Float Focus: Wells Fargo Stagecoach

Marching in the 2011 Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade, in the No. 44 spot, were representatives from Wells Fargo Bank, riding and walking beside a Wells Fargo & Co. Stagecoach.

At the reins reportedly was Alan Cartwright. And prepared for the parade announcer were tidbits to recall about the float’s theme. (And you know it, those of you who recall “The Music Man,” you are humming this tune as you read this.)

Five Things To Know About Stagecoaches:

1. Travel Speed

Stagecoaches traveled, on average, at 5 miles per hour, stopping every 45-50 miles for passengers to eat.

2. Meals

Nothing too fancy, typically beans, bacon, bread and coffee.

3. Cost

A cross-country stagecoach ride cost $300 and took about two weeks of riding, day and night.

4. Occupancy

The stagecoach would hold up to nine people, with more sometimes sitting on the roof. Each traveler was allowed up to 25 pounds of luggage.

5. Wells Fargo Locally

Where you once saw Wachovia bank signs you now see Wells Fargo. Locations in Greater Brandon include one along the parade route, at 204 South Kings Avenue. And the Wells Fargo sign does picture a stagecoach.

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Editor’s Note: More parade coverage to come. Please check back again.

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