Tea Wagon

Light delivery wagons such as the Tea Wagon represent the transition in business from independent peddlers to small organized businesses which sold only their own brand of products. The Eastern Estate Tea Company carried an extensive line of merchandise including tea, cocoa and spices, cereals and rice, maple syrup and peanut butter and various soap products. Upon purchasing items, the customer received "premium trademarks" redeemable for an assortment of household and personal objects such as kitchenware, furniture, blankets and towels, clocks and suitcases, jewelry and toys. The paneled enclosed body has an extension roof and rear doors with oval glass windows. Painted canvas storm curtains could be attached alongside the driver's seat. The red body is decorated with the company's name in bold gilt lettering around a large pagoda arch, the company's trademark which appeared on all their packaging. The yellow undercarriage is accented with black free-style striping, which terminates in an unusual waved pattern on the wheel spokes. The Eastern Estate Tea Company was founded in the late 1880s by William E. Aitken, the original owner of this vehicle.