By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — After more than 60 years in one location, the Chuck Wagon cowboy is moving to a permanent home.
When the opportunity arose to make the wooden cowboy part of a permanent display at the Olean Point Museum, Steve Teachman, president of the Olean Historical and Preservation Society, said he jumped at the chance.
The iconic Chuck Wagon on Route 16 just north of Olean was owned and operated by Robert and Judy Styles for 62 years before closing in 2017.
The museum already had some memorabilia from the restaurant, but the cowboy is the icing on the cake, Teachman said. “I grew up with the Styles’ son Dave. When Judy asked if I’d be interested in the cowboy, I said are you kidding? Yes.”
J-Allen’s Bar and Grill now operates out of the old Chuck Wagon.
The cowboy drew renewed interest in mid-May when it was announced on social media that it would be coming down and be on display at the Olean Point Museum. People drove up Route 16 to get photos with the cowboy — including a good share of selfies.
“The Historical Society recognizes this business for over 60 years in Olean deserves a place in the museum,” Teachman said. It was delivered on a trailer one day late last month.
“We took him off the frame and cleaned him up a little is all,” Teachman told the Olean Star. Pieces of the neon tubing that were saved are also part of the display that includes menus, T-shirts, a ceramic wagon with Chuck Wagon painted on it, and a cow’s skull.
“To be able to save such a historic icon is very satisfying,” he said. “His boots were a little too long for the display, so we trimmed them a little. It couldn’t be helped.”
The cowboy was put back together before noon and on display later that day, Teachman said.
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All Rights Reserved. Star News LLC. Eric M. Firkel.
