Ladies Marketing
Victorian America was a hierarchical society with distinct ideas about the proper roles for men and women. Marketing required ladies to enter the public sphere to perform a domestic duty.
Center Market created an atmosphere of civility, catering to ladies with a private lounge. Boarded walkways protected ladies from mud.
Ladies also frequently shopped outside the market, perhaps seeing it as their duty to patronize the less fortunate hucksters.
"Mrs. Houston & children in market "
This newspaper photograph sent the message that respectable women shopped at Center Market, including the Secretary of the Treasury’s wife.
Notice the fashion! Why do you think Mrs. Houston wore fur to the market?
"Washington Ladies Marketing"
This 1883 crayon sketch reinforces contemporary prejudices. The artist pictured a well-to-do lady jostled by hucksters as she exits her carriage.
Courtesy DC Public Library, Washingtoniana Division
Market Activity on Pennsylvania Avenue
Ladies were always discernible by their clothing and posture whether shopping inside or outside of the market.
Courtesy DC Public Library, Washingtoniana Division