Donnie & Jo Daniels of Harrison, Arkansas were
gracious to cater the event with their century-old Newton brand chuck
wagon. Stocked with a host of period
essentials for trail drives in the West, it was an ideal centerpiece for the
gathering. Donnie and Jo have competed
throughout the U.S. and taken several awards for their cooking and trail
authenticity. It was a pleasure to have their delicious Dutch oven recipes
headline the menu. Slow-cooked brisket,
potatoes, beans, biscuits and mouthwatering peach and rhubarb/strawberry
cobblers 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 a
19th century ice box all made for a relaxing and unique experience as we
savored the memories of yesterday.
With our early vehicle, seat, and sign collection as
a backdrop, we also shared a good bit of information on 1800’s-era wagon
companies and western vehicles.
Attendees had the opportunity to see original pieces built by legendary
makers 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 the
event. Temps hovered in the 70’s and low
80’s with a slight breeze keeping the atmosphere incredibly comfortable. Under the canopies of large white oak trees
and 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 with
history and God’s blessings. In
remembrance of all who have pledged to guard and protect the sovereignty of
this nation, we thank you for your service and the freedoms that have come to
define America.
