Getting Around
Horses and Carriages/ July 30th, 2021
Today we are going to be taking a look at a few different types of transportation vehicles that we have here at O’Hara and the different ways they were used.
The Democrat Carriage
The “democrat” was a simple buggy which served as personal transportation from 1870 onward. Initially it was not generally affordable for many families before the 1890s but was popular with professional people for quick trips between towns. Small loads or luggage could be carried in the bed. Because it has no top or cover, in cold weather the driver and passengers used heavy lap robes and sometimes a metal foot warmer, filled with fire coals.
This wagon has three leaf springs: one (double) over the front, and two over rear axles. These fairly light springs, plus a horse-hair stuffed leather cushion, made for a comfortable ride. Of note, unlike many utility wagons (delivery, farm, freight), there are no brakes. The horse provided the force to stop as well as to go.
Family 2 Bench Bobsleigh
This Bobsleigh is equipped with two benches. It would have been used for transportation in the winter for such things as trips into town for supplies or to go to church.
The small back box would have been used to carry the supplies. Removing the back seat and you have what might be thought of as the first version of a pickup truck, You would use this to haul hay, straw, feedbags, wheat, etc..
In use, the family would have used blankets and perhaps they could have carried containers of hot coals for warmth. This sleigh is equipped to be pulled by a team of two horses
Other Carriages and The Age of Automobiles
We also have a handful of other carriages, often two seaters which would be hooked up to a team of horses, or one strong one for trips into town.
The O’Hara family was decently well off once their farm began to thrive. Because of this they jumped on the bandwagon of owning a car when they first became available. When this happened the carriages were moved to the lower carriage house where they can be found today. The car was parked upstairs and evidence of this can be seen to this day by the large oil stain in the centre of the floor!
Transportation has changed a lot since the O’Hara family first came to Madoc. Carriages and sleds used to be the norm and if they were not available one might simply ride on their horse or be faced with a long walk!
𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 & 𝓜𝓲𝓪