For those keeping track, yes, I realize I've been missing some of my weekly posts. It's not for a lack of want. It's just been overly busy here. As I shared a few weeks ago during the presentations at Granbury,Texas, the wagon book has me a bit overwhelmed. Even so, we're making good progress and it promises to be a rare and incredibly luxe addition to any and every western library. If all goes as planned, there will be over three dozen legendary wagon brands covered in this book and there is a chance we will take on a follow-up book after this one. I'm confident the sheer volume of original imagery is beyond anything ever compiled and it's just a hint of the history held in our Wheels That Won The West® Archives. These hardback special editions are far from inexpensive endeavors and will be extremely limited in number. We're trying to have this first one ready for Christmas 2026 as it contains a world of visuals and information. It will be ideal for any Old West collector or wagon enthusiast. If you're remotely interested in a copy, please drop us a line and let us know.
On another note, we were fortunate to add another vehicle to our collection. It's a light, two-horse Studebaker with eight-inch skeins and Dodge mortised hubs. Both the smaller skein size and the offset spokes are not commonly found on surviving Studebaker wagons so this was a great surprise.
Beyond the book, since the Granbury, Texas presentations, we've also had a flurry of folks asking for help in identifying wagon brands as well as determining timeframes of manufacture. It's been a thrill to help so many. While this is part of our fee-based services, it does help avoid misinformation and guesswork about a maker while also adding assurance and value to what can otherwise remain an unknown or unproven set of wheels. Springfield, Studebaker, Cooper, John Deere, Newton, Luedinghaus, Mandt, Weber, and Mitchell are among the brands we've identified just in the past few weeks. Since virtually every brand evolved in construction and design features, the process can be involved as we work through the different decades to confirm identities of both the box and running gear.
From maker tags and medallions to wrenches, salesman's samples, and other promotional items, countless reminders remain that showcase the competition within America's first transportation industry.
As we did last fall, we're also in the middle of prepping for several church and school groups to explore the Wheels That Won The West® collection. Our goals continue to involve sharing with others while encouraging every generation to recognize the value, stories, and unique nature of these rolling works of art.
On another note, I received a call from Louis Allen in Missouri a few weeks ago. Louis has long been an advocate for growing knowledge of early wagons, the Springfield brand in particular. He's working with Harry Cooper Supply in Springfield, Missouri to showcase the Springfield brand with a gathering of all wagon brands on October 1, 2026. Harry Cooper Supply is a home improvement business in Springfield that occupies much of the old factory location and will be giving tours showing a few surviving elements from the original factory. Springfield was a dominant force in the wagon industry for decades and this get-together will be a great opportunity to connect with others while seeing some nice examples of our wood-wheeled past. If you have a wagon that you'd like to bring, Louis is encouraging anyone with any brand to come and share.
We pulled this poster off a Facebook post by Harry Cooper Supply. For more details, contact Harry Cooper Supply in Springfield, Missouri or Louis Allen at 417-689-7345.
Also, the American Chuck Wagon Association is raffling off chances for a chuck wagon. What a GREAT opportunity to own a chuck wagon for special events and get-togethers. The tickets are only $50 and can be purchased directly from the ACWA on their website at www.americanchuckwagons.com You may never get another chance to own a chuck wagon for such a bargain! The tickets can also be purchased from Directors of the association. Online sales will cease at the end of October as a drawing for the winner will take place during the ACWA Annual Meeting on November 7, 2026. I will also have a few tickets I can deliver to those in my part of Arkansas.
The winner of this chuck wagon will be drawn on November 7, 2026. Don't miss your chance to own this piece of history!
Finally, as a follow-up to my initial comments on the upcoming book, if you haven't already done so, please drop us a note letting us know if you'd like a copy of this one-of-a-kind tribute to the wheels of the Old West. We'll be sharing more teaser images over the next couple of months. Having your name (or group name) on the list doesn't mean a purchase is required. It just helps give us an idea of the number to order. Ultimately, the books will be provided on a first-come basis and I don't expect a reprint. If a name isn't on the list, there may not be additional books available. Please don't miss out as I assure you this will be a collector piece chock full of ultra-rare visuals and information not available anywhere else.
More to come!
David
Ps. 20:7