The trailer owners at the show were very friendly and proud
of their homes on wheels. They enjoyed showing off their
interior décors, which featured a wide array of different seating
arrangements, sleeping accommodations and kitchenette
layouts. At many of the campsites there was a feeling of family
fun with kids playing and dogs barking. Many owners were
grilling out. One tongue-in-cheek chalkboard style sign read:
“Weekend forecast: Drinking with a chance of camping.”
The majority of the trailers exhibited some degree of restoration
and a few had been rebuilt from the ground up. One couple from
Oshkosh said they had been bidding online for a 1958 trailer
and hoped to buy it for $300, but in most cases, prices are a lot
higher than that. One trailer buff said that a complete frame-up
restoration of one can cost in excess of $25,000. Steve Prouty
of Vintage Camper Restoration LLC in Cazenovia, Wisconsin
said that demand for his restored trailers is growing stronger
every year.
Jim and Tammy Roth of Helenville, Wisconsin posted their
1950s “canned ham” trailer rebuilding project on YouTube. Even
more exciting is the wooden canned ham that their Roth Trailer
The theme of the first Vintage
Trailerfest was “Let’s socialize,
shop and appreciate the campers
of the past.” All three goals
were met at this show.
Manufacturing Co. is producing. It’s a full-sized trailer made of
wood that the picture on their business card being towed by a
1949 Dodge pickup truck.
The theme of the first Vintage Trailerfest was “Let’s socialize,
shop and appreciate the campers of the past.” All three goals
were met at this show. The dates of the event were also well
coordinated with the annual community rummage sale in
Manawa, so the campers were encouraged to double as vendors
and sell their rummage and craft items. Naturally, there were
also some neat trailer gifts on sale for the Tin Can Tourists to buy.
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