TORRINGTON – The iconic wagon welcoming residents and visitors to Torrington High School is missing.
There’s no cause for alarm. The symbol, representing western perseverance and determination, is currently undergoing a near-complete restoration in the THS wood shop.
The work, led by teacher Charles Richter, began in late October.
“The wagon was literally falling apart and … becoming an eyesore in front of the school,” Richter said. “I noticed this and expressed interested in restoring (it) to the administration. They agreed, and we started the process.”
Richter and his students focused on repairing the decaying box, replacing the wagon’s bows and adding a
new cover.
“We have probably logged 150 to 200 hours with rebuilding the box, bows and staining and painting the undercarriage,” Richter said. For the students, it offers “pride in a job well done.”
The restoration is nearly finished. Wednesday of this week, students continued work on the bows and stained wood frame pieces necessary to attach the new cover, which will be white with black and maroon lettering.
“The cover should be here next week,” Richter said, adding the school may hold a special assembly to celebrate the wagon’s completion.
“I think the wagon represents who we are,” he said. “Trailblazers – this is a symbol of the trials and tribulation of those who came before us and how they forged onward through hard times to reach their goal.”
