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Business operated much differently in the late 1800s; by nature of the available technology, enterprises were often quite small. C. H. Doerr & Co. was reflective of Canadian business at the time, which was largely being conducted through small proprietary companies. Doerr’s production relied primarily on manpower, as electricity was still a relatively new development.
Transportation was limited to carriages, sleighs, early cars and trains (the Canadian Pacific Railway just having been completed in 1885), meaning that business focuses were local1. The first handbill was written in German and English to cater to the large immigrant population in what was then Berlin.
As Doerr’s production capacity grew he travelled to small neighbouring communities to sell his products. Hitching up his horse to his carriage full of samples, Doerr relied on a good product and personal service to make sales. Buying pre-made or manufactured goods was a much greater luxury at the time than it is now.
To purchase cookies and candies would have to have been worth the expense. Fortunately the prospering Berlin economy could support such a venture. Doerr was making old favourites and since the products were handmade they could offer a great variety. Business was booming for Doerr & Co.
1Taylor, Graham D., 1944-. The Rise of Canadian Business. Don Mills,
Ont.: Oxford University Press, 2009.
Appointments encouraged.
Monday to Friday
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
View full library hours.
Dana Porter Library, first floor
University of Waterloo Library
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1
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The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.