The wagnershop, or wagon shop was made of clapboard on a wooden frame. Most of the buildings that were associated with the Farm Department were made in this way. This particular building was erected in 1865. It was remodeled in 1902 and is still used as a "shop" by the Amana Society Farms.
The wagon maker had many duties. Like the blacksmith, his work varied greatly. He made the wheels for the wagons, a wide variety of farm equipment, and also repaired many different things. In South Amana the wagon shop was located near the blacksmith. This was out of the necessary relationship between the two. They often worked closely on projects.
Godfried Siegel was one of the wagon makers in South. Also, Paul Berger (my great grandfather) was the wagon maker the same time Hugo Leichsenring was blacksmith.
The garage that was mentioned in the wachthaus page was also associated with the wagon shop. That garage was used for painting wagons and other items made in the wagon shop.
Making wheels for wagons was one duty of the wagon maker. Pictures courtesy of the Amana Heritage Society.
