Most of us depend on 4-wheel drive for getting around in these snowy months. Bill and Julie Draves attended a Cutter and Sleigh Rally in Ashland in early January, and remind us that one hundred years ago, winter transportation used to be a lot more difficult. Think of having to harness up the horses and ride out in the fresh air on any of these 20 below mornings!
This vehicle, with only one seat, is called a cutter. Might this be what "Jingle Bells" refers to as a "one-horse open sleigh"?
Bill tells us that sleigh bells were not just festive, they actually had an important purpose. So important, in fact, that sleigh bells were usually mandated by law.
After dark, the horse and sleigh were so silent moving along that an accident could easily occur. So sleigh bells warned others of the approaching sleigh.
Sleigh bells were often individualized by family, so you could actually tell who was coming.
For us smart phone users, could sleigh bells have been the first ringtone?
This sleigh is a bob sled, often used to carry goods as well as people. It has two sets of runners for easier turning. Often the second or back seat could be taken out for more goods.
About 100 years ago there were around 5,000 makers of sleighs. The automobile quickly made sleighs out of date. But today there’s still a sleigh maker in Columbus, Wisconsin.
Thanks for the photos and information, Bill. I'm sure riding in a sleigh for purposes of nostalgia would be more pleasant than having to depend upon it for winter transportation.
Julie says she remembers riding in a sleigh as a girl, and I remember my mom telling about riding in a sleigh in the dark to arrive at church before daybreak on Christmas morning.
(As usual, you can click to enlarge.)
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