Chuck Wagon
At a roundup at the home ranch, or on a 5-month trail drive that covered 1500 miles, the chuck wagon was the most important piece of equipment in the cattle industry, and the cook was the most important person. More than any other man, the cook ensured the men were happy and productive. Without good food men would quit and the work would not get done.
Cattleman Charles Goodnight in 1866 took a surplus army wagon, made a few changes to it and developed the first modern chuck wagon. Its distinctive feature was the chuck box, a 4' x 3' box with two to three feet deep, which was placed on the rear of the wagon. A board, hinged at the bottom of the box, folded down to form a work table. The box was divided into cubbyholes and drawers for small amounts of food, medicines, eating utensils, cooking equipment, tobacco, and perhaps whiskey. Elsewhere were tucked a Dutch over, skillets, a water barrel, flour, horse shoeing equipment, branding irons, tools, and bedrolls: everything needed to care for the cowboys and keep them happy and working.
A Cowhand's Coffee Recipe
To two gallons of boiling water add two pounds of coffee. Boil two hours, then throw a horseshoe in to the pot and if it sinks, the coffee is not yet done.