Sled in Storm Beach Cottage-Gasage: Dorts? Message Page 1 of 1 Epp, Ronald From: Epp, Ronald Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 1:13 PM To: 'curator@lumbermensmuseum.org) Cc: Epp, Ronald Subject: Historic Sleds The Curator of the Acadia National Park Archives and I recently recovered a seven foot long non-recreational wooden sled from the grounds of the founder of Acadia National Park. We believe this to have been the sled of George B. Dorr (1853-1944), founder of ANP and the subject of a biography that I am writing. We suspect that the sled may have been horsedrawn and used within the park for winter relocation of small loads of lumber or some other natural product. We are trying to trace its origins and wondered whether you might have suggestions about identifying its timeframe. Photographs can be sent if you think this would be helpful. The sled is distinquished by side braces elevated about six inches above the sled frame and running the length of the sled as if to control enclosed content from slipping off the sled. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 603-645-9685 fax 12/19/2003 Epp, Ronald From: Epp, Ronald Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 11:04 AM To: lumbermans@mfx.net' Cc: Epp, Ronald Subject: Sled from Acadia N.P. sled9.JPG (293 KB) seld11.JPG (312 Sled1.JPG (239 KB)sled12.jpg (254 KB) sled2.JPG (347 KB) sled3.JPG (304 KB) sled4.JPG (261 KB) KB) sled5.JPG (190 KB) sled6.JPG (310 KB) sled7.JPG (272 KB) sled8.JPG (268 KB) seld10.JPG (293 KB) Dear Jeff, Attached are twelve images of the Acadia National Park sled that was recently discovered at Acadia National Park. I very much appreciate your offer to have them analyzed by your colleagues If you cannot route these digital images and require conventional paper images let me know or contact Brooke Childrey (Brooke_Childrey@nps.gov) at the park archives. I'm anaxiously awaiting your response. Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 603-645-9685 fax --Original Message From: Brooke_Childrey@nps.gov [mailto:Brooke_Childrey@nps.gov] Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 10:17 AM To: Epp, Ronald Subject: Sled Hi Ron: Attached are the photos of the sled. Sled12.jpg is a drawing w/measurements. All are JPEG but probably quite large. Thanks for pursuing this. Brooke 1 THE Seed from 6 Doss's Cottage (Not the From + 0 the you & of free 18 for Screen 2.77 Deck Date * x2 1/16" X 66 haved w/ Side a. Handmade Reached by Stea hids at a b e. Materish Recreate deck Note: Deal and show No evidence of Suggerers light n No More Somewhat wide Handways 1 Birth migh Hensmade 3.2 fled from 6 Dank's Coltage (Mot the Front the its break Change Secured mind (2) flat Streets 2.77 Deck Date 66" loved m/ Side (a) Handmade Steamed by Steel rids at a b. C. Passure Reinforce deck Slepporit's be Note: Deal and Handin is show No evidence of Suggests .3 light in No Make somewhat , Fitne mingle Heminade 2 10 Epp, Ronald From: Epp, Ronald Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 11:25 AM To: 'Brooke_Childrey@nps.gov' Cc: Epp, Ronald Subject: RE: Sled Brooke, The images are terrific! I've sent them off to Jeff Packard at the Patten Lumberman's Museum. I hope that he can manage digital attachments and does not require paper prints. I sent along your email should he have the need to contact you directly. After securing a variety of books on historic sleds through interlibrary loan, I took a look at a two volume treatise on Practical Carriage Building compiled by M.T. Richardson in 1892, when Mr. Dorr was approaching his 40th birthday. Chapter ten of the second volume treated sleighs and sleds and has a section with diagrams of what they call a "Heavy Bob Sled" for heavy lumbering "where the loads to be drawn are of a bulky nature, and where the roads are uneven." Much of the ensuing discussion about the bracing, tongue, dash, and what they term the "front and back bob" look very familiar. However, they distinquish this sled from a very similar "Bob Sleigh." We'll need to wait for what they experts have to say. I'm now in hot pursuit of 19 images of Lafayette National Park in the American Museum of Natural History credited to Mr. Dorr and A.S. Dockham and shot in 1919-1920. Identified as Maine Field Photographs they come out of the Champlain Photographic Studios and may have been published in the first volume of the museum's journal, Natural History. I'm off to another college library this afternoon to view this premiere issue on microfilm. My question to you, do the names A.S. Dockham or George R. King ring a bell with you since they were photographers whose names are credited (along with Gleason) on most published LNP publications? Have a great weekend. Its minus five here at 11:30 in the morning. BRRRRR! Ron Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 603-645-9685 fax -Original Message From: Brooke_Childrey@nps.gov [mailto:Brooke_Childrey@nps.gov Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 10:17 AM To: Epp, Ronald Subject: Sled Hi Ron: Attached are the photos of the sled. Sled12. jpg is a drawing w/measurements. All are JPEG but probably quite large. 