The first time I met Kathy Christensen of Midwest Buggy (Lockney, Texas), was at an auction in Arkansas. We were locked in a mini bidding war, vying
for the privilege of owning an old, dusty, and paint-less Peter Schuttler
wagon. As the bidding wore on, I
wondered, ‘Who is this lady and why doesn’t she stop bidding?’ Ha!
She ended up with the wagon and I’m glad she did. It gave me a chance to find out just who that
Texan was and what she was up to.
Kathy and I quickly become friends and I never cease
to be amazed at the good wagons she finds and brings back to life. Her commitment to the American Chuck Wagon Association goes far beyond the wagon and cooking competitions as she’s worked
tirelessly behind the scenes of the organization for years. With that as a brief backdrop, we asked Kathy
a few questions about her business and vehicle interests below.
Kathy, can you give us a little insight
into the primary focus of your business?
My business is more of a hobby, because
I love what I do. I enjoy restoring
wagons and making some into chuck wagons.
It’s a good feeling to see the finished product.
How did you get started?
I started into the business with my
interest in buggies. I started
collecting and working on buggies many years ago. When I moved to Texas, I was introduced to
the chuck wagon…I was hooked.
What do you consider your most
significant accomplishment with this hobby/business?
If I’ve accomplished anything, it’s been
saving wagons. I’ve been blessed to have
had the opportunity to introduce youth to wagons and chuck wagon cooking.
What's the most memorable vehicle (or
part) that you've found or worked on?
The most memorable vehicle was a Rhodes
wagon. With the help of David Sneed, he
identified the make and history of this wagon for me. 
What are some of the projects you
currently have in your shop?
I’m currently making a great Newton
wagon into a chuck wagon. I’ve cleaned
and colored a New Stoughton wagon which will be the next chuck wagon. Scheduled, is a chuck wagon to color and
detail. If I get caught up, I hope to
return to the restoration of an old sheepherder wagon. (Editor’s Note: I’ve seen part of her initial work on this
sheep camp wagon and can’t wait to see it finished!)
What's your favorite early vehicle brand
and why?
My favorite wagon is a Bain, probably
because it was my first chuck wagon and I still own it. I haven’t competed in chuck wagon cooking
competitions for several years with the Bain. I will be using it in 2014.
What do you enjoy most about the work
you do?
The best part of working on wagons for
me has been meeting great people and making wonderful, long lasting
friendships.
I’m thankful to Kathy and the others we’re
interviewing for sharing part of their story.
Ultimately, these enthusiasts are among a great group of folks
continually promoting one of the most historical parts of the American West. Their commitment to rescuing and sharing
history will be felt for generations to come.
