Wagon business
History's Echoes
By SHARON BAUMBAUGH

With the trolley tracks in view on East Baltimore Street, a wagon makes its way west on one of Greencastle's main streets. Wagons were used for transport of people and goods as seen here in front of Wallech's Meat Market (circa 1908). (Notice the rails in the right bottom corner of the picture - this was the turn for the trolley headed toward Kauffman at the McLaughlin Hotel (Antrim House) on North Washington Street.

In 1893 the Auburn Wagon Company of Auburn, New York, leased one of the Crowell Buildings on South Cedar Lane in Greencastle. At its peak, the business employed 150 men. By 1896 the company moved to Martinsburg, W. Va., and stayed in business for a short time. The concern was put up for auction in May of 1899, receiving only one bid of $10,000. The company did sell by June of that year, for $6,000, the new organization, keeping the name. The purchasers had been running the plant for several years and hoped to increase the capacity and workforce. The business stayed on until just after World War I - losing out to the increased interest in automobiles and trucks.

It was later reported that Major Brown, who was the hustling salesman for the wagon company while in operation in the town, was now with the Waterloo Carriage business. He and his wife visited the town in 1898, both "enjoying excellent health."

Another wagon and carriage shop on the lane was operated by A.H. McGaughey, but that was at a different time. At 27 Findlay Street in 1913, E.H. Straley manufactured buggies, carriages and spring wagons, with repair a specialty.

Travel between the 20 years mentioned, included trains on Carlisle Street, trolleys to and from along Baltimore Street and bicycles. Work was progressing rapidly on the cycle path between Chambersburg and Greencastle, with some cinders laid along the route.

In 1898, William C. Martin, an expert blacksmith, located on Franklin Street, had begun making aluminum horseshoes. He turned out several successful jobs in April of that year, it was reported.

Wagons that were built and sold were sometimes in need of repair after use for travel or work, they also needed fresh coats of paint. Henry White of Jefferson Street, was an expert in the business of carriage painting. He plied his trade to the "Tayamentasachta" buckboard for Col. B.F. Winger, making the owner's farm piece look as good as new. At this same time, Ambrose Bushey, an enterprising local liveryman, had the handsomest surrey, it was decided, as well as a pair of bob-tail trotters that could not be "equaled in the Cumberland Valley."

In November 1898 the small building on North Allison Street, used as a wagon crafting shop by P.G. Strine, was almost totally destroyed by fire along with some tools and patterns stored there. Although the fire made fast headway, most of the contents were moved out before caught in the blaze. The loss was covered by insurance. During this same period, a pair of handsome bays, owned and driven by Nathan Miller of Greencastle, was attracting special attending on "the boulevards" each day; and J.P. Rahauser and Bros., received another carload of fine Illinois horses, transported by train to our town. However, it was reported too, that the fine pair of brown "high steppers" driven by Pastor Peightel of Grace Reformed Church, made a handsome turnout.

Jack Martin, horse "shoer" on East Baltimore Street, opened the agency for the never-slip horseshoe corks. The great invention, saving time, money and wear and tear in icy weather, would be patronized by the owners of draught and driving horses. At the same time it was reported that many Antrim farmers were exchanging their plow and wagon horses for mules, and several mule drivers from York County were doing a thriving business in the township.

A.C. Bushey was, by the end of 1899, making plans to move his livery from the Crowell House on North Carlisle Street to the National Hotel stables, then undergoing some major renovations with general repairs, new buggy sheds and windows placed in the stable and the interior considerably changed. When finished, it was to be a first-class livery in every way and easy to reach on West Baltimore Street. W.R. Ruthrauff would occupy the stables vacated by Mr. Bushey.

David W. Mowen had finished a handsome new furniture wagon for Luther Fleming. The new 1900 vehicle was a credit to the maker and the owner. Mowen also completed for James Jordan, a low-down milk wagon on a new style and very convenient. It was enclosed in glass on all sides. The two business men were grateful for the talent of the craftsman who made the wagons that would help in their respective ventures. Mr. Mowen was also preparing to deliver to J. Dietrich & Son, funeral directors, an undertaking wagon that was to prove to be the most handsome vehicle that ever came to town. The covered wagon and the interior was a double deck form, the lower deck arranged for carrying caskets and the upper to haul chairs. In the sides were plate glass and the doors at the back also had glass.

Elmer Gonso was a harness maker at 12 E. Baltimore Street in 1913; Charles Petrie was offering Swab and Acme wagons on Spruce Lane; and D.R. Eshleman was in the business of blacksmithing and general repair on West Franklin. Good rigs were still available at the National Hotel Livery and Sales Stables, now operated by Paul C. Conrad and A.L. Grove was still in the manufacture of all kinds of wagons, sleds and hay carriers on Spruce Lane but - George Lininger was selling those automobiles at his establishment and so was the Elmore Garage on Spruce Lane.