Community Corner

History of the Tag Sale

Ever wondered how the popular tradition of hosting a tag sale came into being?

Tag sale, garage sale, yard sale, rummage sale, lawn sale… regardless of what you call it, the practice of hosting an informal sale where used household items are sold to earn extra money or just to get rid of stuff, is a time-worn tradition that might date back centuries.   

The answer as to where the modern-day American version of the tag sale originates, however, might be found in the etymology of the word “rummage.” The word dates back to a 16th century shortening of the Middle French word “arrumer,” meaning the arrangement of cargo in a ship, which was most likely taken from the Old Norse “rum” meaning compartment in a ship

In the early 1800’s, a “rummage sale” referred to a sale at docks of unclaimed goods and cargo. By the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the term rummage sale was used to denote a sale at a communal location such as a park or church, where people would donate their unused items to be sold off for a charitable organization.

Looking to get rid of your extra stuff? Consider hosting a rummage sale! 

Are you looking to get a little free publicity for your local rummage sale or open house this weekend? Post it on Patch! Did we mention, it’s free?   

Better yet, your tag sale or open house might be featured in a weekly tag sale roundup article or area open house article! After you post the information for your tag sale or open house, email the link to julie.weisberg@patch.com by Thursday morning with TAG SALE or OPEN HOUSE in the subject line.


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