Historic Hood River
The Dalles, 1912
3-3-2026
Notes
I think that’s Rowland Wiley as a young man. This image is from the Orva Magill Wiley album, and is dated 1912. In the background you can see the office of R. D. Maxon Contractors, a prominent construction company in the Dalles, as well as a laundry (with “Hard Work” or “Hand Wash” above the word “Laundry” on the sign).
I think this wagon was the 1912 version of the panel van.
Roger Sheldrake
Interesting to study the wagon. Is that an early leaf spring on the front axle? I can’t see what held the pivotal front axle to the wagon frame though. The metal mechanism that worked the brakes in back looks interesting. I’ll ask google but why do some wagons have smaller front wheels? And what would the wheel bearings look like back then? Dale will know!
Roger Sheldrake
I would have to add that while lacking many of todays amenities; it did come with a variable speed transmission. Giddy-up!
L. E.
Lots of injuries and deaths back in the day from traveling in the highest gear called run-away.
This winter, I was traveling home one night, with my eyes focused on the white line because the fog was so thick. There was a time when road’s didn’t have white lines and carriages like this didn’t have head lights. Hopefully your horse knew the way home.