(2/20/05)

The following article was published in the South Bend Tribune, 2/20/05

STURDY STUDE FARM WAGON WAS A COMPANY MAINSTAY

By ANDREW BECKMAN, Studebaker National Museum Archivist

Photo provided/STUDEBAKER NATIONAL MUSEUM

The last Studebaker-built farm wagon entered the Studebaker Museum upon its completion in 1920. It continues to reside there today.

In 1920, the Studebaker Corp. completed a two-year process of liquidating their horse-drawn business. Buggy manufacturing had ceased in 1919, and wagon production concluded in late 1920 when it was announced that the Kentucky Wagon Manufacturing Co. of Louisville, Ky., had purchased the business from the Studebaker Corp. A Studebaker Farm Wagon was the last wagon produced by Studebaker, finished in Studebaker's traditional green with yellow striping and red running gear. Studebaker Farm Wagons were among their most popular models, and a fitting choice as the last wagon off the line.

Studebaker built numerous different varieties of their trusty Farm Wagon, each engineered to meet specific agricultural and geographical needs. Prospective purchasers in western regions would no doubt closely examine Studebaker's "Concord Steel-Axle California Wagon" which was,   "designed especially to meet the requirements of the western trade" while wheat farmers could inspect the "Flaring Grain Tank" which was intended for markets, "where wheat is grown extensively." Much like modern-day pickup trucks, certain wagon models were available in a number of sizes and carrying capacities. It should also be noted that the base price of each Farm Wagon included whiffletrees, stay chains, wrench, neckyoke or   tongue chains, but did not include a seat or a brake.

While Studebaker Farm Wagons looked remarkably similar to their competitors, Studebaker advertisements and salesmen would quickly point out that the Studebaker Farm Wagon held numerous advantages over its peers. In the Studebaker tradition of "Giving More Than You Promise," Studebaker advertisements trumpeted 11 virtues not found in competing makes. These included:

"It is made of the best selected Indiana timber, the same being cut at the proper season of the year, piled under sheds, properly dated, and allowed to remain there from three to five years."

"The woodwork, thoroughly seasoned, is shaped by the latest improved machinery, and put together by the best wagon mechanics in the world."

"It is the only wagon in which the slope shoulder spoke is used, hence our wagons have the best wheels in use, and do not have to be refilled which is generally the case with other wheels, but will wear longer than any other part of the wagon."

"The Studebaker Brothers are practical workmen, attend to their business personally and do not intrust (sic) it to the foreman, as is generally the case in large factories; hence the superiority of their   work."

It is interesting to note that Studebaker emphasized the aging of the lumber used to build their wagons. One of Studebaker's technological advancements in the wagon-making era was creating a drying kiln to speed up the lumber seasoning process. Yet, "seasoned" is mentioned twice in their advertisement, perhaps to assure reluctant customers that proper lumber was being used.

Another possibility has to do with Studebaker's patented "Slope Shouldered Spoke" wheel design. The company was not shy about promoting this engineering advancement, especially the fact that it could only be found on Studebaker wagons. The Milburn Co. of Mishawaka countered in an advertisement of their own with the following: "We do not use inferior grade lumber, as those using the slope shouldered spoke can." Studebaker ad writers wanted prospective customers to be sure that inferior lumber was not being used in any part of a Studebaker wagon.

The fact that the Kentucky Wagon Manufacturing Co. felt that Studebaker wagons were still commercially viable is a testament to the wagon's proven design and engineering. Interestingly, the deal included the rights to use the "Studebaker" name, making it possible for one to own a Studebaker branded wagon that was not made by Studebaker. The last Studebaker-built Farm Wagon entered the Studebaker Museum upon its completion, where it still resides today.