FAQ

Fred Hendricks

Comment on Story for consideration (January 10th, 2020 at 14:42)

Story for consideration

Weaver Wagons
Superb craftsmanship from custom designs

By: Fred Hendricks
_________________________________________________________________________

Weaver Wagons are touted for their versatility by farmers toiling in the field, to trail bosses working the mountains or as a featured parade entry. The wagon’s usefulness spans the gamut from hauling firewood to sharing a joy ride with a few friends. Ervin Weaver could not have envisioned the success of this venture when he built the first wagon in 1994; a simple, but quality flatbed to haul hay.
Ervin Weaver and his family operated a medium sized dairy farm along with other livestock near Dalton, Ohio. The proximity of their farm to Pioneer Equipment allowed Ervin to work at Pioneer until his oldest sons were able to be employed. Soon after building the first wagon bed, Ervin struck a business relationship with Pioneer. Through this arrangement, Pioneer began selling Weaver Farm Wagons on Pioneer manufactured gears. This worked well as Pioneer customers were eager to buy a nice wagon instead of building their own.
The Weaver Farm Wagon market matured as a result of Pioneer’s expanded growth. This increased business provided the opportunity for Ervin’s sons to assist in the new venture. The product line increased to include; Hitch Wagons, Parade & Trail Wagons, Farm Wagons, People Haulers and more. They also built church benches and bench wagons for the greater plain community.
On January 1, 2014, Ervin passed the business onto his sons, Emery and Vernon. “We were excited when dad offered the business to Vernon and me. With this transition, we changed the name from Weaver Farm Wagons to Weaver Wagons & Custom Designs, LLC,” Emery stated. Under the new ownership manufacturing facilities and capabilities have expanded. In addition, new products along with complimentary services were added, as you will learn.

Weaver Wagons – page 2

Quality Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship is a Weaver family trademark. “Dad was in construction for fifteen years before he purchased the dairy farm. And then, he worked at Pioneer Equipment for several years before taking over the farm full-time. Dad’s experience in construction helped in building the first hay wagon. More importantly, he had a knack for building things durable and with great detail,” Emery indicated.
Emery noted further, “I was ten years old when dad started the business as a sideline to farming. I grew up building wagons and it was something I always enjoyed. Working for dad was the only full time job I ever had. Vernon was employed full-time at Pioneer Equipment for fifteen years. He then came home to help in the shop and on the farm. Vernon and I were fortunate to work alongside dad and learn from his skillset,” Emery indicated.
The Weaver brothers have divided responsibilities in critical aspects of the business. However, they start each day with a brief meeting to be sure everything is coordinated while maintaining the work schedule.
Emery oversees the wood department, final assembly of the wagons along with the paint department. He also handles all aspects of marketing, sales and business administration.
Vernon is the master metal machinist. His work and oversight includes, manufacturing fifth-wheel gears and wagon parts. Stainless steel has become an integral metal component that Vernon also supervises. Equipment to polish the stainless steel was recently installed as an alternative to chrome plated metal. “Stainless steel eliminates rust and corrosion associated with chrome. And, it looks every bit as good,” Vernon said
The distinctive look of Weaver Wagons is accomplished through the use of poplar wood on the natural finished wagons. PVC material is used on the sides of the painted wagons to reduce cracking. “Our employee, John Zook, adds a complex eight-step paint process. An
Weaver Wagons – page 3

option is then offered for vinyl graphics that are done in-house. Or, Wayne Troyer, a freelance artist, hand-paints the pin-striping to complete the finishing touch,” Emery commented. With the expert paint process, Weaver Wagons appear to be made from metal. These thorough applications and finishing details provide the distinguishing qualities of Weaver Wagons.
The company has maintained a working relationship with Pioneer Equipment, as Emery recounted; “We provide numerous services for Pioneer Equipment. These services include; manufacture of their buckboard, paint and assembling hundreds of wood shafts for their buggy gear along with painting their wood wheels. We also make the poly bench seat and the wood neck yokes that Pioneer sells.”

Restoration Services
While horse-drawn wagons may be built to last, deterioration of both wood and metal will result with age and usage. Acquiring a quality replacement wagon can be prohibitive in cost. Weaver Wagons has achieved an enviable reputation for their expert restoration services while keeping the costs in line.
The quality of craftsmanship along with a reputation for a clean and organized shop attracts customers to their place of business. Emery explained, “We strive to provide a short turnaround time when we agree to a restoration project. We’ve had jobs come to us because other shops required a year and up to two years. Our dedicated team of employees can complete a job in a few months, depending on the difficulty.”
The qualified team at Weaver Wagons has restored numerous hitch wagons. The most recent assignment was expertly completed for Fred Kiger of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. “As with many of our restored hitch wagons, we updated it by adding stainless steel hardware. The wagon received the expert hand-painted pin-striping treatment. We have restored a variety of horse-drawn units including, show carts, sleighs, Vis-à-Vis and others,” Emery related.
Weaver Wagons – page 4

