This amazing Ford “woodie,” incorporating numerous pieces of original Birdseye and Tiger Maple, was purchased new on 2 January 1947 by Jeanette Schaffer of 2820 North Murray Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ms. Schaffer was a longtime Milwaukee bookseller who operated a bookstore from Belleview Avenue for over six decades, longer than anyone else in the city, and likely the wagon was used for the business. It remained in the Milwaukee area until 1985, when it was sold by Fred Paddon of Hustisford to George Apolzon of Austin, Texas.

Mr. Apolzon took superb care of the “woodie,” as recorded in documentation that he passed to the current owner upon selling the Ford in 2002. The body was refinished in its original color of Maize Yellow many years ago, which is the only major work that has ever been completed or required. The wooden bodywork is in remarkable condition for its age, with very minor staining around several of the bolts and joint areas; only one small area on the right rear has been refinished, with much of the original varnish remaining intact. New material was installed in the drip rails over the doors. The chassis and underbody are both very solid, thanks to “Underseal” applied by the dealer for Ms. Schaffer back in January 1947, which is largely still in place.

Accompanying the wagon are the original warranty and direction tags from the dashboard, as well as the original owner’s manual, all of which have accompanied it since new; several pieces of original correspondence between the dealer and Ms. Schaffer; and various other receipts and documentation from throughout the Ford’s long and happy life.

It is rare and wonderful to find a Ford “woodie” that has been so consistently well maintained and well loved as that offered here.