What Ever Became of Ezra Meeker's "Oxmobile?"

What Ever Became of Ezra Meeker's "Oxmobile?"

The first time Ezra Meeker traveled the Oregon Trail was with his wife Eliza Jane in 1852.  His goal was to become a farmer; which he did.  He went on to become a successful businessman, historian, entrepreneur, civic leader, miner, merchant and author.  

Meeker was successful at whatever he put his hand to, but he was passionate about preserving America's legacy of the Oregon Trail.

He kept the Oregon Trail on the front pages by making many trips during his later years by retracing his original journey.  In 1906 he backtracked his steps in an ox-driven prairie schooner; traveling from his home in Washington state to Washington D.C.  He continued going back and forth along the Oregon Trail by train, car and plane.

 

In 1928 Ezra Meeker asked Henry Ford to refit a car to resemble a covered wagon.

Courtesy MOHAI (Neg 1986.5G.1920)

At the age of 98, Ezra was once again planning a trip along the Oregon Trail.  He fell ill shortly before making the expedition and had to return to Seattle by rail.  Ezra Meeker died December 3, 1928.

So what happened to the "Oxmobile?"  Both the Oregon Trail Memorial Association and the Henry Ford American Museum wanted it, but neither organization has it!