When queried as to their most unique restoration challenge, Emery remarked; “The most unusual thing we ever restored was a horse-drawn aerial ladder wagon used in the early 1900s to fight fires. Tom Doyle, owner of The Little Wiz Fire and Historic Medina Museum in Medina, Ohio, delivered the wagon very bad shape. Tom asked that it be restored to original condition, if possible.”
Emery reflected, “We first had to envision how the aerial ladder looked when it was new. We then set about making updates that included all new wood and sandblasting everything that was not replaced. Next, our eight-step painting process was applied. And finally, Wayne Troyer spent three weeks hand-painting the pin-striping. Once the job was completed, we had exceeded the owner’s expectations.”

Family Heritage & More
The Weaver Wagon business is situated in the heart of Ohio’s most heavily populated Amish community. As with all Amish, their ancestors migrated from Switzerland. Although the Weaver family has lived in Wayne County Ohio for several generations, they do not have record as to whether their ancestors were part of first Amish settlement in Pennsylvania or members of a group that settled directly in Ohio.
During the early years, the manufacturing facilities were located on the farm that Ervin Weaver first acquired. Due to restricted space, painting was limited to a nice day when they could paint outdoors. They would roll out a large tarp in the front lawn where the painting was done. In 2016, an 11,000 square foot shop was built off the farm along the main highway. Although this additional space has resulted in more efficient production, further expansion is contemplated.
New products are always under consideration at Weaver Wagons. “When we receive repeated requests for a particular product, we’ll do some market research to determine if it will be added. Sometimes
Weaver Wagons – page 5

we simply brainstorm an idea on what we think people could use and don’t know it until they actually see it. Once the new design is built, they are hitched and field tested. We want to make sure everything works properly before it’s made available for marketing. A new product in the works is a Conestoga Camping Wagon. This wagon is suitable at campgrounds and private lakes to rent like a cabin. Or simply used as a personal wagon,” Emery conveyed.
Emery expressed gratitude for their relationship with Pioneer Equipment. “We are thankful for our connections with Pioneer through the years. Pioneer continues to acquire parts that we produce. In turn, we buy our gears from Pioneer. They also handle our foreign shipments which have now gone to six different countries. Manufacturing and marketing our respective products has been beneficial for both of our companies,” Emery shared.
Weaver Wagons continues to experience steady growth. They credit many facets in realizing their success. “Our goal is to build relationships with each of our customers by delivering quality products and services. It is very satisfying to see a customer express pleasure in seeing their old piece restored to a condition that is better than when it was new,” Emery shared.
He concluded, by saying; “We are thankful for the talents that we’ve been blessed with. And, the wonderful guidance we received from our family and friends along the way has been very helpful.”
If you would like to learn more about Weaver Wagons, you may contact them; Phone: 330.857.7811 or E-Mail: weaverwagons@gmail.com. Also, a Weaver Wagons website is scheduled for completion by the time this story is published. At that website, you can learn about their extensive wagon offerings, parts and services.
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About the author: Fred Hendricks of Bucyrus, Ohio, has a wealth of knowledge in agriculture. His freelance writing covers a vast array of subjects relating to agriculture. He may be contacted at email: fwhendricks@gmail.com

Br.Jeremy

Comment on (January 20th, 2020 at 19:47)

Email gives https://amishamerica.com
but when the website comes up there seems to be no clear link to the
comments or the search archives. Am notified but no connection appears.

Barbara Martin

Comment on photography basics (March 9th, 2020 at 04:58)

photography basics

Okay, so it is so simple, and i was believing so hard. thanks for info

Beverly

Comment on Are Amish folks aware of the Corona virus? (March 12th, 2020 at 23:31)

Are Amish folks aware of the Corona virus?

I am curious as to Amish folks having any knowledge about the recent outbreak of the Covid-19 virus that has taken the world by storm!
If so, how would they handle their own heath care and those of their loved ones?

Thank you!

Debra a Shepherd

Comment on trees for building (October 14th, 2020 at 09:31)

trees for building

hi my name is Debbie shepherd I live in Whitestown Indiana…
im writing in regards to two walnut trees that I have in the front yard and need them gone.. I was told by an insurance adjuster that Amish will, thru a process will take down the trees, and pay the owner of the property, a fee and they will take the wood to build furniture with the wood they cut down..
I would like to know if this is a process that the Amish take part in and would appreciate any information you can provide to me..
Could you please send info to my email Sassy195661@gmail.com……ank you.

Thank You
Debbie Shepherd

Summer

Comment on Question (November 27th, 2020 at 19:11)

Question

Do the Amish happen to volunteer their time helping English families in need? I have relatives who have a home in Rotterdam NY and they need help with getting their home repairs finished so their home will be livable. Their current living situation isn’t a healthy/safe one for their children. I am having a hard time finding information online on Amish communities that might be near them. They have all the materials they just need more hands to get the job done. They can’t afford to pay a crew and my brother n law can only do so much by himself.

