Donnie & Jo Daniels of Harrison, Arkansas weregracious to cater the event with their century-old Newton brand chuckwagon. Stocked with a host of periodessentials for trail drives in the West, it was an ideal centerpiece for thegathering. Donnie and Jo have competedthroughout the U.S. and taken several awards for their cooking and trailauthenticity. It was a pleasure to have their delicious Dutch oven recipesheadline the menu. Slow-cooked brisket,potatoes, beans, biscuits and mouthwatering peach and rhubarb/strawberrycobblers were all made from scratch. Combined with countless other desserts, a fresh veggie tray,sun-sweetened iced tea, homemade lemonade, spring water and sodas packed in a19th century ice box all made for a relaxing and unique experience as wesavored the memories of yesterday.
With our early vehicle, seat, and sign collection asa backdrop, we also shared a good bit of information on 1800’s-era wagoncompanies and western vehicles. Attendees had the opportunity to see original pieces built by legendarymakers like Studebaker, Peter Schuttler, Bain, Springfield, Owensboro,Gestring, Florence, Birdsell, American, Weber, Stoughton, Moline, Weber-Damme,Davenport, Nissen, Cooper, Charter Oak, Carver, Newton, and more.
The weather couldn’t have been better for theevent. Temps hovered in the 70’s and low80’s with a slight breeze keeping the atmosphere incredibly comfortable. Under the canopies of large white oak treesand our newly-built vehicle warehouse, we enjoyed a weekend of wagons, food,fun, fellowship, live music, horse-shoe competitions and an old-fashioned rope swing. None of it could have happened, though,without the sacrifice and dedication of so many American heroes. We’re proud to live in a nation rich withhistory and God’s blessings. Inremembrance of all who have pledged to guard and protect the sovereignty ofthis nation, we thank you for your service and the freedoms that have come todefine America.
