Post by cheri on Aug 13, 2014 3:25:00 GMT -8
Yesterday I took a day trip to Elkhart and visited the RV Museum. It is a totally fantastic place. My husband came with me and really enjoyed it, and he isn't even a vintage trailer junkie. The building is practically brand new, immaculately maintained and staffed by very friendly people. The exhibits are arranged in chronological order, so you easily experience the evolution of the RV over time. The really cool thing is that you can actually get in most of the exhibits, so you can see how things were originally put together.
The 1930's models had some really beautiful dark woodwork. The shift in design during the fifties and sixties is quite dramatic. The beautiful birch of the 50's being replaced by modern materials that I personally don't find as appealing.
There are pictures of the exhibits at www.rvmhhalloffame.org/museuminv.cfm, but sadly, they just don't do justice to actually seeing the real thing. If you are anywhere near Elkhart, you simply must visit!!
Visiting the museum has inspired me to continue with my project, even though I could find no information about my Vanbrook in their extensive library. (No info about the look alike Wildcats either) As my trailer is one of the 1960's models and came with a completely ruined interior, I don't feel bad about the changes I am making. In her case a "renovation" vs "restoration" was the only practical choice, and it was really helpful to see the different ways that the cabinets and tables were constructed, as that is my current project. There was a Coleman that has the table attached to a board on the wall with "buckles" like you might see on an old tool chest. I'm tempted to go that route with mine, as it has a board that looks similar and there is no way to find out what the original was anyway.
The list of what I want to do has lengthened considerably, but I need to keep myself in check because the next major project really does need to be a new roof. I'm hoping I can locate a source in Elkhart as it is close enough for me to drive.
While I am not anxious to start this process over, I would jump at the chance to pick up a small 1950's model with an intact interior.
Sorry this was so long, I'm kind of excited
The 1930's models had some really beautiful dark woodwork. The shift in design during the fifties and sixties is quite dramatic. The beautiful birch of the 50's being replaced by modern materials that I personally don't find as appealing.
There are pictures of the exhibits at www.rvmhhalloffame.org/museuminv.cfm, but sadly, they just don't do justice to actually seeing the real thing. If you are anywhere near Elkhart, you simply must visit!!
Visiting the museum has inspired me to continue with my project, even though I could find no information about my Vanbrook in their extensive library. (No info about the look alike Wildcats either) As my trailer is one of the 1960's models and came with a completely ruined interior, I don't feel bad about the changes I am making. In her case a "renovation" vs "restoration" was the only practical choice, and it was really helpful to see the different ways that the cabinets and tables were constructed, as that is my current project. There was a Coleman that has the table attached to a board on the wall with "buckles" like you might see on an old tool chest. I'm tempted to go that route with mine, as it has a board that looks similar and there is no way to find out what the original was anyway.
The list of what I want to do has lengthened considerably, but I need to keep myself in check because the next major project really does need to be a new roof. I'm hoping I can locate a source in Elkhart as it is close enough for me to drive.
While I am not anxious to start this process over, I would jump at the chance to pick up a small 1950's model with an intact interior.
Sorry this was so long, I'm kind of excited