Behind the General Store in Dobby’s Frontier Town sits a chuckwagon that was used on an area ranch in the early 1900’s. Chuckwagons are basically covered wagons that are used as field kitchens. They store and transport food and cooking equipment, and are usually associated with cattle drives or ranches.
Chuckwagons became popular in the late 1800’s when cattle were being moved north and west from Texas to newly settled ranches. Cattle were also herded to railheads like Ogallala, where they would be loaded and shipped east to slaughterhouses. The cook who ran the wagon was second in authority only to the trail boss.
Texas rancher Charles Goodnight designed the first chuckwagon of this type. He used a covered wagon, then added a “chuck box” to the back of the wagon with drawers and shelves for storage space and a hinged lid to provide a flat working surface. A water barrel was attached to the wagon and canvas was hung underneath to carry firewood or, more likely, cow pies. The bonnet, or canvas cover, was treated with linseed oil to repel rain and keep the items in the wagon dry.
Chuckwagon food typically consisted of dried beans, coffee, dried apples, flour and sourdough starter for biscuits, and meat that was salted, dried, or smoked. There weren’t any vegetables, fresh fruit, or eggs unless some could be gathered near the trail. Fresh meat was on the menu if an animal was injured and had to be killed.
Chuckwagons were supplied not just with food. The wagon would carry bedrolls, rain slickers, and personal items of the cow hands. There would be farrier and blacksmith tool boxes for shoeing horses or making repairs to equipment while on the trail. The cook would have medical supplies and sewing needles for mending clothing or saddles or tack.
During Dobby’s Fall Festival, we cook using dutch ovens similar to those being used on a cattle drive. We don’t, however, use dried cow patties. Dobby’s Fall Festival will be held September 18-19, with activities, music, and vendors, so be sure to mark your calendars and join in the fun!
Dobby’s Frontier Town is located at 320 E 25th Street/ Nance Road, Alliance, NE. The town is open from 10:00-6:00 daily for self-guided tours until October 1. There is no admission fee; however, donations are needed to maintain the 27 buildings that make up Dobby’s Frontier Town.