Then & Now: From horse-drawn wagons to Amazon

The opening of Amazon’s new delivery station ahead of its massive fulfillment center got us thinking about delivery services of old.

Here’s a look at how goods made their way to homes and businesses in Sioux Falls a century ago.

All photos are courtesy of Siouxland Heritage Museums.

Here’s a wagon driver and horse for American Express Co. outside the business, circa 1900. American Express started as a transport company before becoming a financial and travel services firm.

This horse-drawn delivery wagon, circa 1900, is loaded with food and other supplies.

These horse-drawn delivery carts are in front of West Meat Market, circa 1907.

Herman Kotzle poses for a photograph with a Barnett Laundry horse-drawn delivery wagon, circa 1910.

M.M. Barber Baggage Express used a Fawick Flyer to haul bags for travelers, circa 1915. Thomas Fawick built five automobiles in Sioux Falls before moving in 1914 to Iowa, according to a South Dakota Public Broadcasting report.

The delivery fleet for Mullen Rourke Ice Co. — a mix of trucks and horse-drawn delivery wagons — is lined up for a photograph, circa 1925.

Circa 1927, here’s the first delivery truck for Tri State Electric Co. backed up to the company’s loading dock at 218 E. 10th St. The truck is loaded with National Mazda Lamp boxes.

Then & Now: 1919 apartment house restored as home for young professionals