Collecting Carts & Wagons
Whether pulled by hand or drawn by horses, carts and wagons are synonymous with the countryside. Their iconography celebrates our agrarian heritage. Whenever JoAnn sees a wagon, she seldom resists the temptation to build her collection. “When I was a teenager, I would go to my sister’s home and was so impressed with her antiques. In addition to her furniture, I was strongly drawn to the antique wagon in her field. I became obsessed with old wagons,” JoAnn says. “I like wagons with their original paint. But I love all wagons. My husband, Trony, is my enabler. He always says, ‘Just get it.’ That’s why I have so many,” she adds with a laugh. Three types of carts and wagons are most prized by collectors.
Children’s wagons: Small wooden or metal wagons with four wheels and a pull handle. They were designed to carry children, pets and small loads. Today, they lend youthful charm to a room, entryway, porch or even a garden.
Goat carts: Medium-size wagons with four wheels and wooden slats on all four sides. These wagons were pulled by hand or by a goat and transported flowers, fruits and vegetables. Now, they are wonderful accent pieces for outdoor living spaces.
Farm wagons: Large wagons that feature a cargo area, seats, pulls and poles. To protect the relics, owners should store them in a garage or barn during inclement weather. Farm wagons are ideally suited as focal points of a landscape.