1 Thanks for pursuing this. Brooke (See attached file: sled9.JPG) (See attached file: seld11. JPG) (See attached file: Sledl. JPG) (See attached file: sled12. jpg) (See attached file: sled2.JPG) (See attached file: sled3. JPG) (See attached file: sled4.JPG) (See attached file: sled5.JPG) (See attached file: sled6.JPG (See attached file: sled7.JPG) (See attached file: sled8.JPG) (See attached file: seld10.JPG) 2 Page 1 of 1 Epp, Ronald From: Patten Lumbermen's Museum [lumbermans@mfx.net] Sent: Friday, January 16, 2004 1:48 PM To: Epp, Ronald Subject: Historic Sled Dear Ronald: I provided one contact with these jpegs and here is what he determined by looking at them. It appears to be a hand sled that has been altered to tow behind a snowmobile?!?! The presence of metal in the construction leads one to believe it is not old. Also the presence of Philips head screws limits it's age unless they have been added in repair. Original sleds were pulled by ropes or "T" handles. They were originally used to transport lunches by the cookees. I am also showing these to other contacts who may be able to provide more information. Jeff Packard Administrator/Curator Patten Lumbermen's Museum PO Box 300 Patten, Maine 04765 1/16/2004 Flexible Flyer R and other Great = Sleds for Collectors Joan Pudia Liketter Publishing the 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310 WAYNE PUBLIC LIBRARY WAYNE, NJ OCT 22 1997 References Greater Harvard Area Historical Society, Harvard, Illinois. Ms. Selma Davidson, Historian (Hunt, Helm, and Ferris) Mead Public Library, Sheboygan, Wisconsin. (Garton Toy) Cedar Falls Public Library, Cedar Falls, Iowa. (Wagner Auto Coaster, Wagner MFG) Historical Society York County, Pennsylvania. Lila Fourhman-Shaull, As- sistant Librarian (American Acme Toy Emnis) Passaic County Freeholders. Edward A. Smyk, Passaic County Historian, Paterson, New Jersey Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jan Parke, local history North Tonawanda Public Library, Tonawanda, New York. Janet McKenna, Reference Services and Collection Development Librarian (Buffalo Sled, Auto Wheel Coaster Company) Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, Vermont. Charles H. Emerson. (Star Toboggan) Donald Schumacher, Cannonball HNP, Beloit, Wisconsin. Tom Johnson for tracking down son of inventor of the Icecycle, Contoocook, New Hampshire. John Everett Bean Jr., Concord, New Hampshire Historic Society of the Tonawanda, New York. Mr. Willard Dittmar, histo- rian (Autowheel Coaster) Acknowledgments No one writes a book alone. The completion of this Johnson of Hopkinton, New Hampshire for stumbling book would have been impossible without the gener- onto the son of the inventor of the Icecycle and putting ous assistance of many individuals, collectors, histori- me in touch with John Everett Bean. Thanks to John, ans, and institutions around the country. son of the inventor, we have the only known photo of I owe a debt of gratitude to the collectors who the adult Icecycle. shared their collections with me and to the historians To former strangers and now new friends, I would for access to historical ephemera, trade literature, and like to thank Lou and Carol Scudillo and Jimmy Rosen other research material. for allowing us to photograph their wonderful sled col- I would like to thank the following individuals for lections and to Henry R. Morton for his hospitality and contributing to making this book a success. Let me generosity for allowing us the use of his Paris Catalogs. first begin with thanking the original Flexible Flyer A very special thanks to Sotheby's, New York, for Company, S.L. Allen, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a lending their catalog photo and granting exclusive rights lifetime of wonderful memories and to Roadmaster-Flex- to reproduce "Rosebud." No book on sleds would be ible Flyer for perpetuating the memories with the re- complete without it. lease of their new collector's edition, Fall, 1996. And to my family and special friends Muriel, Helen, New books would be difficult to write without the and Marie for sharing in my excitement and accompa- assistance of many libraries. Many thanks to the fol- nying me on those journeys to "where?" "Let's call lowing for their contributions: Cedar Falls Public Library, AAA!!!" Many thanks. lowa (Wagner Auto Coaster), Fletcher Free Library in Last but not least, I would like to thank the entire Burlington, Vermont (Emerson-Johnson), Kalamazoo staff at Schiffer Publishing, but most of all to Peter Public Library, Michigan (Champion), Mead Public Li- Schiffer for seeing the value in this type of book and for brary in Sheboygan, Wisconsin (Garton), and North taking a chance with me. To Douglas Congdon-Martin, Tonawanda Public Library and Historical Society, New editor, for calming me down and keeping me focused York (Auto Wheel Coaster). when everything looked "blurred." Those who know me A very special thanks to Selma Davidson for sup- understand that this was a monumental task in itself. plying the Hunt, Helm, and Ferris catalog and to Don As the author, I hope you enjoy reading this book Schumacher of Cannon Ball Industries for supplying as much as I enjoyed collecting, researching, and writ- patent numbers for Hunt, Helm, and Ferris patents. To ing on my favorite subject, sleds. Barbara Brandage the administrator of the Agriculture I welcome any additional information and/or cor- and Industrial Museum of York County, Pennsylvania rections for future editions. You may write to Joan for taking her time and opening the museum to share Palicia, 15 Canton Road, Wayne, NJ 07470. Please send information on the American Acme Company. To Tom self-addressed stamped envelope for reply. Oley Sled Works Manufacturers of Wooden Sleds, Sleighs and Sleigh Bells. Page 1 of 3 OLEY SLED WORKS traditional wooden sleds, sleighs and sleigh bells [HOME] [ CONTACT US] [ABOUT US] [SLEIGH BELLS] REDWARE] [BASKETS] [BEARS&HARES] [PRICES] [RELATED SITES] [ORDER FORM] [NEW PRODUCTS] [OLD & USED SLEDS] [SAFETY] [Privacy] Oley Sled Works and the Forgedale Sleigh Bells ABOUT THE America's Premier Manufacture and Supplier of Sleigh Bells FORGEDALE SLEIGH SLED OLEY PENNA and Oley Sled Works is located in the historic Village of Oley Pennsylvania, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Our workshop and showroom are both located on historic sites on a cira, 1850 Victorian property. The Oley Sled Works is still a small cottage industry in which 2 generations of sled makers take personal pride in each sled produced. Because of our personal touch we can custom build or modify our sleds to meet your special requirements or applications. We still manufacture wooden sleds utilizing the same techniques as early Alpine and American craftsmen. Many of the same tools and methods used in the past are used to