Rough Sawn Wood

For those of us living in modern homes with central heating and cooling, it is hard to imagine the time and effort it took to provide for basic living conditions in the time of the pioneers. This rough sawn wooden wall can give you some idea of the process. You can see the curved lines that the saw blade made as it slowly cut its way through the wood to make a board that could then be used for construction. When I was young, there were quite a few operating local sawmills in Arizona, but I think almost all of them have disappeared. I am aware of one or maybe two that are left in operation.

Wagon Cover Hoops

These wooden wagon cover hoops were bent into shape by heating the wood in steam and then bending them into the hooped shape. They are what makes the covered wagons have that familiar look. Although I have seen a lot of "covered wagons," this is the first time I remember seeing the hoops stored by themselves.

Heavy Duty Wagon Wheel

This is a heavy-duty wagon wheel considering the size of the spokes and the thickness of the steel or iron tyre (or tire). The rivets were inserted to prevent the felloe (rim) from splitting. While the wagon was in use, the hub had to be regularly lubricated with animal fat or lard.

A Well-used Plough

A plough is one of the most basic tools for farming. You may have to click on this image to see but this plough has been "fixed" with some sticks and some baling wire. In our disposable society, we forget the adage to "Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without."

Scythes

We have a tendency to assume that "modern" tools are superior to ancient ones. That is not always the case. The scythe is an ancient tool for cutting grass, weeds, and hay. The one in the back has a cradle for catching grain such as wheat and putting it in bundles. It is definitely an advantage to have power tools and huge combines for the farms we have today, but if you are going to cut an acre or so of land, it is a lot quieter and just as efficient to use a scythe. The last time I was using one, I quickly realized that it would take me some time to get down the rhythm that would keep me moving through the weeds. Our city gardens and lawns are designed to be maintained by motor-driven mowers and weed cutters, but perhaps this is not the best way to live.

Wagon Wheel Rims

Wagon wheel rims or tyres are made of iron or steel by a blacksmith. After the wooden part of the wheel is finished, the rim is heated to expand it enough to go on the wood and then the whole rim is quickly cooled in water to shrink to form a tight fit.

Pioneer Rough Beam Construction

By today's construction standards, many of the early pioneer structures seem rough and partially finished. But finished wood was not available from your local Home Depot or Lowes, the early American pioneers had to manufacture all of their wood as well as build the structures. The gaps in the beams were covered by shingles or any other available substance. This photo shows the interior of a grain drying shed and the original covering is still on the roof but the covering on the sides is open for air to get in.