Locating detailed information on early
wagons and stagecoaches isn’t always an easy task. Some particulars can only be found in period catalogs
and materials produced by vehicle builders while other data may have to be
mined from scarce periodicals, old government records, or other
references. While many folks use the
internet as an immediate ‘go-to’ resource, the very nature of massive amounts
of data being posted online can make it tough to confirm reliability in all
instances.
Equally important is the point that
there is a host of well-researched information not currently available on the
world wide web. In fact, many materials
originally published decades ago have never been posted on line. A good reminder of this can be found by
perusing early issues of “The Carriage Journal.” The magazine, published by the Carriage Association of America (CAA), is well-known for producing quality, well-written,
and well-researched details on a host of vehicle styles, including America’s
heavier wagons and stage coaches.
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The Carriage Association of America is involved in much more than carriages and light vehicles. |
A few years ago, I acquired a hardbound collection of the earliest years of this magazine. Within the Summer 1965 issue, I came across a multi-page story covering the famed 20 Mule Train and giant freight wagons used to haul borax through Death Valley. The article includes an overview of the wagons as well as discussions related to the mule teams, muleskinning, the desert terrain, and the early Pacific Borax Company.
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The Wheels That Won The West® Archives includes countless unpublished and rarely seen photos from America’s first transportation industry. |
In another article from a half century
ago, the CAA covered the restoration of Abbot-Downing’s coach #431. A 1964 write-up highlighted the wagons and
carriages built by James H. Birch of Burlington, N.J. and still another in 1967
focused on the firm of Hoopes Bro. and Darlington in West Chester,
Pennsylvania. At the time, they were
still busy building wagon wheels; a business started 100 years earlier in
1867.
More than quaint stories from another
time, these are touch points in history; allowing us more opportunity to learn
about specific vehicles while potentially reinforcing provenance
documentation. Likewise, such articles
can be helpful within identification and authentication work. With a history dating to 1960, the Carriage
Association of America is a strong organization helping bring like-minded folks
together while promoting horse-drawn vehicle history and modern day
applications. They’re located at the
Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
If you’ve never been there, it’s well worth the visit.
