When I was growing up, there was no such thing as the internet. Phones were tied to a wall or desk, long-distance calls could break the bank, and cameras were far from being pocket-sized computers with instant access to the world. Back to the phone, folks were definitely among the chosen if they had a private line in their home versus a party line with multiple neighbors using the same connection. Likewise, having a phone receiver with a long cord that allowed movement around a room was an impressive touch. Televisions had antennas that always seemed to need adjusting and on-demand programming was something out of a science fiction movie. Even so, the information technology that was available required a good connection to be useful. That part of being in-the-know hasn't changed. It still takes a reliable link to stay abreast of things that impact our lives.
Rotary dial phones like those on the bottom row of this image were standard equipment when I grew up. Image Copyright © David E. Sneed, All Rights Reserved.
While I try to stay timely with a weekly western vehicle blog, like everyone else, sometimes I get busy and distracted. In fact, my wife often tells me that our crazy schedule is a result of my tendencies to load the proverbial wagon too much... as usual, she tends to be right (don't tell her I admitted it, though). To that point, the past few months have been challenging to get each week's blog posted. In the midst of life's comings and goings, I'm also working on an exciting project I believe every Old West and wagon enthusiast will enjoy but it has involved and evolved more than I'd anticipated. I'll be sharing more in a month or two but, combined with three upcoming presentations, the clock continues to bear down.
This chuck wagon will be part of a raffle the American Chuck Wagon Association will award later this year. Image Courtesy Homer Robertson, ACWA.
Nonetheless, I've had the opportunity to catch up with a couple of folks this week and wanted to share some details from those calls. First up, the American Chuck Wagon Association (ACWA) wagon event is almost here. We're just weeks away (August 14-15, 2026) and this get-together is shaping up to be a dandy! I can't wait to be a part of this momentous gathering and showcase valuable insights from our Wheels That Won The West® Archives. So many good people, networking opportunities, great wagons, and details about western vehicles will be part of it all! I spoke with ACWA director, Homer Robertson, this week and he let me know that the group will be selling raffle tickets on a chuck wagon at the event and throughout the 2026 fall season. They plan to have the drawing for the winner at the annual ACWA meeting in November. What a great opportunity for someone to take home a chuck wagon with fire box, harness, fly poles, and other gear! It would be a super way to get started in either competition, catering, or special times with family and friends. Plus, this indoor event at the Granbury, Texas Conference Center will also feature a host of competitor chuckwagons. Reach out to the ACWA at www.americanchuckwagons.com for more details - But don't wait much longer. The registration deadline is approaching fast.
On another note, a few months ago, I spent some time at Doug Hansen's shops near Mitchell, South Dakota. I'm always looking for unique pieces to study, and he had just come across a Bain, barn-find wagon. It instantly caught my eye because it was different. Based on my observations at the time, I have no problem dating the piece to the late 1800s. The narrow-tired wheels measure 52 and 44-inches high. It has 10-inch skeins and was built with through-bolted construction and a seldom seen bent front hound. Those last two distinctions truly set this gear apart. Talk about a great foundation for a period chuck wagon! Doug's team has cleaned up the gear (see the pics above) and it's a very nice part of our past. Pre-1900 pieces like this are incredibly hard to find and the frontier fame of Bain certainly makes it a premiere Old West brand.
Doug also has another pair of impressive Bain gears in his stock of vehicles. Both are early 20th century sets of wheels but the condition of each is off-the-charts. One is a rare, Mountain wagon. All of these Bain survivors are rare, head-turning connections to America's western heritage and they should be a great fit for anyone, whether collector, competitor, or museum..
Each of these things... from the Granbury wagon event to the chuck wagon raffle and the original Bain wagons... is an opportunity to connect with the West in a way that few ever do. In the midst of your own hectic schedules, these things are worth checking into.
Have a great weekend!
David
Ps 20:7