A Rare John Deere Wagon

Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to locate a number of legendary vehicles, rare artifacts, and exclusive historical documents now housed in our Wheels That Won The West® Archives.  Along the way, we’ve also been honored to assist with many restoration and conservation projects taking place throughout the country.  More recently, Doug Hansen and his team at Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop reached out for details that would help in the dating, authenticating, and restoration one of the rarest John Deere wagons ever built.  More on that in a bit but first a little background…

It’s not uncommon these days to hear someone refer to a wagon as an 1800’s John Deere.  Even so, it’s a statement that isn’t supported by history.  While John Deere distribution/jobber houses did market and sell wagons in the 19th century, they were of a different brand; perhaps the most notable of which was the Moline wagon.  As I pointed out in my August 21,2013 blog, the closest John Deere came to labeling their own wagons prior to purchasing several wagon factories was the private labeling of vehicles sold by a specific distributor.  Ultimately, it wasn’t until the acquisition of the Moline Wagon Company in 1910 that actual ‘John Deere’ marked wagons began to roll off of the assembly line.

These original ‘John Deere’ wagons were built at the Moline Wagon Company factory in Moline, Illinois.  Within a couple years, the firm was renamed as the John Deere Wagon Company.  In between that time, as Deere was ramping up its own wagon offerings, these vehicles often carried the names of two wagon brands – both John Deere and Moline.  If it sounds confusing – it was to some.  There was a method to the madness though.  The twin names on the wagons were meant to help bridge the transition from a legendary wagon name like Moline to an agricultural giant like John Deere.  Recognition of and owner loyalty to the Moline tag was huge and Deere wanted to ensure all parties that the reputation of Moline was being transferred to the new John Deere line.  Soon after the renaming of the factory, Moline’s trademarked ‘running greyhound’ was also removed, leaving only John Deere references on the wagon and gear.

The wagon being restored by the team at Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop hearkens back to a time of more than a century ago.  Bearing extraordinary details - including the original running greyhound design - from the 1912 era, this ultra-rare John Deere Iron Clad is being carefully restored.  When finished, the vehicle will not only stand as a tribute to the grand legacy of John Deere but will also represent a remarkable time of transition when two great names became one and John Deere took on a significant presence in the world of wagons.  Congratulations to the Hansen team and the proud owner who will soon add this one-of-a-kind restoration to his extraordinary John Deere collection.

A Collision of Worlds

I enjoy a good laugh and as our kids grew up we found ways to share memories that we still chuckle about today.  As their dad, sometimes I had to face the music as I was the object of the laughter – and that’s okay.  A little humility is good for all of us.  From family trips and school stories to chores around the house and special movies, we have a lot of things to smile about.  Throughout their growing up years, our kids were subjected to more than their share of western movies.  Like most, I suppose, we have our favorites.  I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve seen Lonesome Dove… And about any John Wayne or Jimmy Stewart flick is gonna get a nod of approval.  One that we often quote lines from is John Wayne’s “Big Jake.”  One of the interesting parts of this film is the timeframe of the storyline.  It’s set in the year 1909 and includes a few early autos and a motorcycle.  To some, that doesn’t qualify it as an appropriate western.  I understand why a purist might want to shy away from these transitional cowboy movies.  Sometimes, it can be tough to reconcile eras that we like to keep corralled in the 1800’s. 

Truth is, like any history, there are often times of significant advancements allowing collisions between generations of technology and lifestyle.  During the dawn of the 20th century, the popularization of the automobile and other newly-developed creations ushered in radical changes to what had been the ‘Old West.’  Legendary outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid along with Frank James and Cole Younger lived to see those days.  Wyatt Earp and several of his brothers also rode through some of these transitions.  Even though change was occurring fast, there is a fair amount of western vehicle history still tied to this timeframe.  Case in point, note the freighter shown below with the early automobile.  The men in the car are outfitted with rifles reminiscent of the posse scenes from “Big Jake.”  Clearly, the car seems out of place but it accurately reflects the days of the west during the early 1900’s.  

An early pair of western freight wagons in Narrows, Oregon.

The turn of the 20th century was still a booming time for wagon makers but the end was clearly on the horizon.  Patent submissions for wagon makers seemed to top out around 1910 and, by the late teens, the internal combustion engine was starting to call the shots at the factory as well as on the farm and the road.  

Weber wagons were well known throughout the 

country prior to the IHC acquisition.

