Figure 1.--This Rag nd Bones Man was photographed in a working-class area of Blackburn about 1910. Notice the little peep show on top his cart to attract the children. Anyone who brings something gets a peep. Also notice the boys' wooden clogs.

The Rag and Bone Man was an institution in the 19th century and did not entirely disappear until the 1960s. The rag an nones man was real recycler. The rag and bones man collected as the title indicates rags and bones. He did not just take these items, but other cast offs like scrap metal as well. This was a valuable service. Most had push carts, the more prosperous had a horse and cart. He would come down the street yelling ragn-bone" and householders would offer anything that they no longer wanted, whatever condition. Rarely were usable gatrments cast out, at least until after World War I. Mothers would keeo outworn clothes that could no longer be mended to create patches for other clothes. The rags could be used in the manufacture of paper. Bones were used to make bone china or glue. He would have items to incourage children to bring him the unwanted items. Some rag and bone men gave out goldfish. Others might have a little peep show like the man here (figure 1).

Created: August 30, 2003
Last updated: August 30, 2003