Wells Fargo is running a contest  through December 22 that celebrates the Wells Fargo Wagon. (NOT the Stagecoach, folks — that's different!) Just submit your own music video of the song, "The Wells Fargo Wagon" from The Music Man  and you can win fabulous prizes! ("Johnny, tell 'em what they've won!") To help our Guided By History community understand the background of this contest from a historical perspective — and to encourage the submission of excellent videos! — Portland Curator Steve Greenwood concludes his history of the Wells Fargo Wagon. (CR)

THE HORSES

The horses that pulled the Wells Fargo wagon were cared for in stables like the one illustrated in these original floor plans and elevation drawings. Recently purchased by Wells Fargo at an auction, these drawings by architect Jas. H. Humphreys show the Company's stable and garage plans in Portland, Oregon (c. 1917-1926).

In Portland, "Fargo" was the favored horse who normally pulled the money wagon driven by messenger Edward F. Bontty. The money wagon carried cash transactions to businesses around town. If robbers tried to make off with the money wagon, they would be easily overtaken — loyal "Fargo" did not move for outlaws. Other stories about horses abound in Wells Fargo's Archives and historical collection:

The Educated Horse

"'Mutt,' the educated horse employed in our Englewood, Illinois service has been so well trained by Driver A.B. Corrigan that the animal knows every pickup on his route. In fact, between the hours of 5 and 6 in the afternoon 'Mutt' picks up about thirty houses, and seems to realize just when he can take things easy and when he has to get busy on his job."

Green Onions Galore

And then there is the story of "Paddy Fargo," who was arrested for eating green onions off a vegetable peddler's cart. The September, 1912 Wells Fargo Messenger recounted the details:

"Paddy's arrest for following a peddler's cart and eating therefrom his fill of green onion shoots until the vendor caused his arrest, declaring his day's profits were gone...

"It seems that like other 'good fellows,' Paddy has been led astray by his many friends. Policemen have enticed him with sugar. Saloonkeepers have lured him with pails of beer. He became accustomed to following temptation in spite of weights and brakes. Now comes his theft of onion shoots and his arrest."

"Incidentally, it is said Paddy's stall mate resented his plebian tastes and odorous breath when he returned to the stable."