How they got to Oregon

After the decision was made to make the journey to the West Coast, the first thing that had to be done was to get equipped to make the trip. It was essential to have a good strong wagon for it had to carry 2 tons, and they had to have a  good team to pull it. However it would have to be made of lightweight stuff so the oxen would not tire too much. The average price of a good wagon was around $100.    

THE WAGON

•     The cover was waterproofed with linseed oil
• The body of the wagon is a box, 4 feet wide by 10 feet
• The iron tires were heated, to expand them, before being put into place
• The wheels are fixed to the axles with iron bolts and pins
• The front of the wagon  is the jockey seat which is used to sit on, and to store tools
• Most wagons were high enough for a woman to stand up in and everything had to be stored away nothing would be bounced around when the wagon was rolling.   

    INSIDE THE WAGON

• Our pioneer family had to buy things that would be needed in Oregon as well as on the trail. Iron pots, tin plates, ladles, nails, chairs, rope, barrels and a rifle were essential.
• The wagon was more like a storage space.
• They would be loaded up with all the provisions needed for the long journey, and for the new farm in Oregon.
• Before setting out, it was necessary to find a home for everything. Tools were strapped to the sides of the wagon, and spare parts, essential in case the wagon breaks, are put underneath.
• Inside the wagon, there would be a trunk where medicines, family bible, matches, and other treasures would be stored.
• For cooking, there would be a box that contained all the pots, pans and cutlery
• Yet another one would have bolts of cloth, linen and the 'best clothes' of the family, which would not be used until they arrived in Oregon.
• For farmers, one essential box was the one with the seeds and the plants.
• The women made sure that the men packed things away safely
• A scythe and hoe were  tied to the side of the wagon.
• A tin pitcher holds grease for the axles.
• To safe guard the fragile things, like eggs, and china, these were packed in barrels of cornmeal.

FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY

The women had a lot to do before setting off. They had to make canvas sacks to store food. A recommended list was:

• 100 lbs flour for each adult
• 70 lbs of bacon
• 30 lbs hard tack (this could be kept for long periods)
• Beans, rice, coffee, sugar, dried fruits, baking soda, vinegar

All these things had to be bought from the store, before the journey started. Only a few places existed on the journey where they would be able to stop for supplies.

Once everything had been purchased, sold, stored, the families were ready to move off. However, the good-byes had to be said. These people were saying good-bye to a way of life that was the only one they had know. They were setting off into the new territories, to face dangers, Indians, and other difficulties. Who knew if they would ever see their loved ones again? So these good-byes were heartbreaking. Promises were made to write, but mail was so long to get anywhere that news was old by the time the letters arrived. Women wept as they had to leave behind precious things because there was just no room. Children wept to say good-bye to kin and friends. As these brave pioneers started out on a treacherous journey, they were leaving behind them a little of their hearts.

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