Hoofs and Wheels: Carriages - Virtual Exhibit

• Donald C. & Elizabeth M. Dickinson Research Center
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Homeward bound—Eddie blew the horn [Stagecoach with hunting party] Mounted gelatin silver print Photographer unknown, ca. 1890 2003.026	This interesting photograph features a group of men greeting a successful party of deer hunters returning from the hunt. The hunters have apparently returned the stagecoach to the livery in the background. The stagecoach in the photograph is a classic example of a Concord stagecoach with the driver sitting in an open seat in front, ample storage for luggage on the top and rear of the coach, and facing upholstered seats in the interior of the coach. Coaches such as this were used throughout West to transport passengers between cities and towns.

Two women pose with their luggage in an open stagecoach. This kind of coach was usually known as a mountain wagon or platform wagon, and it was only used for short trips, perhaps from a rail depot into town or between two adjacent communities. Since Alzada, Montana is in the far southeastern corner of the state and far from any other community, this coach was probably used in town. The front passenger is actually sitting in the driver’s seat; thus, the seating capacity of this vehicle is not very large. Unfortunately, the photograph is slightly out of focus.	Untitled [Alzada Stage with passengers] Gelatin silver print Photographer unknown, Alzada, MT, ca. 1914 2002.180.23

Untitled [Pasadena citizens in touring coach] Mounted gelatin silver print Hill, Pasadena, CA, ca. 1905 2002.036	These prosperous Pasadena, California citizens are riding in a touring coach that is very similar to the Yellowstone wagons used to convey tourists around the Western National Parks. The coach, provided by the Wiley & Greeley Livery Stable, features three rows of plush, upholstered seats, and an open top ideal for sightseeing. Other interesting details include the elaborately decorated harnesses, wicker umbrella stand in case of inclement weather, and hunting horn held by the groom. Streetcar tracks are visible in the foreground of the photograph.

In larger cities, omnibuses and wagonettes, the two generic terms for wagons designed to transport groups of people, tended to be plush and sophisticated. Omnibuses usually had either curtains or glass windows to protect passengers from inclement weather and could seat up to 14 passengers plus standees. Some omnibuses even had a second level of seating on the roof of the vehicle. This turn-of-the-century omnibus from Stillwater, Oklahoma Territory is a more utilitarian vehicle. It appears to be a standard farm wagon that has been enclosed with wooden sides and a canvas top. In inclement weather, canvas was rolled down the sides, which not only screened out the weather but also the view. The passenger door must be on the far side of the vehicle, because it is not clear from the angle of this photograph how passengers would enter and exit.	Stillwater city bus Cabinet card photograph Photographer unknown, Stillwater, OT, ca. 1900 2000.005.17.0024

Untitled [Woman standing in front of parasol-top pony runabout] Mounted gelatin silver print Photographer unknown, ca. 1905 2003.009	This stylishly dressed woman is posing in front of a parasol-top pony runabout. The parasol top was popular in many town carriages, but this carriage has obviously been driven far into the country. The image shows the rear of the carriage, the back of the upholstered backrest with a coat draped over it and shafts for the pony or horse. The woman is holding an 1890 Winchester pump action rifle.

These two families have headed into the country on a hunting, fishing, and camping trip. The two women on the right both hold rifles. A creel and fishing rods can be seen in the background. The vehicle in the background is a three-seat platform wagon. This vehicle was primarily used in rural districts and was often hired out by livery stables, which is probably the case in this photograph. The wagon has game birds strung between the posts of the canopy top and one woman has removed the driver’s seat to use as a bench while camping.	Untitled [Two families on a hunting and fishing trip] Mounted gelatin silver print Photographer unknown, ca. 1890 2002.171

Untitled [Two women and a girl go to town] Mounted albumen print Photographer unknown, ca. 1890 2002.021	A delightful photograph of a younger woman, an older woman, and a girl dressed up to go to town. Both younger women wear white linen and stylish flat hats decorated with flowers. The vehicle is a buckboard, which features one double-width seat, a front that is braced to reduce jarring and rattling, and shafts for a single horse. Buckboards were considered more comfortable in rough country than their appearance would suggest, although the elderly woman has supplemented the standard seating with what appears to be a wolf pelt.