replicate our sleds. The styles and designs are taken from antique sleds which are used as models. We make all efforts to maintain the true feeling and lines that the early craftsmen gave these fine pieces. The materials that we use are hand selected and machined in house. Solid American White Ash or other domestic hardwoods are used in the construction. All runners are steam-bent with full grain to ensure maximum strength not cut to shape. Pinned mortise and tenon joinery is used to attach legs to runner and cross members. Whenever appropriate joints are glued with a waterproof glue. We use solid brass, steel or stainless steel screws and fasteners to assemble components. Runners have a hardened steel edge that is attached with stainless steel screws for maximum performance and durability. We incorporate both old and modern foundry techniques to all of our solid brass and bronze casting. Both sand casting and investment (lost wax) casting methods are used. Our Forgedale Sleighbell line as well as the figurines on the our 1890 American sled line are examples of our castings. We try to make our original patterns from antique parts and components, giving you a truly a ethnic looking and sounding piece. Our sleds and sleigh bells are authentic functional replicas and can be used. But, if you prefer they make great decorative pieces. They make a wonderful gift and by the addition of a brass name tag it makes a heirloom for future generations to enjoy. http://www.oleysled.com/about_us.htm 12/8/2003 The History of the Old Sled Works Page 1 of 3 Jemmy's Foundation Donconner Town The meall Rinks P Remember those snowy evenings as a kid. Several inches of white powder - would fall through the night. You - 5566 couldn't wait to get up the next morning knowing school was cancelled and you and a bunch of other neighborhood kids would get on your favorite sleds for a day of good sure / for Every KITY old-fashioned fun. - was - The Standard Novelty Works of Duncannon, PA helped contribute to a lot of those good times. They made the famous Lightning Guider sleds from 1904-1990. Millions of these sleds left this historic factory that now houses the Old Sled Works. Some of the pictures on this page are from the sled museum located in the central part of the Old Sled Works and is open to the public during the same hours as the rest of the mall. The museum highlights the 86 year history of the Standard Novelty Works. There are many varieties of sleds on display and each one was made here. The museum also features many sled-related items including early StandardNovely patents, original brochures, old advertisements etc. The factory also Works made several other wooden products like porch swings, coaster adidas wagons and safety gates. Some of these items are also on display. So what happened to the traditional sled. 353. @@@@@ yours - Well, times have changed. Steel runner sleds have fallen out of favor with today's kids. However, you can still find a new Flexible Flyer, but it's not the same as it used to be. Then again, nothing really is. Click on any of the pictures for a mini-tour of our sled museum. If you have a specific question concerning an item made here, please email us and we will try to help you. If you have a general question about sleds, we have different people you can contact. Art Bransky Art is an avid sled collector and a dealer in the Old Sled Works. He has a big sled collection at home including steerable bobsleds. http://www.sledworks.com/history/ 12/12/2003 The History of the Old Sled Works Page 2 of 3 Joan Palicia. She is the leading authority on different sleds. She is the author of "Flexible Flyer and Other Great Sleds for Collectors". Lyle Palmiter. He is involved in the antique sled business in NY state. He is most interested in larger sleighs and non-steerable sleds. He also has a website, Canacadea Sled Shop. The Sled Hill features pages with pictures of sleds by several collectors. History and repair information is given with links to other sites. NM Unusual This RingSurf Net Ring Museums is owned by NEXT Old Sled Works Of The Want to join the Internet Unusual Museums of the Internet? [List Sites] [Previous] [Random] [Next 5] [Skip Next] [NEXT] OLD SLED WORKS ANDOCE CRAFT MARKET 722 North Market Street Duncannon, Pa. 17020 (717) 834-9333 Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Home I Jimmy's Soda Fountain | Penny Arcade Duncannon Tower I The Mall | Sleds for Sale Links | E-mail Us http://www.sledworks.com/history/ 12/12/2003 Page 1 of 2 THE SLED MAN'S HOME PAGE T' was the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. Not true, I was up and many of you out there were too. Remember anxiously peeking and wishing and hoping to see Santa bring that brand new sled just in time to get out into that new fallen snow. A brand new Lionel train just wasn't the same thing, or at least not for me! I collect, repair, trade and sell sleds from an era before they became round plastic trashcan tops. If you share the same love of the sled that I do, please browse the photographs and descriptions of my collection that follow. If you have any questions about the history of any of the sleds in my collection, would like to share your thoughts, or trade / purchase any of the sleds, please feel free to contact me by email. Sincerely, Lyle Palmiter sledman@infoblvd.net WELCOME TO THE CANACADEA SLED SHOP Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern New York, within the quaint village of Alfred Station at 676 Tinkertown Road, the Canacadea Sled Shop is a converted nineteenth century foundry. http://www.infoblvd.net/sledman/home/home.htm 12/12/2003 SLED HILL Page 1 of 3 rateOne Fast Mortgage Decisions A Mortgage Quotes Fill out One Form and Get Fou Whether you are purchasing a home or Compare rates and receive up to four America's Lending Partners can h refinancing your existing mortgage, mortgage quotes by completing a free get a great deal on your refinanc rateOne. online home. www.rateone.com