Remember the 1954 movie called the Long,long trailer? That movie fits today's theme~
How did the men with drafting paper and pencil in hand, create a blueprint for camping and traveling in a wood or tin can on wheels without the benefit of CAD design and a computer?
That's what we kept asking ourselves today, time and again.
It was a perfect day in Indiana, with temps in the low 70's and plenty of sunshine. Jim had the day off. We loaded up the corgi kids, and headed north to Elkhart, to tour the RV Hall of Fame Museum.Tin Can Tourists were a group of folks who first organized in 1919, and traveled early roads to places beyond their town, city and state. Instead of following the yellow brick road through the land of Oz...we followed the highway through the land of days gone by of early road warriors, determined to see America, and live the RV life.
This museum showcases the preservation of vintage trailers and motor coaches from then to now. If you're an RV'er, you'll want to visit this place. Elkhart County in Indiana is home to the RV Industry. Today, many factories have shut down production due to the failed economy.
Toys, such as RVs, are put on the back burner, and the county is in sad shape. We couldn't believe how many plants, and dealers are shuttered, and empty!
This one looked like an upside down canoe, inside and out. It was tricked out like a boat, all wood ceiling and walls inside. It was made in the early 30's, and looked like a silver bullet. Airstream soon followed and ran away with this original idea.
As early as 1929, motor homes had toilets! Tiny, low, wooden seats. We even saw a deep blue motor coach used by Mae West, to lounge in, between takes while making films. It was luxurious and probably a den of fun (sin?)!
This looked like a Cadillac on the outside, and a makeshift camper inside. Very odd! It was amazing to see how trends evolved from humble canvas tents and camp kitchens in a box, to a wood-sided
box on wheels, vintage pop-ups, the famous 1950's Shasta's; to the huge 45-foot long half a million dollar mansions, now rolling down the interstates.
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8 comments:
My husband would love that place! He is into campers, he he. Very cool!
I love your picture at the top :)
Have a great day!
We had plans to go there last summer, but just never made it that way. Do you think it would hold the attention of a 12 year old boy?
Cute post...makes me want to pack up and hit the road with ya! I think you and I could handle the caddy...won't we be devine on our way to Texas! A yellow caddy is the perfect way for us to head down to see our yellow rose in Texas!
Yeah...it was 72 degrees here AND got my new stove finally! Happy Day for me! Happy Day to you too!
I had no idea they had such a place to display RV's! Love the photos you posted!
What a wonderful trip for you and your hubby. Interesting too. I remember that I Love Lucy Show episode - do you?
Thanks for the lesson.
I know you enjoyed your trip. Isn't it great to get out in beautiful weather. We have a small camper on our hunting land, but DH not too much on camping. Rather stay in motels, when we travel...and he is a country boy, go figure.
Now's the time to buy an RV...if anyone has any money in their pockets! Not me...but bet some deals are to be had...that is really a neat museum.
I do still see some of those $500K rigs running the roads out here...well-heeled snowbirds, I'm guessing. It's about time for them to turn around before the Hot Season hits.
If I ever get to the midwest again, I'd love to stop by that place! Someday I'd love to have a camper, even if only to sit in my backyard for me to decorate as my "playhouse"!
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