There's a certain truth that tends to fit most - if not all - collectors. This ambassadorial group of people have a habit of surrounding themselves with the subject of their pursuits. It doesn't matter if the object of their affection is stamps, guns, arrowheads, dolls, tools, coins, art, spurs, sports memorabilia, or cars. The fact is, each of us has a way of immersing ourselves into whatever we're passionate about. It's the same with the Old West and even the vehicle brands tied to that era.
Years ago, I was at Kathy Christensen's home in West Texas. Kathy is well-known for her Championship chuck wagons, cooking, and competition at American Chuck Wagon Association (ACWA) events. Not only did she have the typical western trappings in her home but she also had a chuck box on a partial wagon in there. It was a wonderful addition that allowed every visitor to be captivated by the culture.
With that as a little backdrop, not long ago, I received a call from a friend letting me know of another western connoisseur with a legendary wagon kept in his home. Listen close. I didn't say he had the wagon AT his home. I said, he literally keeps it "IN" his house! Scott Tibbets, who has long competed at ACWA events under the 'Shadow Peak' name, owns several wagons but his pride and joy is an original Peter Schuttler brand chuck wagon. As of this writing, he's owned it for close to a dozen years. The wagon had previously been owned by Bob Drake, a founding member of the ACWA. Later, Gene Caddell (Wagon Wheel C) purchased and competed with the Schuttler. The wagon is extremely well known as it's been a part of multiple National Chuck Wagon Championships. In short, it's the kind of setup that can strike fear into competitors. Clearly, the wagon isn't the whole story in a cookoff but, just like it was for 1800s cowboys working the ranch and range, these survivors are the centerpiece of a camp. As a result, the good ones always draw a fair amount of attention.
Not every surviving Peter Schuttler wagon has trouble fitting inside a house. In the early part of the twentieth century, small versions were made for children. The images above show details from a miniature Schuttler won at the Kansas State Fair around 1913. Even the original wheel wrench is still with the wagon. This wagon will easily fit on top of most coffee tables. Images Courtesy David Stauth.
Scott's introduction to chuck wagons came in 2002 when Frank Laramore, a retired sheriff, asked him to help cater some events. According to Scott, the process of outdoor cooking with a chuck wagon was mesmerizing. He shared that, "the ambiance of the entire setting with mesquite smoke, open flames, great food, and the opportunity to make new friends was different and intriguing." After a few years as the hoodlum (cook's helper) on the Laramore wagon, he finally acquired a wagon and set out on his own.
Image Courtesy Scott Tibbets.
While talking with Scott, it became clear that some of the early years of competition were humbling. However, time on any trail has a way of building knowledge and opening up opportunity. So it was that after a decade or so of competition and several wins with his own wagons, Scott learned that the high-wheel Schuttler owned by Gene Caddell was available for purchase. Not only did it have the look, legacy, and pedigree for winning but the brand was easily one of the best he could hope for. He wasted no time and, after talking it over with his wife, he secured a deal and brought it home in late 2014. Still, the decision was far from an instant success story.
Like many things, though, the harder a person works, the luckier he/she seems to get. In this case, the old set of wheels had been sitting for quite a while and needed a fair amount of sweat equity applied to it. The surface of the wagon was literally covered in wasp and dirt dauber nests. The wood was dried out and the tires on the wheels needed tightening. From basic maintenance to repairs and additions, there was a lot to be addressed. Sitting unattended is hard on any vehicle - including modern automobiles! Ultimately, Scott spent almost two years cleaning, dreaming, and prepping the wagon. Legendary Texas wheelwright, wagon maker, and western singer, Glenn Moreland, helped with the wheel repairs.
The first time Scott competed with his Chicago-built dream was in 2016 at the National Cowboy Symposium in Lubbock, Texas. His Schuttler not only took first place in the Trail division but was named the Champion Overall Wagon.That's a strong showing for a wagon that had been out of the limelight for years! According to Scott, 2017 produced the exact same championship results and, in 2018, they won the Champion Wagon and the Overall Championship at the Bob Drake Memorial. Scott and his wife, Alicia, also took home the Overall Champion at the Llano River Chuck Wagon Cookoff. In fact, between 2007 and 2021, this rolling work of historical art has combined with the cooking from various teams to claim more than two dozen Championships, Reserve Championships, and first place finishes. The wagon has been part of so much history that there came a time when Scott began to think more about its long-term protection and preservation. After more wins in 2021, he finally decided to retire the Schuttler from competition in 2022. Even so, he wasn't about to put it out to pasture and allow the heritage to slip through the fences again.
Schuttler wagon and cowboy mancave photos Courtesy of Scott Tibbets.
As it turned out, that same year, he and Alicia were embarking on another venture... the design and construction of their forever home. According to Scott, Alicia is a classically-trained chef and wanted a big kitchen with extra accoutrements. Scott wasn't opposed to the investment but saw the moment as an opportunity to fulfill yet another dream - the addition of a wagon room focused on the life, legacy, and allure of the Old West and American chuck wagons. Alicia agreed and, today, the spacious 16-by-30-foot room includes a 10-foot ceiling, 80-inch big screen TV, fireplace, the Schuttler chuck wagon, and multiple displays full of Championship buckles, awards, and other mementos that bring a wealth of the West inside. It amounts to the ultimate cowboy man cave!
Chuck wagon camp photos Courtesy of Scott Tibbets.
In all of their travels, Scott's had the privilege of catering for a lot of folks. Today, he's even the president of the American Chuck Wagon Association. Among the additional highlights he's enjoyed has been the privilege of cooking for the cast and crew of both the "1883" and "Bass Reeves" television series at creator, Taylor Sheridan's ranch in Texas. Scott has also cooked at the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering in Fort Worth and won National Championships with three of his four chuck wagons. I asked why he had four wagons and, in true fatherly fashion, he explained there's one for each of their children. His first one, purchased for him by his dad, has special meaning as his dad's thoughtful examples of respect and love have made a marked impression on Scott's life.
With all of this history leading up to and following the Schuttler wagon, it's no wonder Scott wanted to stay close to this additional love of his life. Married in 2011, he shares that, even before their wedding, his wife was competing in chuck wagon events with him. He confessed that Alicia's cooking abilities immediately upped his game! More specifically, he said that, "From that moment on, we were a team and force to be reckoned with." This year, Alicia and Scott will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary. In the midst of it all, from cooking and competitions to western legacies, family time, and a personally-designed home graced with special features, the things they share together go beyond simple objects of affection. They've recognized the value of time well spent and have made those moments and memories a priority. It's a life balance that's rewarded them with more than busyness, secret recipes, and trophies. Instead, their walls and hearts are filled with faith, joy, and contentment, all because of Decisions They've Learned To Live With!
Scott & Alicia Tibbets at the 2025 Texas Cowboy Symposium in Granbury, Texas.
By the way... For those looking for more details on how to get involved with chuck wagons, chuck wagon cooking, and/or related competitions and western events, check out the American Chuck Wagon Association at www.americanchuckwagons.com These are great people and will be glad to help.
Also, for anyone who may not have signed up to receive NOTIFICATIONS each time we update this website with stories or features, you can do that by clicking on the SIGN-UP BUTTON in the upper righthand side of your screen. We're looking forward to our weekly visits!
David
Ps 20:7