Any information would be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Summer

Nita M Daniels

Comment on FAQ (February 8th, 2021 at 15:12)

I am trying to find an email or phone number to reach Floyd R Miller. I am trying to find out more information on the Tri-County Amish Cemetery Directory if it is still available for purchase? I live just outside Chattanooga Tennessee and I have bother Yoder & Miller in my Lineage via my Great Grandparents and their daughter my Grandmother. I would love to have a copy to go along with my family tree that I am working on. Thank You for any possible help.

Nita Daniels
dezertbloom90@epbfi.com

Robin

Comment on Do Amish Use Pork Products in their Cream Cheese of other Bake goods? (March 17th, 2021 at 12:27)

Do Amish Use Pork Products in their Cream Cheese of other Bake goods?

Hi

Looking at your desserts on line and was wondering if you use pork products in your cream cheese and other bake goods

rick c rice

Comment on FAQ (April 9th, 2021 at 01:59)

not a reply a question But I am visiting amish country soon in ohio and want to know name of town that has huge paintings murals or billboard size artwork on its rooftops of its businesses they are so beautiful would love to see them again and show my 2 friends this my email is rickrice288 @yahoo.com or phone 614 582 9782 thank you rick rice

Patricia Richard

Comment on Dutch Door (May 5th, 2021 at 12:56)

Dutch Door

We are in need of having a Dutch Door made for the entry between our kitchen and dining room. I am wondering if there is any Amish able to do this for us around Murfreesboro TN.

Ron Cober

Comment on Amish Tree Buyers in Michigan (June 5th, 2021 at 14:20)

Amish Tree Buyers in Michigan

I have 10 acres of trees to sell. I heard the Amish were fair with people selling their trees. Can you recommend an Amish tree buyer
to me? I have White Oak and Hickory and some really big trees and would like to sell them to an Amish Sawmill.
Can you possibly point me in that direction?
Thank you for your time.
Ron Cober

Rich

Comment on Two questions. About saying love you and Amish houses. (August 25th, 2021 at 20:22)

Two questions. About saying love you and Amish houses.

I have know a amish family for like 6ys now. I am very close to them and i often tell the kids that i love them before i leave. But i noticed that they never say it back, nor have i heard thier parents say it to them. Is it something they don’y say, do they think its weird? Does it make them uncomfortable? Also should i stop saying i love you to them? I grew up in a large family, that always say i love you when we leave. Its a habit. I just don’t want to be doing something to make them uncomfortable. Also all this time i never been upstairs. Its like a part of the house, they don’t allow visitors why? Do they consider that a more private place?

Nancy Mitchell

Comment on Living among the Amish (September 7th, 2021 at 18:32)

Living among the Amish

Hello
This may sound like a strange question, but here goes: Do the Amish ever have apartments or small homes that they would rent out to an outsider? I have a friend with a child that craves a much slower pace. Just to be away from the craziness of the outside world. Thank you-

Jack Lewis

Comment on Feelings on impersonation or costume (October 29th, 2021 at 03:43)

Feelings on impersonation or costume

Hello,

This may be a weird question and an answer to it doesn’t mean all feel the same. But what is the general opinion of people who would dress as a stereotypical Amish person as a costume? Would it be seen as offensive? If so why? Would there be a scale of less to more offensive? Could something be done to make it less?

Thank you, Jack

Kris

Comment on I need to build a house for my self in Bucks county PA (May 5th, 2022 at 21:33)

I need to build a house for my self in Bucks county PA

Hello
I have a stupid question please
How much per square foot is the cost of a house that you guys build ?
Thank you
Kris

Jay R Barton

Comment on Donate books to Amish library (June 15th, 2022 at 18:28)

Donate books to Amish library

I have how to books on a lot of variety will you take them.

john salecker

Comment on Raber (August 2nd, 2022 at 14:23)

Raber

I would like to get a copy of the Raber almanac. Do they have a website?

Steve Houpt

Comment on Tiller gardening or tiller (February 8th, 2023 at 21:56)

Tiller gardening or tiller

what is tilleres gardening and how do you do it

Steve Houpt

Comment on gardening (February 8th, 2023 at 22:23)

gardening

what is no-till and how do you do it

Stew

Comment on "The Great Reset" (March 10th, 2023 at 22:53)

"The Great Reset"

Hello,

I was curious as to what the Amish views, if any, are on the World Economic Forum plans of a global reset of nature? Or even if they are aware of their plans?

Most Christians that I know who look into it see it as Satanic, and not hyperbolically. They plan on a one world religion,one world currency and many of their other ideas are straight from The Book of Revelation, no shopping without a passport/mark etc. Too many things to list. I know many other Christians and even a couple atheists who’ve remarked on the accuracy of Revelations with their plans.

Thank you