Over the past twenty years, we’ve made a
strong effort to uncover as much of America’s lost wheeled history as
possible. It’s been a long – and
sometimes dry – road. Nonetheless, as we
look back over the decades of research, there are plenty of successes within
the individual ‘finds’ and overall groupings of period artifacts, imagery, and
ephemera. For those who may have only
recently signed up for this blog, the primary areas we focus on are the heavier
farm, freight, ranch, coach, military, and a few business vehicles.
Some of the fruits of our research
labors can be seen in the thousands of old wagon images now held in the Wheels That Won The West® Archives. Within that
collection, the Trail and Ranch Wagon category includes a respectable number of
period chuck wagon photos. Most are
unpublished and rarely-seen examples of our nation’s early western and cowboy
heritage. From these original images,
we’re able to help dispense with guess work while establishing a supportable
background for a myriad of historical questions.
 |
This small portion of a larger photo shows the beginnings of a meal preparation on the back of an early Bain chuck wagon. |
Among the chuck wagon images in the
archives, there are a number of wagon brands represented. Legendary names like Mitchell, Bain, Peter
Schuttler, Studebaker, Stoughton, Old Hickory, and more are shown in settings
from Texas and Colorado to the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Montana. While the images vary in condition, location,
size, content, and vehicle brand shown, the central chuck wagon theme remains
the same. Differences between camp
sites, clothing, and other equipment from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s can
also be seen. Sometimes a remuda is
included in the photo. At other times,
only a handful of cowboys, the cook, and wagon are represented.
 |
This image is cropped from a large cabinet card depicting an early camp; replete with cowboys, tents, chuck wagon, bed rolls, cattle, and a remuda. |
When it comes to the design of the chuck
box, there seems to be no end to the variations. Differences not only include the exterior
shape of the box but the interior configurations as well. Close examination often points out distinctions
in even the smallest details.
Contrasting table leg designs, latches, drawers, or even different ways of
attaching the pan boot help us more completely appreciate the individual
personalities represented in every chuck wagon.
One nineteenth century photo, which appears to be taken on the western
plains, shows a box-style coffee grinder tucked into a section of the chuck
box. It’s a departure from the more
commonly seen grinder mounted on the back of the upper sideboard. Another image shows a camp using buffalo
chips as a fuel source for the fire while others show coals from available
wood. Over and over we can see similar,
yet distinct, characteristics represented in these vehicles and people. Looking through the old cameras, the images
stare back at us, frozen in time, yet still alive with the fierce and
independent spirit that built the nation we call home.
As we continue to celebrate America’s
early western wheels, we’re reminded that each of these primary source images
has much to teach. Ultimately, by
growing that base of information, we’re not only able to provide verifiable answers
to questions that might otherwise remain unknown but, open new doors of
understanding and opportunity to future generations equally intrigued by the
subject.
Stay tuned… coming soon to this blog…
One of the best original Bain Rack Bed wagons I’ve ever seen!
