The "buckboard" is the front-most board on the wagon that could act as both a footrest for the driver and protection for the driver from the horse's rear hooves in case of a "buck".
The buckboard is steered by its front wheels, which are connected to each other by a single axle. The front and rear axle are connected by a platform of one or more boards to which the front axle is connected on a pivoting joint at its midpoint. A buckboard wagon often carries a seat for a driver. Such a seat may be supported by springs. The main platform between axles is not suspended by springs like a carriage. Made in the 18th century around the same time as carriages.
The buckboard was invented by Rev. Cyrus Comstock, a traveling preacher living in Lewis, New York who established many churches in the surrounding area during the early 1800s. Originally designed for personal transportation in the Adirondack Mountains, these distinctively American vehicles were widely used in newly settled regions of the United States.
In the early 20th century as horse-drawn vehicles were supplanted by the motor car, the term 'buckboard' was also used in reference to a passenger car (usually a 'tourer') from which the rear body had been removed and replaced with a load-carrying bed. These home-built dual purpose passenger- and load-carrying vehicles were the precursors of the factory-built 'utility' or 'pickup truck'.
Have you ever seen or ridden in one? I did!
Dad, my brother Abby, my cousins Roy & Barbra and me!
Sorry, but couldn't think of a darn thing to post about......
That was interesting. I had no clue where the term buckboard came from. Now I know.
ReplyDeleteTerry
Fla.
That pic was taken up in N.H.. When I was growing up in Paterson, the junk men used horses and wagons like that. They would ring cow bells to let everyone know they were coming. That was a long time ago.
DeleteThose folks look lean! Now to quit eating....
ReplyDeleteI am lucky - my entire family is thin! But, alas - I do like donuts!
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