Veterinary Ambulance, circa 1900

Summary

Horses and mules were everywhere on 19th century American streets pulling cabs, carriages, streetcars, and commercial vehicles. This ambulance wagon, used by Detroit veterinarian Elijah Patterson, transported sick or injured draft animals for medical treatment. The wagon bed was lowered toward the street with a winch, which then pulled the bed -- complete with animal -- back into the wagon.

Horses and mules were everywhere on 19th century American streets pulling cabs, carriages, streetcars, and commercial vehicles. This ambulance wagon, used by Detroit veterinarian Elijah Patterson, transported sick or injured draft animals for medical treatment. The wagon bed was lowered toward the street with a winch, which then pulled the bed -- complete with animal -- back into the wagon.

Artifact

Ambulance

Date Made

circa 1900

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.574.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Dr. Elijah E. Patterson.

Material

Leather
Metal
Rubber (Material)
Wood (Plant material)

Color

Red
White (Color)
Yellow

Dimensions

Height: 63.25 in

Width: 73.75 in

Length: 180.75 in

Wheelbase: 115.5 in

Diameter: 36 in  (Wheel Diameter)

Diameter: 45.5 in  (Wheel Diameter)

Inscriptions

Each side: AMBULANCE

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