The largest artifact in the Tualatin Historical Society’s collection traces back to George Galbreath, who purchased a Mitchell-Lewis & Staver farm wagon around 1900 and used it on his farm until his death in 1917. After his death, Joe Itel purchased it at auction. Tualatin iris grower Mark Lafky was the next owner before he traded it to Larry Lee for some custom farm work. The wagon was useful on the Lee farm over the years, pulled with a tractor — not horses — and featured in several Crawfish Festival parades. Larry Lee donated the wagon, by then needing repair, to the Tualatin Historical Society in 2016.
To conserve its significant role in Tualatin’s agricultural history, the Society had a wainwright in Yamhill County restore the wagon to its original condition and color, often having to hand-make parts from both lumber and metal. Now the wagon has reached its final home at the Heritage Center, just off the patio area. It can be seen from Sweek Drive and has drawn the attention of many who walk along the trail and sidewalk.
Thanks to all who helped make this happen and who have housed the wagon over the years: Dawn Westphal, Larry Lee and Lee Farms, Tote n’ Stow, Ross Baker, Tualatin Historical Society Board, Rebecca Pratt and Richard Hall, Wainwright Al Steinke, and the City of Tualatin.
