Traces of Texas reader Nancy Mankin was so kind as to send in this photo of an old chuck wagon. It was taken in 1936 on Dull's Ranch near Folwerton, Texas.  Dull's Ranch (also known as Dulls Ranch or the Dull Ranch) was originally called Waugh's Rancho or Jahuey Ranch. Located fifteen miles northeast of Cotulla, just north of Cibolo Creek in north central La Salle County, Texas, it served as both a ranching headquarters and a rural post office.

The area was first settled by William A. Waugh, La Salle County's first White settler, who owned the land in the 1870s. Waugh managed a significant cattle herd between Cibolo Creek and the Frio River. His ranch became a notable stop for travelers on the road between San Antonio and Laredo, eventually featuring a store that made it a local hub. In 1879, this site was officially recognized with a post office named Waugh's Rancho.

In the 1880s, the property was acquired by James J. and Andrew J. Dull, brothers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who expanded it into a large ranching operation. By 1889, the post office at this location was renamed Dull's Ranch. The post office operated until its closure in 1909. The Dull brothers divested their property in 1901, and by 1910, the land had been parceled out for the development of towns like Los Angeles and Fowlerton.

I have no idea how old this chuck wagon was in 1936, but it looks like it's got some experience. Can you imagine the tales it could tell? I wonder if it ever went up the trail?

Thank you, Nancy. Super duper!