1919 Ford Model T Wood Hauler
This Model T started life as a car, and as was common during the early years it was later stripped down and used for another purpose. This one was adapted to haul cut lengths of wood to the steam-powered sternwheelers that plied the Yukon and Tanana Rivers. It had wooden bunks on it that included a wooden seat bottom.
Notice that the front wheels are from a truck and have had the model T hubs welded into the center to keep it going. Living in the isolated far north during Alaska’s early days was a challenge, and vehicles were considered precious commodities. The territory’s pioneers wasted very little and often horded worn-out cars for parts or other future uses.
This heavily used model T was purchased from Agnes Simmons, wife of the late Charlie Simmons. Charlie acquired the vehicle in the 1950s. When the Fountainhead Museum salvaged it, we had to cut a few trees that had grown up through the chassis. thanks to Ron Allen and Paul Tekin, who with the help of Carl Gaul rescued it for us.
Notice that the front wheels are from a truck and have had the model T hubs welded into the center to keep it going. Living in the isolated far north during Alaska’s early days was a challenge, and vehicles were considered precious commodities. The territory’s pioneers wasted very little and often horded worn-out cars for parts or other future uses.
This heavily used model T was purchased from Agnes Simmons, wife of the late Charlie Simmons. Charlie acquired the vehicle in the 1950s. When the Fountainhead Museum salvaged it, we had to cut a few trees that had grown up through the chassis. thanks to Ron Allen and Paul Tekin, who with the help of Carl Gaul rescued it for us.