www.nextag.com www.alphomeloan.com The Sled Hill Home Page Home Sled Hill History Links Art's Slope Welcome Bird's Descent Jon's Slope P 1 Jon's Racers Jon's Slope P 3 Watson's Slope P1 Watson's Slope P2 Watson's Slope P 3 Spot Hill Run Guest Slope 3 FF Brochure The Watson Fleet For Contact Information: CONTACT SITE PURPOSE This is a noncommercial site devoted to the collection of snow sleds. The focus is to examine and display recreational snow sleds, mostly Flexible Flyers. The sleds of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries Website came about as technology suggested improved design and artwork design by: adorned the tools of play. The development of the designs Jenifer demonstrates a continuing shift away from art and toward technology Holcombe and speed. The steering mechanisms of the Flexible Flyers shows a http://freepages.misc.rootsweb.com/~jonkh/ 12/23/2003 SLED HILL Page 2 of 3 Soykan continued study of what works better. lhe advertising over the years showed the orientation to better technology. My own interest stems from my childhood and my Airline Patrol, shown in the header of this site. Many afternoons were spent racing on local hills near Syracuse NY where I grew up. Later, having kept the sled, we began to use it as a center piece on our dining room table during the holidays. The sled and table allowed the addition of a small N gauge train between the sled and place settings. Then, I learned that other types of sleds existed and I gained interest in the differences. The collection began at a nearby antique store and quickly spread to ebay. Some of my collection is displayed on the page called "Jon's Slope." Click on the link to view them. I learned that there is not a lot on the Internet about sleds and that there is a need for more online information on the subject. The standard reference is the beautiful book by Joan Palicia, Flexible Flyer and Other Great Sleds for Collectors (Atglen PA: Schiffer Pub Co., 1997) www.schifferbooks.com Joan reviewed our site and wrote in part: "If anyone would like an autographed copy they may contact me by email jpsledssnofn@nac.net or call 973-831-0527 I would also welcome questions. Good Luck with the site, many thanks and may you continue to enjoy Smooth Sledding" For more on other sources, click on the links page above. OTHER COLLECTORS INVITED Since this is a hobby site, others are invited to send me pictures of their sleds to be displayed. Each collector may claim a slope that I will name after the collector, if the collector wants me to. Just send pictures, preferably jpg format, with an explanation. I will post it to either the collector's slope, or to a not yet named "other" slope. SLEDS TO BE INCLUDED To begin with, I will choose antique sleds and stay primarily with those manufactured by Flexible Flyer, Duncannon Sled Works (Lighting Guiders etc), and Paris. Other sleds of interest have been added and guest slopes display sleds of any kind. I invite inquiries and suggestions. LATEST UPDATES http://freepages.misc.rootsweb.com/~jonkh/ 12/23/2003 Treasure Chest, Feature Page 1 of 4 The Information Source for Dealers and Collectors Treasure a the III. Fentre con Calendar Deadlines Back Home A Season For Sleds By Robert Reed Special to the Treasure Chest Just about a century ago, the American poet Eugene Field imm both the child's sled and the Yule holiday with the beloved, Jus Christmas. The poem told of the adventures of a typical youngs that era and how his impish behavior always improved just bef Christmas. It included these telling lines: "Got a clipper sled, an' when us kids goes out to slide, 'long con Western Clipper sled with grocery cart, an' we all hook a ride! But sometimes when the g metal frame. man is worrited an' cross, he reaches at us with his whip, an' la his hoss. An' then I laff an' holler, 'Oh ye never teched me!' Bu 'fore Christmas I'm as good as I kin be!" Sleds of course had been around for centuries in many parts of world but it was the abundant snows in the northeast and Midw United States in the 19th century, coupled with steady improve manufacturing that led to romance of child and sled that Field I The earliest American sleds were made of solid wood with both frequently ending up as bow-shaped runners. Later examples r extensive use of bentwood which formed open runners for the sled. Even by the 1840s however, some manufacturers were reinfor open runners with steel strips. In The Story of American Toys, O'Brien cites examples which started turning up in Connecticut steel used as material both for children's jackknifes and sleds. By 1849, the New England Mercantile Directory listed a dozen manufacturers using mostly woodware to produce playthings ir rocking horses, wagons, and sleds. Sled production began popping up all over New England and gr spread east to the Midwest. By the 1860s one inventor who ha elaborated on velocipedes and spring rocking horses, was offer sale a folding sled. In the 1870s the Montgomery Ward catalog offered open-runne with ornamental swans extended upon them. Prices ranged fro cents to $1.15. A few years later E. Bassingdale Garton establis http://www.tcantiques.com/feature.htm 12/23/2003 Treasure Chest, Feature Page 2 of 4 operation in Sheboygan, Wisconsin mainly to market sleds. Eve the Garton Toy Company became nationally recognized as one country's leading producers of pedal cars. It was also during the 1870s that the traditional clipper sled wt singled out in his later poem, came into popular use. This coast so named because sledding was then more familiarly known as coasting, was built low, with long pointed sides and runners of steel rods. An altered version for girls with lighter with a shorte platform, and large cutout or skeleton sides. In contrast to the lessening speed. model, the sleds for girls at that time had wide flat runners, th "To Victorian children winter meant snowmen, snowball fights, chocolate and sled rides," comments 0. Henry Mace, author o Collector's Guide to