Week in and week out, we receive a lot of questions related to antique wagons, stages, and America's first transportation industry. The queries come from writers, producers, researchers, collectors, publishers, news organizations, builders, museums, archaeologists, historical societies, treasure hunters, and even casual observers. The topics covered in those emails, calls, and texts are as diverse as the hundreds of blogs and articles on our website. There's a good reason for that. This wood-wheeled industry was massive, and it endured for over two hundred years in the U.S. That's a lot of history to track. Even though our Archives are full of lost accounts, rare imagery, and ultra-scarce background details for numerous brands, there's still a lot more to discover.
To that point, I'll be highlighting more of our wheeled past in multiple presentations later this year. Several of those talks are scheduled to take place in Council Grove, Kansas during mid-September. This will all be part of the KAW Mission Council's Westward Expansion Lecture Series. It's an intriguing program and during the event, we'll be sharing more material related to nineteenth and early twentieth century wagons and western vehicles. Among the wood-wheeled topics I'll cover are Tips on Collecting, How to Evaluate an Antique Wagon or Western Vehicle, Learning How Much You Actually 'KNOW' About Your Wagon, Evolutionary Traits, and several question/answer sessions.
The focus on wagons will be the kickoff to the 2025 Santa Fe Trail Association Symposium entitled, Marking a Road to Santa Fe: Set Your Sights on Sibley. Overall, it's a week-long series of events. My portion of the talks and demonstrations is slated to take place on September 19th & 20th. Well-known blacksmith and National Stagecoach & Freight Wagon Association President, Jeff McManus will be there as well as acclaimed wagonmaker and wheelwright, Don Werner.
Jeff McManus and Cameron Bean from the National Stagecoach & Freight Wagon Association. This image is from a series of blacksmithing demonstrations.
Don Werner discussing details of wheel-making.
The event will be held on the Santa Fe Trail in Council Oak Park, 210 East Main Street, Council Grove, Kansas. According to Mark Brooks, a more detailed schedule of events will be released soon. For more information on attending or showing your wagon, feel free to reach out to Mark Brooks at 620-307-2754 or mark.brooks@ks.gov
Based on the last Santa Fe Trail & KAW Mission Council event we were at a few years ago, the wagon participation should be strong with a good crowd of folks. It's definitely an opportunity to see a number of historic wagons. Along with the fellowship and activities, there will be period details discussed that are rarely covered anywhere else - and definitely aren't on the internet. Ultimately, it should be a great time with plenty of one-on-one discussions. Hope to see you there!
David
Ps. 20:7