The study of America’s early wagonsdoesn’t just intrigue me - it has a massive depththat humbles me.
For the past few months, I’ve been workingon a presentation for the upcoming symposium on horse-drawn vehicles presentedby the Carriage Association of America and Colonial Williamsburg. I was initially asked to present detailsrelated to the hauling of military ordnance on the American frontier. Ultimately, I do plan to report a bit on thattopic but the area that truly fascinates me is that of technology and designinnovation in the world of wooden wagons.
For many, it probably sounds a bit strangeto connect the thought of ‘technology’ to horse-drawn wagons. In truth, there is a lot we can learn bydissecting these old pieces. As withtoday’s automobiles, every part of these rolling workhorses was driven by adesign need. As a result, every part had a beginning. Understanding the why's, when's, and how's of these areas can be invaluable when we’re evaluating atimeframe of manufacture, authenticity traits, originality claims, brandidentity, and even vehicle provenance.
While I’m looking forward to thepresentation, I’m also looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues andmeeting new friends. Hope to see youthere.
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