Formerly the most precious which was in every house after the family and the farmhouse it was the animal and the farmer’s cart (who was lucky enough to have one). With the introduction of animals the farmers were able to do the heavier field work more quickly thanks to the strength and power of donkeys, mules or horses. For this reason theanimal was one more in the family and it was better that nothing should happen to him.
When building a new cart, the owner of the house went to the road and they took the size of the horse the round-footed animal. The carts were made to fit the animal that was to carry them. So with a ruler they measured the height of the front legs to the mane (between neck and shoulder). This size would be the one that would mark the size of the wheel, and from this would derive all the other sizes of the farmer's cart.
With this method, they made sure that the cart was comfortable according to the size of the animal.
Throughout the 20th century, wheels went from having 4 raigs a 16 o 18. The rods were separated according to the width of the animal, about 60 cm and curved with hot water and a fire of shavings. First the square of the box was built, and then the railings were raised and the iron contractors were placed. When the climb was over, the roadmen and blacksmiths made the wheels. To finish decorating the farmers' cart, the cart could be filleted - here he recounts the history of a road and the philately –
Such was the importance of cars that everyone could have one he adapted the architecture of his house to be able to store it and maneuver inside.
The cart of farmers modifies the architecture of the houses
If we look closely, we will still find it in many villages lanes on the slabs entrance stone. These two lanes were made to save the step and to allow the cart to enter easily. They were also put in the doors corners to prevent the walls from being damaged by blows or scratches that could occur with the carts. Entrance doors they widened or they built them wider so that they could store the cart in the shelter.
If we look very closely we can see how the carts left their mark there one passed. Time, friction and history make these marks last. Check out this interesting one article of the ruts of Calafell, ruts that are a testament to rural heritage.
