Mobile Homes of the Past is a little info-graphic I put together that highlights some styles of each era and lists quotes about the homes. I love to read about the history of mobile homes and I have much respect for the people that fought for the homes, such as Elmer Frey, president of Marshfield Homes and the man behind the first Ten-Wide mobile home. At that time, you couldn’t have a 10 foot wide home on the highway, but he fought to get them legal. The extra 2 feet made all the difference in the world, too! It allowed just enough room for a hallway so you didn’t have to walk through one room to get to the other. That was the beginning of the homes as we know them today.
Related: A History of American Trailer Parks.
Some of my favorite quotes are shared on this infographic. Believe it or not, there were just as many proponents of the mobile home as there were opponents. Many people could see the advantages of the homes on wheels and would advocate on their behalf.
Several associations like the Tin Can Tourists began in 1919. Their objective was “to unite fraternally all auto campers,” as a way for trailer owners to meet other owners and pull resources to advocate the mobile homes. The TCT website states that their guiding principles were clean camps, friendliness among campers, decent behavior and to secure plenty of clean, wholesome entertainment for those in camp. The Tin Can Tourists have a rich history that you will certainly enjoy reading about here.
Mobile homes of the past were constantly evolving. New technologies and inventions helped shape the homes into what they are today. Through 3 name changes trailer to mobile homes, and finally to manufactured homes – the major goal was to offer a home that could be transported and offered all the conveniences of a stick-built home. They were also always built in a factory-like setting.
I hope you enjoy Mobile Homes of the Past!
Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.
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View Comments
would a 1971 Marshfield mobile home have an asbestos ceiling?
Hi Allen,
Unfortuantely, I have no idea but the chances are pretty good that it does. I did a little research and found that asbestos was used until the late 1970s and some flooring companies used it into the 1980s. Here are a couple of links that may help:
Asbestos Flooring Information
Asbestos in Homes
Best of luck!
Well done with Info-graphics. This is something really exciting to go back in past memories of grandpa's days. I only heard about old wheel Mobile homes and I always wonder how people manage that time. Its my dream to have our own RTM Home.
Thank you! I do love the vintage mobile homes! They were an important part of our countries history and essential in helping to develop the country after WWII. If there wasn't trailers or mobile homes, the country as we know it would have never formed. Exciting stuff!
Loved going back in time with these. My first Mobile home was in '69 in 'Bama as a newly married 20 yr. old. It was 12' X 60' Blue and white Marlette (sp) and I loved it. Front kitchen was great with the breakfast bar and even a pantry/broom closet! Now I have retired in a 1999 16 X 90'. Can't remember the name as it went out of business right after we purchased it in '99. American Standard or something like that.
Glad you enjoyed it! I had fun going through some of my old ads to pull the photos (and info). Marlette's were very popular homes and they had some beautiful styles. Thanks for commenting!