Victoriana. "Even before the first snow fell trusty wooden vehicles were pulled down from the shed rafters from beneath the bed, and were dusted and waxed in preparat big event." "The sled platforms were often painted with colorful representa animals or other figures, and bold letters spelling out names lik Devil, Snow Flake, and American Racer," he adds. It is not that many sleds of the late 19th century were not hom they certainly were. But there was something about having a fi made, store-bought sled that was something very special. "Handmade toys were a necessity in most of the western areas America," according to Ralph and Terry Kovel in Know Your Ant "Houses were far from towns and stores, but some factory-mac wagons, whistles and sleds still found their way into almost eve America's most famous sled, the Flexible Flyer, was the idea of industrialist Samuel Leeds Allen, a Pennsylvania Quaker. In the 1880s his farm equipment manufacturing business was but largely seasonal. Allen wanted to find a product that could produced and sold in the winter the logical answer was a sled. After much testing of sleds on a farm in New Jersey, he came l sled that rode on a single pair of steel runners and could be ste with a hinged attachment near the middle. On Valentine's Day Allen applied for and received a patent for the Flexible Flyer. Despite the major achievement, the time just wasn't right for t Flexible Flyer and people went right on buying the heavy, flash unsteerable and unflexible sleds that they had bought before. As the century came to a close the sleds with the greatest pop remained like those produced by the Paris Manufacturing Comp South Paris, Maine, brightly painted and decorated with metal- runners and solid construction. The Sears and Roebuck catalog of 1908 featured several sleds the Junior Clipper and the Spring Clipper both "made of selecte http://www.tcantiques.com/feature.htm 12/23/2003 Treasure Chest, Feature Page 3 of 4 hardwoods and shod with good spring runners." They also offer black and green steel framed sled, "very strong and durable, ai to stand the racket." It was 30 inches long and sold for 91 cent The Flexible Flyer also returned. Allen finally convinced the ope two major department stores, one in Philadelphia and one in N City, to stock the sleds. They agreed and by 1915 Allen's amaz company was selling more than 2,000 sleds a day, surpassing most established manufacturers. The ability to steer was supremely important by the early 1920 Sears offered the Flying Arrow. "Watch it fly around the corner their catalog. "These sleds really steer. Runners are highly tem spring steel. They curve up abruptly in front which leaves more long flat runner on the ground, making it easier to steer and gi better coasting surface." The price was $2.87. During the 1930s the Flying Arrow was still being sold but it wa and improved "because the Flying Arrow now steers along the ( length of its runners." They also offered the Snow Bird which W almost exactly the same as the Arrow. At the same time Wait [ Enterprises offered a sled with a colorful decal in the middle of and Minnie also sledding. In 1941 a sled more or less starred in what many critics say is the greatest films ever to come out of Hollywood. Orsen Wells was the main character in Citizen Kane, and as Ch Foster Kane the final word he uttered before he died was Roset whole film had centered on a reporter's efforts to find out the r of the work within the context of Kane's life. He never did. Rosebud, of course, was a sled that belonged to Kane when he child. In the end it is tossed into a furnace pile and as viewers the flames lick the wood, the camera closes in and they can se word Rosebud printed in paint across the wooden surface of the During the making of the film two sleds were destroyed but the the third Rosebud used in the film survived. Eventually it was S leading New York City auction gallery to Hollywood's legendary Spielberg for $60,500 no doubt the largest price ever paid f American sled. Even the wonderful, enduring sled fell on hard times a few yea the film's release with the onset on World War II. It was probal first time in their history they were not readily available. "All the toy companies had a problem," noted O'Brien in The St American Toys. "Whole categories of playthings had disappeare Bicycles were gone. steel wagons were gone. Ice skates, roller sleds with metal runners, all gone." On the other hand, the Flexible Flyer which had become the las sleds, became one of the greatest selling toys of the postwar e Ultimately Allen's Flexible Flyer firm expanded its wintertime tr further to Norwegian-style skis. In 1968 the Allen Company wa http://www.tcantiques.com/feature.htm 12/23/2003 Treasure Chest, Feature Page 4 of 4 a group which merged Flexible Flyer with Blazon, leading make outdoor swing sets. The 1960s also saw the production of the Jaguar sled, a childre version of the Bob-O-Link bobsled which featured a four-ski configuration. Moreover there were Blazone's flat steel sleds, including a 1966 that followed the popularity of the Batman television show, the Wing. "The Bat Wing was an aerodynamic-looking variation of 1 popular flying-saucer style of sled," explain Gil Asakawa and Le Rucker the authors of The Toy Book. "The flying saucers were S curved discs of aluminum with handles attached to the sides; k would squat and hold on for dear life as they careened downhil control. It many ways children's sleds had evolved from those without ( control to flexible steering, and back to no control again. "The sled in its current form began as children's response to th climate. In the late 19th century sleds were adapted by toy cor and steering devices made them safer for winter," concluded t curators of an exhibit in recent years at the Museum of our Nat Heritage in Lexington, Massachusetts. "Sleds have survived un present and plastic sleds are produced alongside reproductions traditional forms." A final tribute to the American sled