Big Wheels – Equipment & Facilities

Big Wheels

by Lorry Dunning

Good Day Friends,

As you may recall I contacted you several months ago seeking information concerning Big Wheels. This Adventure started in 2015 when Matt Veerkamp of Veerkamp General Engineering in Placerville, CA found a metal wheel hub. It was labeled “The Holt M.F.G. CO. Stockton CA.” As a Historical Consultant, he asked me to find what the hubs were used on, as he wished to build the item. That started a nine year process of research, phone calls and travel.

It is with Great Pleasure that the project is completed. I have contacted every establishment, person, read books, and looked at hundreds of photos, that indicated knowledge of Big Wheels. I am overwhelmed with the response and advice I received. I have learned more about wheels than I ever needed to know. I wish to take this opportunity to express my Heartfelt THANKS to all of you and your interest in this project.

Special Thanks:

• Lynn Miller at Small Farmer’s Journal for posting our request for information. Lots of good references from their readers.
• Scott Kuehn, Montana Forester, Society of American Foresters, for the history of Big Wheels.
• Collier Memorial State Park, Logging Museum, Chiloquin, OR. for the donation of remnants of Holt Big Wheels.
• Dave Engels, Engels Coach Shop, Joliet, MT; for putting all the pieces together. Engels Coach has all the work processes on Video. These are the largest wheels he has put together. Very interesting. The enclosed photos show the beginning and end of our endeavor. The Holt Arch will be demonstrated at our show May 3, 2025.

Thanks again for your interest and assistance.

Lorry Dunning,
Historical Consultant