Art Reist's background makes him uniquely qualified to talk about antique tools and vehicles - especially the Conestoga wagon. Reist's family has been associated with the prairie schooner since 1723, and Art's father, Arthur L. Reist, is the author of "Conestoga Wagon - Masterpiece of the Blacksmith." In addition, Art is an auctioneer with more than 30 years of experience since attending auctioneer school. He is also a seventh-generation Lancastrian, with experience in agriculture, blacksmithing, and champion Belgian draft horses.

Now, in partnership with the Manheim Township Historical Society, Art will share his knowledge of the Conestoga wagon in two free presentations. Part one, which will include a multimedia presentation and discussion, will be held at Manheim Township Public Library, 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, on Saturday, April 16, beginning at 1 p.m. Part two, which will include a tour and blacksmith demonstration, will be held at the Reist Farm, 980 Eden Road, Lancaster, on Saturday, May 14, beginning at 10 a.m.

Art's talks will begin with the story of William Penn before he arrived from England to claim land that Penn's father received from King George II in exchange for his outstanding service as an admiral in the English Navy. Young William Penn was a bit of a radical, according to Art. "His father sent him to theological seminary, and then he traveled all over France (as a preacher) and found people were being persecuted." Penn came to the New World with hopes of creating a place where people could worship freely. Art will also discuss how Penn traded with the Native Americans and obtained the right to use the Great Indian Path, which ran 700 miles. He will also touch on the French & Indian War and the use of the Conestoga wagon to bring supplies to Fort Necessity.

Art's knowledge of the Conestoga wagon is tied to owning a few specimens. He noted that prior to being used to bring supplies to soldiers, the wagons were farm vehicles. Art zeroes in on parts of the wagon as he talks, pointing out the English-style saddle and independent braking system on the 18th-century model. "These are the first vehicles to have hubcaps," said Art, who said that the first wagon beds were red rather than blue and that the vehicles were mainly used to haul freight. The wagons were the product of several types of artisans from several ethnic origins, including the Swiss, German, and Scots-Irish. "The blacksmith did the iron work on the wheels and the bed," said Art. "The wainwright was like a cabinet maker, and blacksmiths made the twisted link chain."

Art also discusses the importance of the bells the horses wore. "The bells were to let other (drivers) know they were there," said Art, adding that roads were generally only 12 feet wide. "Bells were also used for payment," he noted, explaining that the expectation was that if one teamster helped another out along the road, the payment would be a set of bells.

For more information on the society, visit https://mthistoricalsociety.com.