Name/Title
Print, PhotographicEntry/Object ID
2024.0.498Description
No. 9. A utility wagon. Note the high seat location. The "kink" in the brake rod allows the driver to operate the brake with his right foot. The brakes were always installed on the right-hand side of the wagon because most people were right-handed and they needed room to use their long-lash whips to direct the team. It would be difficult to use the whip from the left-hand side of the wagon. On the large Borax wagons the brake was on the left because the driver rode one of the wheel-team animals, which were generally horses. Horses were bigger and stronger than mules and thus better able to handle the action of the tongue better. Note the wide wheels with wooden spokes, hubs, and steel rims.