The chuck wagon was used on round-ups and trail drives. The cook, "Cookie," drove the wagon, which served as a mobile kitchen and general haulage of tools, equipment, spare parts, feed, and bedrolls and belongings of the cowboys. The chuck wagon would precede the herd on the trail drive then set up to provide a hot evening meal and breakfast for the trail crew. The cook box at the rear of the wagon was removable so the wagon could be used as a normal ranch wagon when not used for meal preparation. The brand shown on the cook box was owned by Edward and Ada Black. The model was constructed in 2008 using scaled plans from John Thompson.. Scale is 1" = 1'.
COAL WAGON
The coal wagon is one of a heavy design that carried bulk coal to both commercial locations and homes. It is adapted to multiple delivery methods, including dumping, delivery by wheelbarrow, and delivery through a chute into the basements of homes or businesses. This model is an adaptation of a coal wagon possibly used by J. T. Black and Joseph A. Black in Wichita, Kansas during the 1870s to the early 1900s. The plans were drawn from sketches of period coal wagons; the model was constructed in 2007 by Robert Black. Scale is 1 inch = 1 foot.
Peddler's wagon
Itinerant peddlers traveled from village to village, stopping at homes and farms along the way. Many peddlers traveled far from home and were away a long time. The Fuller Brush man and the Watkins peddler were some that continued well into the mid-1900s. This peddler’s wagon is influenced by the design of one in the Smithsonian collection. Since peddlers had to carry a fairly large stock of goods, storage was at a premium and every available space was used. Boxes of goods could also be carried on top. This model was constructed in 2007. Scale is 1 inch = 1 foot.
Hearse
The hearse, in its finery of gilt and fringe, represented a solemn and dignified journey to the departed’s final resting place. It was also a comfort to those left behind to know their loved one’s departure was “in style.” This model is one version of a hearse used in many cities of the West during the late 1800s to the early 1900s. The plans were drawn from sketches of period hearses wagons; the model was constructed in 2007. Scale is 1 inch = 1 foot.
Lumber Wagon
The lumber wagon was used for two primary purposes: to haul logs from the forest to the lumber mill and to haul rough or finished lumber from the mill to contractor sites or lumberyards. The configuration recreated here is of the first use—hauling logs. The second use configuration is essentially the same. The support posts on each side are removable to facilitate loading and unloading. The seat on this wagon is easily removable as is the toolbox (or jockey box). The mule driver may sit on a pile of lumber or even on the logs. Note that the model has a high platform, which is placed above the wheels to aid loading and unloading, but the high wheels are retained for ease of maneuver in rough terrain. This model is typical of those used in lumber camps in the West during the late 1890s and early 1900s. Robert E. Black constructed this model in 2008. Scale is 1 inch = 1 foot.
sheepherder's wagon
The sheepherder’s or sheep wagon was one of the first mobile homes. It was the temporary residence of a Western sheepherder in the distant pastures during the late spring to early fall. Basically, it is a modification of a farm wagon with wide shelves extending over the sides of the wagon. This increased space allowed inclusion of a bed, table, and stove, as well as adequate storage space for food and necessities during the long isolated periods. The top was covered with canvas, but was frequently lined with blankets, linoleum, or sheet metal. The model shown was adapted from plans of a wagon in the Klamath County (Oregon) Museum. This model was constructed in 2006.. Scale is 1 inch = 1 foot.
steppe wagon
The steppe wagon was the “mobile home” of the Asiatic nomad. The construction was basically a platform with wheels and a covered top—usually of some form of felt. The model shown here is based on sketches of a reconstructed steppe wagon of about 2500 B.C., based on surviving wooden fragments from burials and clay models. The designs of the wagons did not change much for several centuries apart from the use of spoked wheels. The plans were drawn from sketches of the wagons; the model was constructed in 2007 by Robert E. Black. Scale is 1 inch = 1 foot.
food vendor cart
The food vendor's cart is a portable cart equipped to prepare simple foods to sell on the streets or a work location. This particular cart was made for the Local Burger restaurant in Lawrence, Kansas about 2007. Scale is 1 inch = 1 foot. t
Farm Wagon
The farm wagon was the pickup truck of the 1800s and early 1900s. It was a multi-form utility vehicle that could be configured about anyway possible to fit the needs of the user. It was generally designed for a team of two horses. The carrying capacity was from 2 to 3½ tons, depending on configuration and undercarriage (or truck) strength. This model was made from measurements and photographs of a farm wagon remains in Estes Park, Colorado. Model was constructed in 2001 by Robert Black. Scale is 1 inch = 1 foot.