It seems he’s always working on a new
project in his shop and that bond to the old west is continually reinforced by
a healthy interest in the history of the early wagon industry. As another in a series of interviews we’ve
been conducting, Tom was gracious to answer a few questions about his wagon-hobby-turned-business…
Whatever the topic, sometimes the story
behind the story is the most interesting.
With that in mind, we asked Tom if he could give us some insight into his
work with wagons along with the kind of services he offers.
“I enjoy the process of research,
restoration, and replication of original metal parts for wagons. We offer several for sale on our web site at www.cowboycooking.com. I also have a second web site www.springfieldwagon.com. As far as I can tell, I'm about the only
place you can buy new seat springs made just like the originals. I'm not a blacksmith although in researching
my family tree I had many blacksmith relatives.
I have one of the best blacksmiths in the country that works for
me. Same thing with pin striping. I don't have that kind of talent but I've got
an awesome pin striper who does my work.”
Tell us about your beginnings, Tom… how
did you get started?
“I always loved western history and old
wagons. One day at an auction in 1999 I bought an old wagon, took it home, tore
it apart, rebuilt it with a new tongue and groove floor and I was hooked!”
What do you consider your most
significant accomplishment in your business?
“It’s gratifying to help folks connect
with hard-to-find wagon parts. I also
enjoy providing advice to people who have no idea where to begin in the
restoration of a wagon. I've been there
and done that so I can relate to their problems.” What's the most memorable vehicle (or part) that you've found or worked on?
“That's a tough one. Each new project is memorable to me. I guess one that really sticks in my mind
though was a metal-wheeled Springfield wagon that had belonged to a client’s
grandfather. As you can see from the
picture it was a pile of rusted metal and rotted wood.”
What are some of the projects you currently have in your shop?
“I have a high wheel Bain I need to get started on and I just bought a 1916 Pontiac spring wagon that's in pretty good shape but needs some minor work.”
What's your favorite early vehicle brand
and why?
“Although I've never seen either one in
person I guess it would have to be a Joseph Murphy freight wagon and the stagecoaches
made by Abbot-Downing. The number of
wagons they turned out and the quality of work they did just amazes me. Wouldn't it be great if we could go back in
time, meet these people and work in their shop for about six months?” 
What do you enjoy most about the work
you do?
“Helping people with parts and restoration
advice is important to me. I also enjoy seeing
the finished product of my restorations from a badly deteriorated old wagon to
a like-new wagon. I've preserved a piece of history!”
Thanks to Tom and all those we’ve
interviewed to date. They’re a special
breed committed to education, preservation, and perpetuation of western-wheeled
history. You can learn more about Tom by
visiting his website at www.cowboycooking.com There’s plenty to take in on the site so
enjoy your time there and tell him ‘hello’ from us.