In December of 1903, just months before International Harvester purchased the Weber Wagon Company and close to the same time the legendary Fort Smith Wagon Company was being formed, Orville and Wilbur Wright launched their celebrated flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  The transportation industry was going through significant changes.  Some fought for the old days and old ways while others embraced the shift, determined to make the most of it.  Again, the photo below shows the collision of these worlds.  The appearance of a very early airplane being carried by an army wagon with a balloon and period auto in the background is far from being common subject matter in early images.  It’s not known whether this may have been a fair, some type of military display, or other event.  What matters most is that all of these elements of transportation were sharing responsibilities – at least for a time – in both work and pleasure.  

A ultra-rare photo showing four modes of transportation in the early 1900’s.

So, what’s the point of this week’s blog?   Just this...  Some of the rarest wood-wheeled, vehicle history we have can come from the early 20th century.  It was during these years that horse drawn vehicle makers were engaged in a massive struggle to determine who they really were and how or if they would survive.  How did they compete?   Would they adapt to a new direction or mission?  How would each get around the newfound competition with automobiles?  Was there a market overseas or with a different business niche that might still need more wood-wheeled vehicles?  What about the emerging trailer and auto body industries?   What impact did the First World War have on these wheels?  All of these questions – and many more – defined an era that blended new and old in a way that can be almost as strange-looking today as what it must have seemed back in the day. 

For us, the ability to recognize unique features and construction traits from time periods such as this can help narrow down dates of manufacture.  It can also point to vehicles with extremely limited production numbers; and subsequently, pieces of greater interest and intriguing storylines.  After all, recognizing true rarity involves more than just looking for the oldest pieces.  It’s a process that requires understanding of what was happening within the industry as well as the brand.  It’s that never-ending study and fascination with America’s wood-wheeled history that continues to give us a legacy to keep and stories to tell.

What Do You Call That?

Cross sills, sideboard cleats, straddler staples, running boards, sliders, sway bars, bunters, fifth chains, standards, circle irons, brake shoes, reach boxes, box straps, boot ends, bolster iron extensions, box tighteners, rub irons, sand board plates…  The list can go on and on.  Clearly, there are a lot of technical-sounding terms used when referencing wagons, coaches, and other western vehicles.  Beyond the obvious advantages in allowing easier communication with others, understanding these designations is the first step to gaining real insight into the purposes of the designs themselves.  To help grow knowledge of many of these near-forgotten terms, a few years ago, we created a first-of-its-kind illustration of wagon parts and made it the centerpiece of our Making Tracks limited edition print.     

For the sake of discussion here, we’ll cover just a few of the designations mentioned above.  ‘Cross sills’ on a wagon refer to the hardwood supports attached beneath the box floor.  Positioned transverse to the box length, the more cross sills a wagon has can be one indicator of the original expense of the vehicle.  Beyond the added cost of the material and time to install it, wagon boxes with more cross sills were often more desirable because they tended to be more stable and solid – all things being equal with other box designs.  The old adage, “You get what you pay for,” was just as true a century ago as it is today.

A forward positioned cross sill on a wagon box. 

‘Box tighteners’ are typically placed over or mounted onto the sideboards of a farm wagon.  To get a clearer picture of these devices, we need to understand their purpose.  First and foremost, they are engineered to help pull the sideboards tight to each other.  The intent is to seal any gaps between the sideboards, thereby helping prevent the loss of smaller grain and seed.  There are a variety of different designs that do this.  Some also work to help eliminate gaps between the lowermost sideboard and the floor while also stiffening the sides of the box.  Often, these ‘tighteners’ were used in conjunction with metal flashing between the boards to help further prevent spillage. 

This is just one of many different types of box tightener designs.

Some time back, I received a question about rub irons.  On a wagon, these are the metal bars or plates positioned behind both front wheels on the lowermost sides of the box/bed.  They can be shaped a number of different ways for different reasons, but their primary purpose is to shield the box from damage caused by a wheel turned too tight.  Beyond their protective purpose, many aren’t aware that each iron is built to be able to be used twice.  In other words, when the abrasion from a wheel’s metal tire eventually cuts through the iron, leaving it too worn for effective use, the piece is designed to be unbolted, turned around, and switched to the other side of the wagon box.  This is an important distinction I’ve seen misinterpreted numerous times. 

Rub irons help protect the box from wheel damage.

