American Ingenuity

By David Sneed
Published on May 1, 2005
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Right: This early catalog cover emphasized the interest of the folding wagon box to farmers, ranchers and businessmen alike.
Right: This early catalog cover emphasized the interest of the folding wagon box to farmers, ranchers and businessmen alike.
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Above: Touting 15 wagon beds in one, American used simple graphics and illustrations to reinforce the versatile value of their box.
Above: Touting 15 wagon beds in one, American used simple graphics and illustrations to reinforce the versatile value of their box.
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Below: In a matter of minutes, the Melrose box could be adapted into a sturdy cattle hauler.
Below: In a matter of minutes, the Melrose box could be adapted into a sturdy cattle hauler.
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Below: Farmers enjoyed the flexible control of the angle and height of the box sides.
Below: Farmers enjoyed the flexible control of the angle and height of the box sides.
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Above: In 1920, American’s motor truck bodies included 2-in-1, 3-in-1, 4-in-1 and 8-in-1 convertible designs.
Above: In 1920, American’s motor truck bodies included 2-in-1, 3-in-1, 4-in-1 and 8-in-1 convertible designs.
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Below: American’s Melrose wagon box was substantially built and designed to transform its shape quickly, without tools.
Below: American’s Melrose wagon box was substantially built and designed to transform its shape quickly, without tools.

“Build a better mousetrap and the world will
beat a path to your door,” or so the saying goes. In the early
1900s, the American Wagon Co. was one of several firms testing that
philosophy by offering a new twist on an old design. Wagon boxes,
the cargo-hauling portion of a horse-drawn wagon, were the
company’s specialty. Believing necessity to really be the mother of

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