You might contact the National Carriage Association for some insight.
Having contacted them previously for carriage related issues, I can say
they have been very helpful.
Sharon

Matt Mayberry wrote:

>Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site in Colorado Springs, Colorado owns a circa
>1890's F.C. Austin sprinkler wagon. It was previously used by the City for
>street maintenance. It is our desire to continue to use it as a part of our
>living history program. To that end we wish to restore it.
>
>Our question is:  What measures were taken to preserve a wagon like this in
>the northern climes to insure the wooden staves would not  split due to the
>water in the barrel freezing?
>
>I know of no other way to keep a barrel water tight other than by keeping
>water in it. The obvious solution would have been for them to have the
>vehicle filled with water and stored indoors...etc. If it were kept
>outdoors, then what?
>
>Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Posted by
>Matt Mayberry for...
>Andy Morris
>Historic Site Manager
>Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site in Colorado Springs, Colorado owns a circa
>1890's F.C. Austin sprinkler wagon. It was previously used by the City for
>street maintenance. It is our desire to continue to use it as a part of our
>living history program. To that end we wish to restore it.
>
>Our question is:  What measures were taken to preserve a wagon like this in
>the northern climes to insure the wooden staves would not  split due to the
>water in the barrel freezing?
>
>I know of no other way to keep a barrel water tight other than by keeping
>water in it. The obvious solution would have been for them to have the
>vehicle filled with water and stored indoors...etc. If it were kept
>outdoors, then what?
>
>Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Andy Morris
>Historic Site Manager
>RLR
>
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