At the end of the day, the best advice for any involved subject is… Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  We all have to learn sometime.  Getting to know proper vehicle nomenclature and design purposes will help minimize challenges from miscommunication and give you an even deeper appreciation for the original builders of these vehicles.  

Wagon & Western Vehicle Information

We receive a lot of questions asking where information about different vehicles can be found.  The good news is there are quite a few sources.  The bad news is – there are quite a few sources.  In other words, it’s a massive and complex subject too large for any single volume and, tragically, not all resources have sufficiently vetted their ‘research’.  Over and over, I’ve shared the complexity of this subject and the need for careful answers.  Take, for instance, the front axle of a ‘simple’ farm wagon.  Sounds like a pretty straight-forward topic with a basic design that could be written about in a paragraph or two, right?  Unfortunately, that’s far from being the case.  In fact, as I’m writing this, I quickly thought of over two dozen variations in front axle configurations; each with its own story to tell.

 

Built in the same factory, these two Mitchell brand wagon designs are separated by about 30 years.  As a result, there are innumerable differences between them.

Differences in the front axle can include whether the axle is determined to be a solid - steel, iron, wood – or is it one of a number of hollow or combination patterns?  Other distinctions can be found in the axle shape, length, height, depth, weight capacity, spacer design, presence of a truss rod or bar, skein size, skein type (cast or steel), and skein design – there are innumerable skein designs including those with innovative oil caps, sand bands, and other features.  Is the axle equipped with roller bearings?  If so, are they of a Timken or larger steel pin variety?  If pins, how many and what size are they?  How are the wheels affixed to the skeins – by linch pin or nut?  Is the axle through-bolted or clipped?  How are the stay-chain hooks attached or are there any?  Where is the hound bracing attached?  Does the axle move or is it a fixed, auto-steer type?  What about surviving maker marks/stamps/castings?  Truly, the list can be overwhelming but each piece can tell us something about how the vehicle was used as well as potentially pointing us to a maker and even a timeframe of manufacture.  Reliable information on all of this – and much more – is not typically available.  It’s one of the primary reasons we’re continually encouraged to share such rare details through this blog. 

Note the wooden stake inserted into the bolster standard rings on this wagon gear.  This side support extension is just one of the purposes of the design and is a feature benefit not typically pointed out among modern writings.

Because of the subject size, when starting out, I’d recommend focusing on a specific type of vehicle, region of the country, or timeframe before trying to tackle all of the obstacles at once.  Below are a few suggested books covering different vehicle backgrounds and types.  This is far from a conclusive list as there are countless other publications with varying degrees of important details.  So, with each being a vast subject in and of itself, don’t fall into the trap of believing you’ll find a single book or two that will answer all the knowledge you’ll ever need.  Our society may have us accustomed to eating fast food, but if you move too fast with assumptions here, this field of study can eat your lunch; leaving you with nothing but egg-on-your-face and plenty of humble pie to carry around.

Early Freighting…

“From the Missouri to the Great Salt Lake, An Account of Overland Freighting” by William E. Lass, 1972

“The Twenty Mule Team of Death Valley” by Ted Faye, 2012

“Empire On Wheels” by Mary Lund Settle and Raymond W. Settle, 1949

“I Hauled These Mountains In Here!” by Frances & Dorothy Wood, 1977

“The Old Pike – A History of the National Road” by Thomas B. Searight, 1894

“Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850” by George Shumway, Edward Durell, & Howard C. Frey, 1964-1966, 1968

“Wagons for the Santa Fe Trade” by Mark L. Gardner, 2000

“War Drums & Wagon Wheels” by Raymond W. and Mary Lund Settle, 1966

“Commerce of the Prairies” by Josiah Gregg, 1844

Coaches & Coaching…

“Wagons, Mules and Men” by Nick Eggenhofer, 1961

“My Playhouse Was A Concord Coach” by Mae Helene Bacon Boggs, 1942

“Time Well Kept” by Wells Fargo Historical Services, 2011

“Via Western Express & Stagecoach” by Oscar Osburn Winther, 1945

“Six Horses” by Captain William Banning & George Hugh Banning, 1928

“Old Waybills” by Alvin F. Harlow, 1934

“Stagecoach West” by Ralph Moody, 1967

Military Vehicles…

“The Great Blue Army Wagon” by Thomas Lindmier, 2009

“Horse-Drawn Ambulances” by Carriage Museum of America, 2004

“Cannons: An Introduction to Civil War Artillery” by Dean S. Thomas, 1985

“History & Description of an Ambulance Wagon” by Thomas W. Evans, M.D., 1868

General horse-drawn vehicle history…

“The Carriage Trade” by Thomas A. Kinney, 2004

“Borrowed Time – A Tribute To The Wheels That Built The American West” by David Sneed, 2011

