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Antique buggy finds new life at McCrossen Boys Ranch

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By
Lori Sorenson

A piece of Metzger family history found a new home at McCrossan Boys Ranch, Sioux Falls, where a 150-year-old horse-drawn buggy was donated last month.
It originally belonged to Kathy Metzger’s great-grandparents, George and Augusta Leubecher, who homesteaded the farm where Kathy’s late father, Rex Leubecher lived at 69th and Sycamore in Sioux Falls.
The buggy was stored there for decades until recently moving to the Metzger shop near Hills after being gifted to Ray and Kathy Metzgers’ children — Kristi, Tyson, Matt and Rex.
“They always thought it would be fun to fix up and actually hitch horses to it, but that never happened,” Kathy said.
“In December they decided to donate it to McCrossan Boys Ranch. … This is a place that was always near and dear to my dad's heart.”
On Dec. 29 staff from McCrossan picked it up from the Metzgers’ shop by Hills.
Troy Geis, director of admissions and equine services, was there.
“We couldn’t tell what kind of shape it was in when we picked it up — it had 100 years of dust on it and you could tell it had sat in barns and shops for 100 years,” he said.
“But once we got back and started cleaning it up, we saw that it’s in extremely good condition. It had been well taken care of.”
He also remarked on its original condition.
“It’s probably one of the most original buggies I’ve ever seen,” said Geis, a self-described history buff.
“To see something that’s existed for 100-some years is so cool, and to learn it had a story with it … I learned that the company had dealership in Sioux Falls at the turn of the century, so this couple probably bought it there.”
The maker’s plate under the floor mat identifies the buggy as being manufactured by the Emerson-Brantingham Carriage Works Company in Rock Island, Illinois.
The serial number on a white tag under the buggy seat matches the serial number on the plate.
The Metzger family traveled to McCrossan Boys Ranch on Dec. 30 to see the buggy in its new home.
“The boys there had spent hours cleaning it up,” Kathy said. “We couldn't believe how great it looked.”
McCrossan Boys Ranch is a private, nonprofit school for boys ages 9-20 who have experienced conflict in their lives. It’s been in operation since 1955 northwest of Sioux Falls.
“We’re a working ranch with horses, cattle and sheep, and we use that as part of our treatment program to try to help,” Geis said.
He said the Metzger buggy is in driving condition, but a couple of spokes in a wheel will be tuned before hitching it to a horse.
After that, the buggy will likely make regular appearances in parades, wagon rides and other events.

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