SURREY

The original Surrey consisted of a White Chapel Cart on four wheels. James Brewster of New York City introduced the surrey wagon to America in 1872. The early surrey was a simple wagon with two forward seats holding four passengers. It did not have a top. Rearward folding tops were later added to protect the passengers from the weather. Larger surreys had umbrella canopies or extension tops. The fringed top appeared during the 1880's. Surreys could be purchased early in the 20th century for prices ranging from $50 to $100.

The Surrey in the Winmill Collection was presented to Mrs. Winmill in the 1950's by Arla Village Carriage Makers of Arkansas.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Berkebile, Don H., Carriage Terminology: An Historical Dictionary,1978
Smith, D.J.M., A Dictionary of Horse-Drawn Vehicles, 1988