Alva Review-Courier -

Bob Warfield, a member of the Cherokee Strip Museum's board, took the board's working rule to heart and put it into action when he decided to restore a historic baggage wagon. The wagon had been sitting in pieces at the museum for some time, and upon learning of its history as a baggage wagon used at the train station, Bob was determined to restore and preserve it. He had a special reason for wanting to restore it. He remembered playing on one as a kid when his mother ran the Ingersoll Depot.

Using his carpentry skills and researching old photographs, Bob was able to put the pieces back together into a beautiful wagon that now sits on display at the museum. To protect the restored wagon, Vaughn Caldwell built a structure located on the west side of the museum near the original Emergency Room entrance (now Head Start).

The museum also features other interesting wagons on display, including a one-horse buggy once used by a teacher at Short Springs School, a one-horse sleigh, a chuck wagon donated by Calvin and Verna Graybill, and a new Moline wagon originally owned by Frank Kassik. Additionally, a covered wagon was donated in 1981 by Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pangburn.

Visitors to the Cherokee Strip Museum can now admire the newly restored baggage wagon and other historical displays, particularly the Chuck wagon. Don't miss out on the chance to learn about Alva's rich history at the museum.