Cinderella's Carriage

I was sorting through some photos this morning and came across a set taken when The Farm at Prophetstown dedicated their new heirloom orchard in memory of my family's orchard last October. I think I'd intended to do a second blog post about the dedication and include those pictures then, but that never happened.

This carriage is too beautiful and unusual to miss so here are the pictures.

 While it isn't pumpkin shaped, it reminds me of Cinderella's carriage.

I'm not sure where it is stored in the park - I've been in all the barns and never seen it. It could also be a new acquisition which may be why it was parked outside on display for attendees to view.

I know little to nothing about carriages and had a lot of questions. One was, what are these three knobs for that are under the legs of the driver? (My guess is that they may control the lights on the vehicle.)

Or this metal box at the feet of the driver - a brake, maybe?

There are two bench seats, both with purple velvet-covered seats, and one which was under a cover

while the facing seat was out in the open.

Attached to the back of the carriage was this box - probably to carry food and drink, rain gear, and things like that.

The Farm also has a sleigh that is similar in that there are two bench seats that face each other. I know it is called a "vis a vis" (face to face) sleigh, so perhaps this one is called a vis a vis carriage.

I'd love to learn more about this lovely carriage, so if you can share anything, please do! You can post in the comments or by emailing me at horsiemama8@gmail.com. Thanks!