“Wagon-Making in the United States” by Paul A. Kube, 2005

“The Prairie Traveler” by Randolph B. Marcy, 1859

“Platte River Road Narratives” by Merril J. Mattes, 1988

“Carriage Terminology: An Historical Dictionary” by Don H. Berkebile, 1978

“Wheels West, 1590-1900” by Richard Dunlop, 1977

“The Old Reliable – The History of the Springfield Wagon Company” by Steven Lee Stepp, 1972

Cowboys, Cattle, & Chuck Wagons

One of my greatest weaknesses has always been books.  These prodigious keepers of knowledge can open new worlds of discovery and intrigue.  As an example, last week I was going through the ranch vehicle section of our library.  In the process, I came across a first edition book I had purchased years ago.  The name of the volume is Cattle.  It was published in 1930 and written by Will C. Barnes and William MacLeod Raines.  The book is signed by Mr. Raines and includes a few other written notations.  It’s a fascinating piece with details about the early Texas cattle industry, cowboys, trails, towns, round-ups, wagons, outlaws, rustling, brands, and so forth. 

To the point, though; what I had forgotten is that inside this specific book is a 2-page, signed letter from one of the authors, Will C. Barnes.  It was written to a friend, over 80 years ago, just as Cattle was being released to the public.  The letter references the new book and outlines several of Mr. Barnes’ recollections along with news from his recent travels to Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Panama.  History has always captivated me and this letter did even more.  As I read the through the aged correspondence, the thoughts of this roughly 72-year-old gentleman and the fullness of his experience in the American West hit me.   In 1880, Mr. Barnes was a private in the U.S. Military.  He had accomplished much at an early age and had just been assigned as a telegrapher to Fort Apache in Arizona.  The West faced many challenges and hostilities during this timeframe.  By August and September of 1881, there were a number of armed engagements with Apache forces.  During one of those incidents, PVT Barnes escaped the fort to find help.  Because of his exemplary record and bravery, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1883. Other credits among his wide-ranging attributes include service in the Arizona Territorial Legislature, U.S. Forest Service grazing program, and U.S. Geographic Board.  He is also recognized for helping preserve the legendary Texas Longhorn.

A lengthy but rousing report of Mr. Barnes’ background and experiences at Ft. Apache during the early 1880’s can be found at this U.S. Army site.  While much of the account on this site offers straight-forward and interesting details of life in the Old West, I appreciated the stressful humor and poor luck in the following paragraph about Mr. Barnes…

“Traveling in Arizona in 1883 was not for the weak and faint-hearted, particularly in bad weather. For example, after reaching Holbrook and setting off for his ranch, Barnes found what must have been the Little Colorado on a "big boom" from the previous night's rain. In trying to cross it, his horse went under and Barnes swam out to save himself, only to find that he was on the wrong side of the river, whereupon he was obliged to swim back to the other side.”

One of a number of books written by Mr. Barnes, Cattle was published during a time when, by his own admission, “…hundreds of men are still living who followed the dust of the drag in the long northbound treks.” ^†  As such, it offers a unique perspective in helping visualize the era.

So, what does all of this have to do with western vehicles?  Beyond a few morsels of wheeled information within the book, this look into yesteryear (by those who were there) is an additional reminder that truly appreciating western vehicles requires a thorough understanding of the environment and times in which they were used.  After all, the details and features of every set of wheels is a direct result of the demands placed upon it. 

Cattle paints a vivid picture of Texas cattle drives as well as the legendary cowboy’s effect on the American West.  On a broader note, this historic knowledge has a way of bringing folks together on even more common ground; recognizing the struggles of people and place while honoring the challenges of personal hardships and celebrating the overall experience of life.  While there are numerous groups dedicated to promoting this part of our western heritage, perhaps none is more focused than the American Chuck Wagon Association.   We’re proud to be a participating member of this great group of folks and, through our Archives, are committed to helping preserve the wheeled history that built such a powerful legacy in America.  Ultimately, it’s a story as big as our nation and as timeless as the spirit of the West.

