Greenbank Farm can roll out the barrels in style again, thanks to Alex Bowers of Freeland.
Bowers, 16, spent months refurbishing the farm’s iconic “wine wagon” that had fallen into severe disrepair. Now the freshly restored wagon and its load of wine barrels is back in its prominent position in front of the farm’s main red barn.
“It all came together really nicely,” Bowers said last week. “The new wood and paint make it look really sturdy.”
The wagon was purchased by the farm from St. Michelle Winery in Woodinville more than 30 years ago to be put on display. It’s typical of the baggage carts used at train depots in the 1920s.
Loaded with wine barrels, the wagon has been a prominent feature of several paintings and photos of Greenbank Farm, before falling into disrepair and being tucked out of sight until it could be fixed.
Restoration began with a forklift used to transport the wagon to a workshop. When it was being unloaded, it fell apart.
Several notes and photos were taken before disassembly was complete, then Bowers and his fellow Scouts began sorting and sanding the dozen or so metal parts, including the wheels.
When the task became overwhelming, Bowers convinced Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland to use its sandblasting equipment to complete the job, which took about three months.
With the metal parts back in shape, Bowers and the other Scouts spent eight sessions replacing boards and adding new paint.
Along the way, Bowers received help from Ace Hardware in Freeland, which donated the paint; ProBuild in Coupeville, which donated lumber and hardware; and Dale Zimmerman of the Central Whidbey Lions Club, who among other tasks transported the wagon and provided workshop space.
Bowers attended Coupeville High School this past year, but has transferred to South Whidbey High School in Langley for his junior year. After high school, he said he plans to study computer programing at a school in Redmond.
Bowers has been involved in Scouting since his days with Cub Scout Pack 58 in Coupeville. He’s currently a member of Boy Scout Troop 4053 of Greenbank.
The past two summers he has been a counselor at Black Mountain Boy Scout Camp in Whatcom County.
Eagle Scout candidates must serve in a leadership position for at least six months, and earn at least 21 merit badges.
Bowers has earned 34 merit badges, and expects to complete his Eagle requirements this fall. He said he’s been working toward an Eagle for about two years.
Bowers said the decision to refurbish the wine wagon was an easy one.
“I live close to the farm, and my troop meets there,” he said. “I figured it would be nice to do something for them.”
