Recently, Ronnie Sexton of the American Chuck Wagon Association (ACWA) has been posting images on Facebook asking folks to review period chuck wagon images and share knowledgeable observations about the wagons and camps shown. According to the posts, the details are being cataloged in the Southwest Collection at Texas Tech. It’s an exercise meant to provide a central base of knowledge for those engaged in future research. While there’s always a risk of inaccuracies being included, I think it’s a great idea and one that will help strengthen appreciation for this part of our past. The core of the concept is that we can learn a lot by paying attention to particulars that might be overlooked.
Signage on this period water wagon shares that no maker is known. However, the running gear is loaded with features unmistakeably pointing to Studebaker as the manufacturer of the gear.
My hat’s off to the ACWA as the process not only encourages involvement but simultaneously works to inform folks of distinctions that make up chuck wagons from different ranches, makers, eras, designs, and parts of the country. In other words, an old horse-drawn wagon is more than a simple assemblage of wood, paint, and metal. In fact, from the running gear to the box and everything in between, there’s nothing elementary about these machines. For anyone that might question that assertion, I’d encourage them to start writing down all they know about a single vehicle. Some may find it hard to record much; not because there isn’t anything to share but because too little is commonly known.
Overall, documentation is a good assignment for all of us as it will quickly show areas where we may be missing insights. Ultimately, every square inch of these rolling history books has a story to tell and discovering those stories adds to the flavor and fascination of the whole. If you’re fortunate enough to own an old set of wheels, I’d encourage you to grab a notebook and pen. Then, consider the following exercises...
1. Visually break down the wagon into separate parts. Identify and label each part with the correct name. Do you know all of the part names? From box straps, cleats, hangers, and straddler staples to the sway bar, slider, hammer strap, proppets, roller, and queen bolt, everything has a purpose and name (sometimes more than one).
2. Next, ask yourself how much you know about each part of the wagon. Define the purpose of each part. This not only helps us to better understand the design but more fully appreciate the complexity of the vehicle.
3. Ask yourself when a specifc part began to be used. Yes, every element has a beginning. Some we know. Others may be a bit vaguer but, over the years, I’ve outlined a number of these evolutionary shifts in several presentations. Due to my own study of these distinctions, it’s tempting to regularly dissect well-known western movies and evaluate the wagons used. Too often, twentieth century wood-wheeled wagons are included in flicks depicting an 1800s time frame. Those types of oversights are akin to using a Chevy truck from the 1970s or 80s in a film about life during the Great Depression. No matter how you try to justify it, it’s wrong and can question the credibility of the rest of the program. It’s the same with clothing, guns, saddles, signs, and so forth. There’s enough knowledge available now that it’s tough to find a reason not to align period representations with the proper nineteenth century designs.
4. How many different types of wood are used in your wagon? Where is that wood used and why? This is another vast subject and one that will increase your understanding of all types of wood.
5. Are there any patented features on your wagon? FYI...they’re not always marked. Top to bottom, you might be surprised at just how many parts of an old wagon have been patented and used as a sales/marketing advantage. When was the part patented and what was the purpose/advantage of the idea?
Thousands upon thousands of patents related to horse-drawn wagons were applied for and granted in both the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
6. What accessories are on your wagon? Brakes, brake ratchets, a footboard, bow staples, bows, tongue spring, double tree, single trees, stay chains, neck yoke, folding end gate, tire rivets, tire bolts, spring seat, seat risers, wider tires, toolboxes, and more were generally considered to be ‘extras’ that could be purchased with the wagon. The idea of a base vehicle with available options came long before the automobile industry.
7. Do you know the maker of your complete running gear? How do you know?
8. Is the box made by the same maker or by another builder? Some collectors prefer that the maker of the running gear and box both be the same. Others recognize that, by necessity, farmers, ranchers, and business owners did mix them back in the day. Appropriate period pieces, fitted correctly, can be a part of an even greater story – even if the box and gear are from different makers.
Among the most legendary of brands is Peter Schuttler. It's also highly identifiable.
Signage on this chuck wagon shares that it traveled a historic cattle trail in the 1890s. It's a purported history that's problematic as the particular wagon brand shown did not exist at that time. Additionally, this wagon includes features/designs that were not in use until well into the twentieth century.
9. Do you believe your wagon still retains all of its original parts? How do you know? Forensic-style evaluations can be important elements of any vehicle provenance.
10. How, where, and why is your wagon different from others? Ultimately, the more you know, the easier it is to help others appreciate the history in front of you.
11. How much can you tell someone about the features of your wheels, axles, skeins, sandboard, bolsters, standards, box rods, end gate, cleats, sway bar, reach box, and stamped or cast markings?
12. Can you pinpoint the age or era of your wagon?
Some brands have a manufacturing time frame stamped into or painted onto the running gear. Many, though, do not and determining the construction era requires significant familiarity with the brand and industry shifts.
Whether stamped or painted, it's sometimes possible to find maker details on the inside of wheel felloes.
All of the above points – and more – are what make up the story and intrigue of your set of wheels. It will likely take some time to pull together the background of your wagon, but I’ve never heard someone go through the process and then remark that it wasn’t worth the effort. Being able to help others see the unique nature of a historic vehicle not only reinforces the legacy of the piece but it has a way of strengthening the value of your segment of the West as well. Take a tip from the ACWA’s chuck wagon efforts. Get to know your vehicle and what sets it apart. It will grow your appreciation while jumpstarting the excitement of others.
Closing thoughts... Studying the subject of early wagons can quickly go from what seems simple to a topic that’s overwhelmingly complex. Don’t be easily discouraged. It’s a subject that’s so deep, no one will ever know everything. Nonetheless, there are a great number of rewards along the way. I’ve spent three decades intensely studying this subject and am thankful to still be learning.
Ps. 20:7