is the proud exhibit of one, Flexible Flyer, in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D( nation's eternal viewing. II Our Advertisers Calendar Feature Links Contact Deadlines II http://www.tcantiques.com/feature.htm 12/23/2003 TS 2020 R5 1994 PRACTICAL V. 1-1-2 Copyright 1891, 1892 by M.T. Richardson Carriage Building: Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 94-70620 COMPRISING International Standard Book Number: 1-879335-50-6 NUMEROUS SHORT PRACTICAL ARTICLES UPON CARRIAGE AND WAGON WOODWORK PLANS FOR FACTORIES; SHOP AND BENCH TOOLS; CONVENIENT APPLIANCES FOR REPAIR WORK; METHODS OF WORKING; PECULIARITIES OF BENT TIMBER; CONSTRUCTION OF CAR- RIAGE PARTS; REPAIRING WHEELS; FORMS OF TENONS AND MORTISES; TOGETHER WITH A VARIETY OF USEFUL HINTS AND SUG- GESTIONS TO WOOD- WORKERS. COMPILED BY M. T. RICHARDSON, Published by THE ASTRAGAL PRESS EDITOR OF 5 Cold Hill Road, Suite #12 THE BLACKSMITH AND WHEELWRIGHT," "PRACTICAL BLACKSMITHING, PRACTICAL Mendham, New Jersey 07945-0239 HORSESHOEING," ETC. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. Manufactured in the United States of America VOL. NEW YORK: M. T. RICHARDSCI CO., PUBLISHERS, 1892. AUG 24 1995 PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. 257 In laying out the draftboard, give the runner as nearly as possible the bend shown by Fig. 259, the sweep to begin at X. Back of that point the line of the tread must be straight. Then strike a perpendicular line, as shown by the dotted CHAPTER X. line A, the base of which is on the line of this tread, three inches forward of the point X, where the bend begins. This SLEIGHS AND SLEDS. line determines the position of the front end of the sill and the top of the front knee. Measure up on this line the hight Portland Sleighs. required for the knee, say twenty-two inches, and strike a THE class of light sleighs known as "The Portland," has become the standard in all parts of the country, being far more simple in construction than the panel or Albany sleighs; also much lighter, besides being, when properly made, the most comfortable of sleighs for light driving. The body is susceptible of many changes in outline without losing the SEAT BOTTOM general characteristics of the vehicle. With this sleigh more than with any other, the tread of TOP LINE OF the runners and the stability of the front determines its value SILL for comfort and speed. The full bend given to the runners of the Albany cutter is admired by most sleigh builders, and is used regardless of the fact that the outline is not in har- mony with that of the body, besides unfitness in other re- spects. When the full bend is used, it becomes necessary to load it down with iron braces, &c., to insure stability, otherwise Fig. 259. How the sleigh should be laid out on the draftboard. there will be a trembling, which is imparted to all parts of the sleigh when in motion; at the same time the weight and line parallel with the tread of the runner. Measure back on leverage increases the liability of the sleigh riding over on this line three feet nine inches for the length of the sill. its "nose," one of the most disagreeable faults in connection Next measure back three inches from the end of the sill; with sleighs. mark the point; then ascertain a point where the bend of Too many sleighs are built by the 'guess rule," regardless the tread is two inches above the straight line, and strike a as to whether the result will be right or wrong. If a draft- line from that point to the point previously indicated on the board is used and the outlines all plainly and correctly indi- upper horizontal line. This will give the front of the for- cated, the builder can put up all upon the correct principle ward knee. Then measure forward from the back end of the and maintain uniformity, a feature that contributes much in sill six inches, and strike a line from that point to the tread an economical point of view, particularly in the iron work. line, at the same angle as the front knee line, for the back 258 PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. 259 face of the rear knee. Then strike a perpendicular line mid- on the top line. The seat pillar being three-quarters of an way between the two outside lines for the center knee. inch deep, the back rail is three feet long; the dash rail is The sill should be made to drop about one inch at the point two feet six inches long over all ; the bottom frame over all where it intersects the middle knee. Then set up the corner two feet four and it half inches. The length of the inter- pillar, seat pillar, and bracket lines, the corner pillar to fall mediate bars is determined by the location of the lines be- back of its base nine inches at the top rail, the seat pillar tween the exterior points. The spread of the runners is three on a perpendicular line twelve inches forward of the end of feet six inches. the sill the bracket line at an angle corresponding with a line starting at the front of the middle knee where it inter- CENTER LINE sects the runner, passing over the end of the sill a half inch from the end to the runner. Next mark the outline of the top body, and the side elevation draft is ready. BILL o DASH RAIL BACK RAIL Fig. 261. View of half of body from the top. EXTRA BAH BEAT RAIL C BACK BEAM D Fig. 262. Plan for setting up knees. Fig. 261, which gives a view from the top of half of the body, gives location of body bars, sweep of outside of panel location, width, and length of fender. Fig. 260. Back elevation draft. Fig. 262 gives the working guide for setting up the knees A A top and bottom of back and front beams B B top The back elevation draft should be made as shown by Fig. and bottom of middle beams C the knee; E bottom shoul- 260. If the draftboard is long enough, this draft can be put der of front knee; D bottom shoulder of middle and back on at the back of the side elevation. As all the pieces are knee. plainly indicated by name on the draft, no explanation is In setting up the knees it is of the utmost importance that needed except for the width and for the knees. The seat they maintain a straight line on the outside with the run- rail is three feet four and a half inches between shoulders ner. To do this, the shoulders must be cut to accord with 260 PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. 