10.  What factors contributed to the end of the foot peddling era?

·         Paved roads

·         motor vehicles

·         (reduced isolation of rural life)

·         Years following WWII -- demand for the peddlers' services diminished rapidly

11. What is the thesis statement of this article? Is it explicit or implicit?

·         Implicit

·         Answers will vary