Our German Wagon

We have an original German wagon on display at our farm. These types of wagons were once an essential piece of equipment for pioneer farmers of German descent in the Hahndorf district, first settled in 1839.

Our wagon was once the property of Wilhelm Alfred Mueller, a prosperous farmer on the main road between Hahndorf and Echunga. His mother, Mrs Ferdinand Mueller nee Johanne Paech, was a first cousin to August Paech, grandfather of Grant Paech, the founder of modern Beerenberg Farm.

Although cumbersome, German wagons could carry extremely heavy loads. Pairs of draught horses and sometimes bullocks pulled them safely over stony or through boggy terrain as well as along the district roads often in poor condition.

'These wagons were an essential piece of equipment for pioneer farmers of German descent in Hahndorf.'Swept out and spruced up, German wagons regularly transported farming families on weekly shopping trips and to church on Sunday. For special occasions, such as weddings and other community events, owners decorated their vehicles with garlands of ribbons and garden flowers and greenery.

In time, if farmers suddenly appeared driving a more expensive lighter English wagon or buggy, with springs which made for a more comfortable ride, neighbours knew that the proud owners were doing well financially.