^† Cattle, page 7

Chuck Wagon Presentation

This week, the Carriage Association of America will be holding their 4^th International Symposium on horse drawn vehicles and related subjects.  Held in conjunction with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg, this year’s event will include 14 presentations, a silent auction, trade fair, and countless memories waiting within the historic site in Virginia.  I had the privilege of speaking there during the CAA’s 50th Anniversary celebration a few years ago and it was a great event filled with outstanding opportunities to grow and learn.  This year, Doug Hansen of  Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop returns with a presentation on the American Chuck Wagon.  A legendary vehicle with tremendous history, the details of its features and functions are often overlooked.

Doug Hansen at a gathering of the American Chuck Wagon Association

As one of a dozen speakers scheduled to share rare details from the horse-drawn era, Doug will be giving an extended presentation entitled, “The American Chuck Wagon: The Ultimate Cowboy Support Vehicle,” on Friday, February 21, 2014.  The seminar will cover the trail wagon era and round-up years.  Highlights of the talk will include the history behind the vehicle, what drove its design, how it was/is outfitted, and also a focus on the vehicle’s many modern  day applications within gatherings, cook-offs, and ranches.  We wish the best to all the presenters and attendees.  It’s certain to be a memorable and productive event.

We’ll share our regular, weekly-scheduled blog on Wednesday of this week as well but wanted to provide a few overview details for those who may be able to attend this meeting.  For more information, contact the Carriage Association of America at www.caaonline.com 

Chasing Big Wagons

We live in a world that demands predictability.  From driving on the correct side of the road to timely arrival at work, we depend on things to run like clockwork.  Over and over, though, I’ve shared about the random, almost wild unpredictability of making discoveries when researching early history.  As most can imagine, it’s hard to know when an important find is going to show up.  That said, the belief that real answers do await is what motivates a researcher to move forward.  With quiet confidence, any seeker knows that, somewhere out there, important information is waiting to be uncovered; and, with those encounters, there is potential for greater understanding of our past along with even more excitement in the present and future. 

It’s a pursuit that may require decades or more to uncover the smallest details.  Then again, lightning can strike and, suddenly, the pieces of a century-old puzzle can come together, no longer separated.  That scenario has happened over and over again as we’ve embraced the uncertainties of research for our Wheels That Won The West® Archives.  To that point, in my January 8th blog, I shared my belief that the Giant Moline wagon was likely used in a promotional tour after it’s unveiling at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.  That best-guess was prompted by the discovery a few months ago of a rare image of the same wagon shown at a circa 1905 exhibit for John Deere at a Minneapolis fair.

The Giant Moline Wagon at the Minneapolis Fair

Little could I have known that in less than a month from this January’s blog, I would come across yet another – different image of the same wagon.  Even better, it wasn’t just one - but two period photos, each showing different angles of this same wagon.  The extraordinary images are labeled as having been taken in 1906 – two years after the giant wagon’s promotional début in St. Louis. 
 

Clearly, the Moline brand (Moline, IL) and John Deere made the most of this impressive set of wheels with a promotional tour that lasted years.  This time the mammoth wagon was being shown at another major fair in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Below is a small section that we’ve cropped from one of the photos.  Standing atop a banner-draped wooden stage, this head-turning, wooden mega-star is surrounded by other standard-sized wagons available for purchase.   With the passing of more than a century since it was last seen, there are few answers as to what ultimately happened to this wagon.  It’s doubtful that any part has survived but finding these old images has brought new life to a story while offering hope that more details may one day be found.  Through these new revelations, we can see John Deere significantly ramping up their involvement with wagons.  After decades of selling the Moline brand, by 1910, Deere had bought the company and  - by 1912 – had renamed it the John Deere Wagon Company.  


The Giant Moline at the Lincoln, Nebraska Fair - 1906

Among our other discoveries of late is a photo of an 1880’s-era freight wagon showing a different type of hitch for a trail wagon.  While most tall-sided western freighters will have a horn and bumper design at the rear of the wagon, this California train is designed with a more rigid concept.  It’s one more period record in our files that may help identify, authenticate, and interpret the originality of future finds.  Certainly, it’s a rarely seen configuration but one poised to shed even more light onto early western transportation. 

Thanks for stopping by this week.  We enjoy sharing details about early heavy and western vehicle history.  By the way…  If you haven’t signed up to receive this weekly blog via email, just type in your address in the “Follow By Email” section above.  You’ll receive a confirmation email that you’ll need to verify before you’re officially on board.  Please don’t hesitate to let us know if we can be of assistance.  We’re looking forward to your visits each week.