Restored Americana

October 7, 2014

For a fabulous rediscovery of American history and reuse in action take a field trip to a vintage camper rally. I recently took such a “tin can fieldtrip” and had a splendid afternoon discovering a fun piece of restored Americana.

Vintage camper “trailerites” or “Tin Can Tourists” rescue, restore, and rally with their vintage campers from the 1940's through the 1960's. Not only was it a thrill to walk around and see all of the wonderfully restored recreational vehicles, the Tin Can Tourist club members (yes, there’s an official club) were quite nice and welcoming.

Many of the vintage campers had been beautifully restored by their current occupants. From leaky, moldy, abandoned campers, to beautiful restorations, the pride that these vintage camper enthusiasts took in restoring their campers was apparent. I found their passion for vintage trailers contagious as I walked around dreaming of traveling the countryside in one!

Each camp site was inviting, complete with folding chairs, outdoor carpet, awnings, pink flamingos and other “lawn ornaments” and more. Campers welcomed us to view the interior of these restored wonders. An added treat! Interiors included "personal theme" decorating—complete with trinkets and memorabilia. My favorites were the “retro” ones, restored to look like the originals, including wood panels, old fashion tile flooring, and red or aqua Formica counters.  

According to Wikipedia, the earliest campers or “caravans” were produced in France in the early 1800s. Serving as practical conveyances (rather than recreational) these campers were used to live in and carry goods and people. Many were used by artists and performers, while others used caravans as inexpensive homes, especially suitable for more nomadic lifestyles. Of course covered wagons were undoubtedly the first “campers” in use in this country. By the 1920s, motorized recreational vehicles were quickly gaining popularity, however. House trailers or “trailer coaches” were joined by self-contained motorhomes in the 1950s. Today the RV lifestyle continues to be enjoyed by a wide range of travelers.

The Tin Can Tourists club was established in 1919, when the group's objective was "to unite fraternally all auto campers." By their heyday in the late 1930s, the Tin Can Tourists had some 100,000 members traveling the country and gathering together in Michigan during the summer.

Membership started to dwindle by the 1950s and eventually the club disbanded in the early 1980s. Tin Can Tourists was revitalized with a focus on vintage trailers and motor coaches. The Tin Can Tourist club now boasts more than 1,000 club members.

For now I’ll have to be content to be a “Tin Can” visitor, but someday…

By Athena Lee Bradley

(Photo Credits: Lou Wittmer, Brattleboro, Vermont)