The chuck wagon, invented by Charles Goodnight, was a symbol of the free graze era and an essential part of any ranching outfit. It was the center for any trial drive or roundup. Its primary function was to serve food, but it also privided a sleeping area, social center and hospital for the cowboys.
This is a Peter-Shuttler wagon with butcher knife wheels. The front part was cut away, then a chuck box was mounted onto the back. It has large wooden wheels with iron rims. There are two bows over bed to support a tarp or other cover to protect the contents. It was used as a freight wagon before 1900. and had been on the J. M. Newton place, 5 miles north of Snyder. Since then it has been repaired and converted into half a wagon for display.
 The crock jars were sometimes used with wooden lids, sealed with sealing wax, or a crock lid was used and sealed with wax. Crock jug. This jug is light colored on bottom, upper 6 inches-dark brown. |
 Tin measuring cup & Tobacco Pouch. Marking on Tin cup are of 1/2 pt., 1 pt., 1 1/2 pt., 1 qt. Stamped on bottom: FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY. Tobacco Pouch is "Genuine Durham Smoking Tobacco". |
 Kerosine lantern carried on OS Connell chuckwagon. Lantern base is tank for fuel--cork in hole for filling with oil. Screwed on to this base is the burner with a wick to be lighted. Burner is enclosed by a glass globe to protect the flame. Iron wire connected to level lifts the globe for access to wick. Metal frame on base supports top section which has boles for ventilation and a wire loop for carrying. Holes at upper part of frame, on either side--probably a longer, heavy wire handle was there at one time. On base: No. 2 Fount Paull. |
 White enamel wash pan, red painted edges have a 1/2" wide rim and a bar of homemade lye soap. |
 Dough board used to roll out dough. This was made of one solid piece of wood and has been repaired at one time with a metal strip. |