I have been looking for a large and imposing object to place on the ranch near the front entrance. I looked at farm implements, mining artifacts, and anything else that caught me eye. Nothing seemed right, until last week. As I do every morning, I was perusing the Farm and Garden section of our local Craigslist. Then I saw it, a beautiful buckboard wagon used as a movie prop. It was being advertised as a decoration or advertising medium. I knew instantly that it was perfect for the entrance to the Buck ‘n Run Ranch. I had to have it. I negotiated the purchase with the seller and the next morning we rented a flatbed trailer and started the winding 100 mile drive to fetch the wagon.
The owner, James, explained that the wagon had been used as a prop in his business making movies starring everyday people who pay for the experience of being a movie star for a day. He has a great little western town on his property where the movies were filmed. The downturn in the economy and other projects has resulted in the business closing. The entire town might end up at Knott’s Berry Farm in southern California. The wagon will have a new home at the Buck ‘n Run Ranch where it will welcome guests.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with James, a quirky, funny, and incredibly talented guy. The wild west town was fabulous and James’ house just as much so. I only caught a shot of the tip of the house but James explained that it is an exact replica of his grandfather’s house in San Francisco. It looked oddly out of place in the foothills and charmingly at home. I wanted to rent it for the month of October and deck it out for Halloween.
In the end, We settled for loading our wagon on the trailer and heading home. To my surprise, Michael agreed to stop at a shop in Jackson, CA where this rooster resides. I think our neighbors would appreciate this rooster mounted atop our barn.We didn’t buy him, but it was tempting. If you are in the market for a giant white rooster, let me know. I can hook you up!
Please enjoy the photos shot during our visit to James’ place to retrieve our new ranch icon and the pictures of it in it’s new home. Click on any picture for closer look!
Here’s our wagon decked out for the 4th of July. I added some period accessories to the wagon along with antiqued flag decorations for the holidays. I have lots of ideas to decorate our “welcome wagon” for the seasons and holidays. Check back often!
Dianne R says
Love it! What a great find.
Kathy says
Love it! Jack would look great pulling it, wouldn’t he?!
I look forward to all the holiday decorations you come up with.