NCOWS Persona question

[kflach]

I've been looking at the persona aspect of NCOWS because it looks fun. I've read all sorts of things about the different characters and personas and histories both here and at a number of other sites. One thing I haven't seen is anything about one of the old 'traveling snake oil salesmen' that I've seen in movies or heard of in songs ("I was born in the wagon of a traveling show, my mama had to dance for the money they'd throw..."- Cher).

Are they from a different era? Was there anything that was the equivalent of that during the late 19th century? I seem to recall seeing something about them on the show "Cowboy Tech" on the History Channel but I don't remember what years they were around.

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Medical charlatans have been around as long as any type of legitimate healer has practiced (even today.)

This is a decent review of "snake oil" peddlers:  http://www.csicop.org/sb/9812/snakeoil.html

Also, do a search on phrenology or phrenologist which was a popular compliment to snake oil peddlers for forcasting the future of Victorian contemporaries.

Dr. Bob may chime in here as he has researched the 1800's medical profession very well.

Pancho

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

If you had a small wagon decked out with the proper adornments of a snake oil salesman to set up at the bigger shoots (you could even camp out in it) that would really add some atmosphere to the camp area.

Something else...if you worked up a skit to hawk your wares......and had a pretty young female sidekick helping to sell your elixir....well heck....that would be even better.

A small wagon can easily be built and tailored to events.

JMHO

Bill

[Advertising]

[Frenchie]

For inspiration for an entertaining snake oil salesman, rent Little Big Man and study Professor Merriwether (Martin Balsam). Just don't start losing body parts

[kflach]

These are some real good - and interesting - tips. Thanks!

[Ol Gabe]

Another good example is the salesman dressed in a white suit and black top hat as seen in 'Josey Wales'. He tries to sell a bottle of his all-purpose fluid to the old Indian, the Indian says "You drink it."
All you would need is a white suit, an old tuxedo will suffice, a black top hat, a collapsible/folding table and some bottles with original labels and colored water The 'pitch' can be a make-it-up-as-you-go parlance or track one down and modify it. Labels have been posted here in the past and River City John can steer you in the right direction for them.
O.C.B. has it right for the wagon and stage if you decide to go the whole sales and entertainment route, there are a few of these folks around that do this type of show and always please the crowd. Do a 'google' and see what you find.
Best regards and "Buy my bottle!"
'Ol Gabe

[Cole Bluesteele]

If you're gonna sell a bogus oil product, maybe you oughta name your potion Enron.

[Cole Bluesteele]

On a more serious note, I see by you listing you're in the DFW area.  Why don't you join us at the Texas Ten Horns this weekend?  We shoot a SASS match on Saturday and an NCOWS match on Sunday.  Most of the participants will be there both days, so you could get a chance to discuss your thoughts, get a few questions answered and get a better feel for guns, gear and atmosphere. 

If you're interested in participating but short of gear sent me a private message and we'll get what you need.  I'm in the mid-cities area of DFW, so if you need directions or want to share a ride, just let me know and we'll work something out.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Cole Bluesteele
 

[kflach]

I'm interested but I already have commitments this weekend. I *will* make it out to see ya'll though!

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Found some good pictures to go with this thread:

[Cole Bluesteele]

Pancho

Are these before and after photos of your new office?  Don't tell the wife about that new "assistant"!
See ya Saturday.
Cole

[kflach]

Those are excellent (and I like Bowler hats)!

Maybe I should hold auditions for the assistant.

[Professor Marvel]

If you had a small wagon decked out with the proper adornments of a snake oil salesman to set up at the bigger shoots (you could even camp out in it) that would really add some atmosphere to the camp area.

Something else...if you worked up a skit to hawk your wares......and had a pretty young female sidekick helping to sell your elixir....well heck....that would be even better.

A small wagon can easily be built and tailored to events.

JMHO

Bill

Greetings My Dear Netizens -

I resemble that remark.

I am, albeit slowly, working up a "gun cart" that will be disguised as my peddlar's push-cart. I intend to to provide a small assortment of period-correct necessities such as gun oil, cleaning fluids, round ball, percussion caps, lye soap, coffee, Lydia Pinkham's Remedies, Carter's Little Liver Pills, needlle, thread, coffee, rolled oats,  sepia picture postcards, etc. ... all old-timey over-the-counter merchandise. See my avatar and signature line.

yhs
Prof Marvel

[Cole Bluesteele]

What!  No rainbows?

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Don't forget the Ruby Red Cowboy Boots


         

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

Greetings My Dear Netizens -

I resemble that remark.

I am, albeit slowly, working up a "gun cart" that will be disguised as my peddlar's push-cart. I intend to to provide a small assortment of period-correct necessities such as gun oil, cleaning fluids, round ball, percussion caps, lye soap, coffee, Lydia Pinkham's Remedies, Carter's Little Liver Pills, needlle, thread, coffee, rolled oats,  sepia picture postcards, etc. ... all old-timey over-the-counter merchandise. See my avatar and signature line.

yhs
Prof Marvel

OK Professor Marvel,,,,,,we wanna see pictures of you.....and the cart all decked out to the nines, when you get it finished.

PCB

[Dedwood Dave]

Don't forget the Ruby Red Cowboy Boots


         

With a butterfly hat. 

[Professor Marvel]

I had attempted to include a line of rainbow products, ruby-oriented footwear, souvenier yellow bricks, dog-baskets, and lolli-pops and lolli-pop shaped conchos.

However I was completely overcome by the marketing branches and law offices of  MGM, Garland, Baum, et al. Fortunately
Lidia Pinkham and Carter's seem to have passed into public domain, and I have resigned myself to carrying generic hard-candies.
I shudder to even recall the encounter with the local  "Defenders of The Butterflies" led by "The Monarch".

I was hoping to complete the first protoype of my pedalrs' device, and have been searching for my Brownie Box Camera with with I intended to document my results, based on some of these:
http://www.igg.org.uk/gansg/00-app1/trade-st.htm

At first I had delusions of building a wagon, then a cart, now I am hoping to complete at least the "rag and bones man" example.

Unfortunately the work which was formerly proceeding, however agonizingly slowly, has now ground to a halt due to disputes with the labour committee, an "interested outside party", and my evil first cousin:

Thus I am beginning to think I might have little more than the "Muffin Man" ... :-(

[Dedwood Dave]

Dang no flying monkeys.

[Major 2]

http://www.igg.org.uk/gansg/00-app1/trade-st.htm

GREAT SITE  thanks for sharing...

When my Dad was kid, 10 or so years old , circa 1914,  he had tray with a strap as shown , with Tobacco products, matches ,shoelaces and a few hardcandies
He'd board the Train in morning at Ponta Gorda and ride it to Plant City (Florida) and return in the afterrnoon.
He would work passanger cars & train stations all day.

I remember the Ice Cream trikes,  one used to work my neighborhood in the early 50's when I was kid.
Later, the Truck was used and I still see them today. One drops by now and then at my Job 20.
Course, out at the Mouse (Disney World) the quaint Ice Cream carts are all over the place.
And at Christmas Time the Chestnut vendors are out there as well.