261 the bend of the sill and the cant of the runner. the center flatten between the corner and seat rail pillar on the top line. beam to drop to correspond with the drop of the sill, and There will also be a slight flattening forward of the seat rail the shoulder on the knee cut to that line. The front knee pillar. Forms can be made of heavy plank, and if half a being shortened by the bend of the runner, the shoulder must dozen sleighs are to be made, the time saved in fitting and be cut on a line as much above the shoulder lines of the setting up the side panels will more than compensate for the other knees as the bend is above the straight line. The dot- time spent in making the forms. ted line B, Fig. 259, makes this point clear. A draft made The sleigh should be set up on a platform, with cleats and with one outline for the knees and the shoulders and beams, top buttons to hold the runners in place, and the runners SO as located in Fig. 262, gives the workman not only the loca- firmly secured that they cannot move while the body is being tion of each shoulder, tenon, and mortise, but also the bevels put up. of all but the front foot of the forward knee. The bevel of Don't pin the tenons in the runner mortises, but make the this can be got from Fig. 259. mortise a trifle wider on the tread than on the top, and wedge The sills should be of good ash, seven-eighths inch thick in the tenon. More runners break at the pin hole than at and three inches wide, boxed out to leave a molding three- any other point. Have the runners bent with the layers of eighths inch deep. The back corner pillars, if bent, need not the wood, as shown by Fig. 264. The wood will not only be more than three-quarters by one and a quarter when fin- keep in form much better in this way than when bent with ished. If sawed, they should be three-quarters at the top and the layers extending across, but the liability to split will be one and an eighth at the bottom by one and a quarter, boxed greatly decreased.--By W. N. F. out to leave a molding, as shown by Fig. 260. The top back rail three-quarters by six inches, seat pillar five-eighths by Heavy Bob Sled. three-quarters, seat pillar five-eighths by three-quarters, run- For heavy lumbering and other purposes, where the loads ners on the tread three-quarters inch and a half inch deep, to be drawn are of a bulky nature, and where the roads are tapering in depth to five-eighths inch at the dash rail; knees a half inch thick, finished as shown by Fig. 263. Side pan- C TREAD c c c B B Fig. 263. How to finish the knees. Fig. 264. How layers of wood should o a a o be in runners. o A o o els full three-eighths inch thick, back panel a quarter inch, top panel a half inch, bottom boards a half inch, dash panel Fig. 265. Side elevation of front bob. a quarter inch. To obtain the best result, the side panels should be steamed uneven, the bob sled is superior to the single. Its advant- and bent over a form. If this is not done, the panel will ages are twofold. First, they can be adjusted to different 262 PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. 263 lengths; second, owing to the shortness of the head, they tread. Three inches will be none too heavy, as it gives a can be turned in places where it would be impossible to use better hold for the knee tenons. The knees, B B, Figs. 265 a long runner. and 267, should be four inches thick, the same width of the runners at the bottom tenon, and six inches at the beam shoulder-the beams four by five inches. The fenders, C C, Figs. 265 and 267, three inches by ten and a half inches. The tongue bar, D, Fig. 266, four and a half by three at the center, and three inches square at the ends. The tongue five by two and a half at the whiffletree plate, and three by two at the bar. The tongue hounds, E E, Fig. 266, two and a half inches thick, three inches wide at the tongue bar, and ten inches long on the face at the whiffletree plate. The G o C e B B E a A o Fig. 267. Side elevation of rear bob. short tongue or coupling, bar G, Fig. 268, should be four inches by three at the center, and three inches at the ends, the hounds two inches thick, two and a half inches at the bar. The short tongue II, Fig. 268, three and a half by two and a half inches at the hounds. Fig. 265 shows the side elevation of the front bob. The cast corner blocks a a, Figs. 265 and 267, are bolted to the Again, compact form makes it possible to construct them inside faces of the knees and to the top of the runner. CC with great strength. The runners, A A, Figs. 265 and 267, of the same figures, are beam plates, and d, of Fig. 265, is are best when made from natural white oak crooks. They an extra brace between the rave and the runner, to give the should be five inches deep and at least two and a half inches required strength to overcome the strain from the pole, the 264 PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. 