advertisement

Motor home museum documents life on the road

The crackle of an open fire. Living and laughing with those you love in the great outdoors. Wondering what new breathtaking experiences await just around the next bend in the road.

These are just some of the memories made while "RVing" in a recreational vehicle - or motor home, as they were once known. A fantastic place to rekindle those past moments is the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum in Elkhart, Indiana.

The museum was started in 1973 and its specific location isn't by happenstance. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, more than 60 percent of recreation vehicles are made in Indiana's Elkhart County.

With an area so connected to the industry, a facility nearby dedicated to sharing the history, pastime and love of RVs and motor homes makes total sense. Any visit should include the Founders Hall. Here, a stroll down memory lane is quite easy, as there literally is a quaint carpet road to follow.

This road guides visitors through a display of more than 75 vehicles, detailing the history and technological advancements made in the industry from roughly WWI all the way through modern day. Dozens of trailers, prototype vehicles, pictures and memorabilia are showcased in unique settings and environments.

Among the familiar Winnebagos, Airstreams and Shastas, highlights include a 1931 Chevrolet Housecar built for Paramount Studios to present to vaudeville actress Mae West. There's a 1913 Earl Trailer and Model T Ford, believed to be the oldest non-tent trailer in existence, and a 1964 Clark Cortez Motorhome, one of America's first front-wheel drive motor homes.

The trail concludes among some of the latest offerings, being made right here in the Midwest and showcasing the latest technology and materials available in these comfy homes on wheels.

For those looking to research a particular make or model, a stop in the museum's library reveals volumes of periodicals, trade journals, manuals, records and photos. It's currently the only library dedicated entirely to the archives of the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries.

Another major component of the gallery space is the RV/MH Hall of Fame. The RV/MH Heritage Foundation was formed in 1972 and each year it inducts industry pioneers and leaders. To date, 367 individuals have been inducted and have their plaques displayed.

For more information and to plan your visit, visit www.rvmhhalloffame.org.

The RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum in Elkhart, Indiana, has more than 75 recreational vehicles on display.
This chauffeur-driven Chevrolet lounge car was owned by actress Mae West. It was built for Paramount Studios, which presented it to West when she left vaudeville to make movies for the studio in 1931.
This 1931 homemade "Tennessee Traveler" housecar was built on a Ford Modell AA truck chassis.
The museum displays dozens of Winnebago, Airstream and Shasta camping trailers and motor homes.
Newer RV models are also on display.
The RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum has an extensive library to help with research and restoring campers and RVs.
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.