I spoke to Homer Roberson with the American Chuck Wagon Association a few days ago and it sounds like a large number of folks have signed up for the wagon conference this coming weekend in Granbury, Texas. The dates are August 14-15, 2026. The deadline for registering has passed but Homer assured me that if someone still wants to attend, they should call the ACWA as soon as possible. The organization is committed to accommodating all who want to come. That phone number is 940-532-1788 or you can email them at... acwa@chuckwagon.org
No matter the condition, most wagons still retain clues as to the maker and timeframe of manufacture.
I've been attending programs and sharing presentations for decades. I believe this one may well be among the most significant of all. Whether you're a collector, competitor, curator, or just want to know more about a wagon you've acquired or one that's been passed down through the family, this is a DON'T MISS event. From individual vendors and incredible networking prospects to the amount of information shared and the historic wagons that will be on display, this is the kind of opportunity that doesn't come around very often and won't be found on an internet search engine. In fact, most of the material I have in my presentations has rarely - if ever - been presented online. It comes from decades of digging and research. Combined with in-depth seminars and demonstrations from well-known authorities like Doug Hansen of Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop, Glenn Moreland of Texas Cowboy Outfitters, Mark Day and his insights into wooden barrels and coopering, and so much more, there's a lot packed into these two days. Plus, it's in the air-conditioned amenities of the beautiful Granbury, Texas Conference Center.
There were a host of different wagon brands that were well-known on the American frontier.
I'll have the privilege of presenting both days and will cover everything from the process of maker identification and the determination of build dates as well as the challenges of research, learning how to analyze individual vehicle features, and how to 'hear' what a wagon is saying. We'll also be covering the names and functions of different wagon parts and how do go about the overall evaluation of a particular set of wheels.
With a vast collection of original literature in the WheelsThat Won The West® collection, we're able to help preserve parts of the past that might otherwise be lost.
In short, I don't believe there's ever been an event offering so many insights into antique wagons, their makers, and the Old West history that sets these machines apart. Comfort, convenience, and tons of content. If you want to experience a part of the western frontier that few know much about, this event will have significant insights to take away... (and I'll also be sharing about something else on the horizon).
Hope to see you there!
David
Ps. 20:7