|
||||
SHEEP WAGON Come on in and smell the strong black coffee. Reminisce with us back to the late 1800s when fences and motels were unknowns. Look for the shaggy old dog, laying outside with a watchful eye looking over the band of sheep in nearby meadow. The loyal canine is someone's best friend. The photos on the shelves are but sweet memories of bygone days. Have a seat, the sheepherder can't be far, his boots are still here and the coffee is brewing... Like thousands of other sheep wagons, this wagon made its debut on the western prairie and in the mountain meadows. The wooden frame beneath this wagon dates this wagon between 1890 to 1930. History tells us that this humble abode was the home of a nomadic sheepherder who followed his band in search of green pastures. This "home on wheels" was pulled from one location to another with a team of horses. As automobiles became popular, the large wooden-spoke wheels were often replaced by rubber tires. The team of horses was retired and a pickup truck replaced them. Fortunately, for this wagon, its owners resisted the idea of modernizing it. Although meager, this wagon was a nurturing shelter which contained most of the necessities of life (the key word being MOST). It was a kitchen, bedroom, and living-room, ingeniously packaged into one small space. As history would have it, this wagon from Miles City, Montana fell into the hands of Lyle Wells. The "saged" pioneer transported the wagon to Riverton, Wyoming and began the restoration process. In 2003, the restoration was completed by Art and Karen Dehn, nearly a century after its initial debut in eastern Montana's sheep country. We invite you to experience a bit of western heritage by stepping into this "dooped up" sheep wagon, which has been filled with nostalgia. ENJOY the legendary past. Stay awhile, the sheepherder will enjoy having company. Do you smell the coffee? He can't be far, his boots are still here...
|
||||
|