265 back brace in one piece for the support of the back and of let in flush with the top of the fender, and the eye is placed the runner and rave. below the lower side of the fender out of the way. h h are Fig. 266 gives a ground plan of the front bob. The run- extra staples for skid hooks, chains, &c., I the coupling sta- ner has a tread of four feet six inches back of the bend. C ple for securing the back bob. A Fig. 269. Half view of beam and knee. Fig. 267 shows a side elevation of the back bob, the tread of the runner A being four feet, or six inches shorter than the tread of the front bob. B B the knees, C the fenders, a a the cast corner blocks, and d the back brace. The blocks and braces are of the same models as those of the front bob. e e the beam plates. Fig. 268 gives a ground plan of the back bob. The gen- eral construction is the same as that of the front bob, with the exception of the coupling pole H, which is short, and is provided with a hook for coupling. Fig. 269 shows a half view of the beam and knee. A the beam, B the knee, C the fender, a the beam plate, b the beam block of cast iron, C the brace welded to the T-iron. The whole should be welded together. Fig. 270 shows an outline section of the knee and beam, together with the form of tenons, &c. A the beam, B the knee, C the runner, D the fender, E the stake. The shaded is the fender, D the pole bar, E the beams. The dotted lines section a represents the tenon which passes through the show the location of the runners, a the mortises for the beam, with an upper end b, which extends through the fen- stakes, b the stake plates, with holes d for the skid hooks, e der. The stake tenon C passes through the fender and well the clip and ring for skid chain. The top of the plate is down into the beam. 266 PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. 267 Fig. 271 shows the inside of the runner and beam with the more expensive than when the brace is separate, the majority T-iron, the front of which extends up to the top of the run- of blacksmiths prefer to make them in two parts, as they are easier to fit. Fig. 272 shows the extra bolster, with recess for stake and pin holes for iron pins, to prevent logs, &c., from moving. E The underside of the bar is cut out at the ends SO as to rest D b full length upon the top of the beam. The shoes should be of steel. The cast shoes, with chilled A faces, are cheaper, but not SO reliable. The front should be of wrought iron, and heavy, not lighter than half an inch at the top of the runner. All runner plates on the inside B should be secured by button head bolts on the outside and riveted to a countersunk hole, SO as to give a strong, smooth C finish. Bob Sleigh. Fig. 270. Outline of knee and beam, showing shape of tenons. The bob sleigh for general use possesses enough advantages over the single heavy sleigh to warrant its use for farm and o light business purposes. It is more expensive, but buyers, as a rule, make no objection to the difference in the cost. BODY o Fig. 271. Inside runner and beam, showing T-irons. RUNNER Fig. 273. Side elevation. Fig. 273 represents the side elevation of a pair of bobs, made to accommodate a body eight feet long. The front bob Fig. 272. View of top bolster. has a wood dash, which gives a much better finish than when the body extends further forward. Formerly all runners of ner, and is securely bolted thereto. The T-iron and brace this kind were made from the butt log of the oak tree, the should be in one piece, but as this manner of making up is crook being from the root. Few sawed runners are made at 268 PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING PRACTICAL CARRIAGE BUILDING. 269 the present time, as the bent are much cheaper and, as a are attached, showing the tops of beams, bolsters, fenders, rule, better. runners, and raves; also the bolster bearing plates. For a medium weight sleigh, the runners should be one and Fig. 275 shows a half view of the back end, giving knee, three-quarters inch on the tread and two inches deep, the beam, bolster, and stake. The usual track for bobs is three bend tapered to one and a half inch at the point where the feet eight inches, but three feet ten is none too wide. In rave is attached the knees one and three-quarters inch thick, ironing the T-irons should be of heavy wrought iron, with- full width of runner at the shoulder, and two and a half inches at the beam; the beams one and three-quarters inch CENTER LINE thick and two and a half deep; raves one and a quarter inch thick and four and a half wide; the front cut away from the inside forward of the beam, as shown; fenders one and an eighth by one and a half inch square; bolsters three inches deep at the center, tapered to one and three-quarters inch at RAVE RAVE the ends; bolster stakes one inch thick and three wide at FENDER FENDER the bolster; under bolsters three and a half inches square Fig. 274. Half of ground plan. ends turned full size. The body should be made up on sills, three inches wide and one and a quarter thick, the sides of seven-eighths inch whitewood, ten inches high. BODY In framing, set the faces of the front knees one and a BOLSTER half inch forward of the point where the bend begins, and BEAM cant back two inches. Set the back knees four and a half inches forward of the end of the runners and cant forward one and a half inch. Lap the fenders flush with the top of Fig. 275. Half end view. the beams. Set the raves into the beams a half inch, and cut out an eighth of an inch on the rave. Set both upper out square corners at the bars. The dash is bolted to the bolsters on heavy under bolsters; the ends and bearings on extension of the runner. Aside from the T-irons, no iron the center supporting bars being turned so as to give a rock work is necessary for the runners, but corner braces may be to the supports for the body. With these rocking bolsters placed against the knees and runners. These are preferable all strain is removed, as the runners alone rock. The bol- to the long braces. Both draw bars revolve SO as to allow a sters are supported at the ends by plates bolted to the under free movement of the runners. side of the raves and center bars placed six inches on each side of the king bolts, the ends secured to the beams. Plates Two-Passenger Sleigh. of band iron are placed on the raves, as indicated by A A, A peculiarity in regard to sleighs is the tendency to ad- Fig. 274, through which the bolts pass, which secure the here to one particular type for a period of years, and then bolster plates a a, Fig. 273. changing to some other and making it the standard. About Fig. 274 gives a ground view of half of the bobs as they fifty years ago the Goold or Albany swell-body cutter became