Authentic Chuck Wagons Built From Scratch

Authentic Chuck Wagons Built From Scratch AG WORLD 30-5-23 There's no plywood or screws to be found on Kathy Christensen's authentic chuck wagons. The hardware, drawer pulls and latches are all hand made by a blacksmith. Most of the wood is solid pine or cedar. Rivets, square nuts and bolts are also hand-forged. Christensen herself does everything but the forge work. "At wagon competitions, we're judged on authenticity," explains Christensen. "They have to be built just like they were in the 1800's." Christensen's wagons usually do well. Last year she finished second out of 30 chuck wagons. Ironically for her, she is often competing against other wagons she has built. Christensen builds and sells chuck wagons for as much as $12,000 to 14,000 each. She starts with an existing running gear and builds the rest of each wagon. She outfits them with a canvas fly, poles and stakes to spread over the cooking area and a water barrel and chuck boot. The chuck boot goes under the chuck box, which is the food cupboard at the rear of the chuck wagon. The box carries the cooking equipment. "Each one takes about a month to build," says Christensen. "I used to do a lot of buggies and carts, but now I only build chuck wagons and sheepherders' wagons on special request." The sheepherders' wagons take a lot more work, she explains, although lower-end models are available for as little as $9,000. A recent wagon was custom designed for use at a Bed and Breakfast in Wyoming. It had a double bed on one end and benches on the side with a little chuck box and a heating stove. "Some have cook stoves in them, and some are insulated and paneled," she recalls. "They can be pretty cozy and stand up well to travel." The chuck wagons are used not only for competition, but also for cookouts. She says they are often used at fund raising and volunteer events and sometimes as actual chuck wagons for trail rides. "I do a lot of catering with my own rig," says Christensen. "I have done weddings, family get togethers, reunions and other types of events." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Kathy Christensen, Rt. 1, Box 139, Lockney, Texas 79241 (ph 806 652-1313; fax 806 652-2488; mwbuggy@texasonline.net; www.midwestbuggy.com).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.