
Ferron Freight Wagon
Vic Ferron opened his blacksmith shop in Lakeport in 1908. He was known around town as the Village Blacksmith and was usually seen around town wearing his leather apron and cap. People in town remember the methodical hammer bounce that echoed through his tin building near the SE corner of First and Main in Lakeport.
Freight wagons could be found on all the stage roads. Their 6-horse teams, weight and size made them difficult to drive, hard to turn, and slow to stop. All freight wagons had bells, so other wagon and horse riders could hear them coming down the road and could get out of the way.
The restoration was completed by William "Bill" Melton in Porterville, CA. Bill indicated that Vic Ferron "was a very talented blacksmith. There are only 6 pieces of iron on this wagon that weren't hand-wrought." Both Bill Melton and Vic Ferron would be considered wainwrights (wagon makers) and wheelwrights (wheel makers) when this wagon was made.
This freight wagon had a long life. Its double tire rear wheels and double rear brake system attest to the heavy loads it hauled on Lake County's mountain roads. During the restoration, it was discovered that one of its steering stabilizing bars had been bent, suggesting the wagon had been in an accident. It took a 20-ton press to straighten the steering bar.
The restoration of the Ferron Wagon was made possible by the generous donation and hard work of Dr. Paul Marchand and the Highland Springs Equestrian Center. You are enjoying the fruits of Dr. Marchand's dedication to Lake County's equestrian history.

The Ferron wagon as it looked before restoration.

William "Bill" Melton restoring one of the wagon wheels in his shop in Porterville.

Complete wheel rebuild using the same wood as the original.

Fully restored front wheel.

Rebuilding the frame and running parts.

Old brakes needing restoration.

Newly restored brake.

Original seat before restoration.

Restoring the seat.

Fully restored seat with tool-box and leather hinges.

Completely restored and ready for use.

Back at the Ely Museum and hooked to two Percheron draft horses. Driving the wagon is Mike Lorenzi. Standing are (L to R) Dr. Glenn Bengamin (horse owner), Dr. Paul Marchand (restoration sponsor), and Dr. John Parker (President, Lake County Historical Society).

It's first drive around the museum grounds.

After more than 100 years, the Ferron Wagon returns to Kelseyville for the 2023 Pear Festival Parade.