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- Iowa License Plate, 1986 - Early state-issued license plates were made of porcelain-coated iron. Later, states stamped tin, steel, or even copper to make plates. During the Second World War several states used fiberboard. Plate colors varied and some states added symbols, mottoes, or other design elements. Today, states use reflective sheeting to coat a standard-sized aluminum blank which is then stamped and decorated.
- 1986
- Collections - Artifact
Iowa License Plate, 1986
Early state-issued license plates were made of porcelain-coated iron. Later, states stamped tin, steel, or even copper to make plates. During the Second World War several states used fiberboard. Plate colors varied and some states added symbols, mottoes, or other design elements. Today, states use reflective sheeting to coat a standard-sized aluminum blank which is then stamped and decorated.
- 1935 Stagecoach Travel Trailer, Used by Charles Lindbergh and Family - Henry Ford gave this trailer to his friend Charles Lindbergh in 1942. Charles and his wife Anne used it as a home on the road and as a spare room and a study at home. Anne wrote <EM>The Steep Ascent</EM> here, and Charles wrote portions of his Pulitzer Prize-winning book <EM>The Spirit of St. Louis</EM>.
- 1935
- Collections - Artifact
1935 Stagecoach Travel Trailer, Used by Charles Lindbergh and Family
Henry Ford gave this trailer to his friend Charles Lindbergh in 1942. Charles and his wife Anne used it as a home on the road and as a spare room and a study at home. Anne wrote The Steep Ascent here, and Charles wrote portions of his Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Spirit of St. Louis.
- "Trailer Travel," November 1950 - <EM>Trailer Travel</EM> magazine provided readers with articles about the recreational vehicle lifestyle, industry news, and classified and trailer park advertisements. These issues also provided a range of ads promoting a company's newest model of trailer.
- November 01, 1950
- Collections - Artifact
"Trailer Travel," November 1950
Trailer Travel magazine provided readers with articles about the recreational vehicle lifestyle, industry news, and classified and trailer park advertisements. These issues also provided a range of ads promoting a company's newest model of trailer.
- "How to Build Trailers," 1937 - Do-it-yourself travelers could build their own trailers with this 1937 manual from Modern Mechanix Publishing Company. The growing demand for travel trailers inspired several entrepreneurs to create successful trailer businesses.
- 1937
- Collections - Artifact
"How to Build Trailers," 1937
Do-it-yourself travelers could build their own trailers with this 1937 manual from Modern Mechanix Publishing Company. The growing demand for travel trailers inspired several entrepreneurs to create successful trailer businesses.
- Covered Wagon Trailers Catalog, "For Touring, Camping, Hunting, Fishing," circa 1930 - Auto camping in the 1920s and 30s did not need to be uncomfortable. Trailers could provide home-like comforts not found in a tent. This 1930s Covered Wagon trailer catalog depicts happy inhabitants enjoying real beds, preparing meals in compact but convenient kitchens, and eating meals in peace and comfort. The trailer became not only a shelter but a home.
- circa 1930
- Collections - Artifact
Covered Wagon Trailers Catalog, "For Touring, Camping, Hunting, Fishing," circa 1930
Auto camping in the 1920s and 30s did not need to be uncomfortable. Trailers could provide home-like comforts not found in a tent. This 1930s Covered Wagon trailer catalog depicts happy inhabitants enjoying real beds, preparing meals in compact but convenient kitchens, and eating meals in peace and comfort. The trailer became not only a shelter but a home.
- Interior View of Charles Lindbergh's 1935 Stagecoach Trailer, 1958 - This photograph shows the interior of the trailer Henry Ford gave to his friend Charles Lindbergh in 1942. Charles and his wife Anne used it as a home on the road and as a spare room and study at home. Anne wrote <EM>The Steep Ascent</EM> here, and Charles wrote portions of his Pulitzer Prize-winning book <EM>The Spirit of St. Louis</EM>.
- October 24, 1958
- Collections - Artifact
Interior View of Charles Lindbergh's 1935 Stagecoach Trailer, 1958
This photograph shows the interior of the trailer Henry Ford gave to his friend Charles Lindbergh in 1942. Charles and his wife Anne used it as a home on the road and as a spare room and study at home. Anne wrote The Steep Ascent here, and Charles wrote portions of his Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Spirit of St. Louis.
- Curtiss Aerocar, 1928 - Motorcycle and aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss formed the Curtiss Aerocar Company in 1928. The Aerocar was an early version of the fifth-wheel campers that became popular in later decades. The trailer's strength and carrying capacity were due in part to struts and wires inspired by those used in Curtiss's early airplanes.
- 1928
- Collections - Artifact
Curtiss Aerocar, 1928
Motorcycle and aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss formed the Curtiss Aerocar Company in 1928. The Aerocar was an early version of the fifth-wheel campers that became popular in later decades. The trailer's strength and carrying capacity were due in part to struts and wires inspired by those used in Curtiss's early airplanes.
- Cadillac Touring Car with Camping Trailer, 1919 - The growth of automobile ownership and development of good roads in the 1910s and 20s drove many Americans to explore the country. Some auto tourists opted to stay in the comfort of local hotels and some liked "roughing" it in tents; others wanted something in-between. Camping trailers provided a home-like shelter for a stay in nature.
- September 07, 1919
- Collections - Artifact
Cadillac Touring Car with Camping Trailer, 1919
The growth of automobile ownership and development of good roads in the 1910s and 20s drove many Americans to explore the country. Some auto tourists opted to stay in the comfort of local hotels and some liked "roughing" it in tents; others wanted something in-between. Camping trailers provided a home-like shelter for a stay in nature.
- 1949 Airstream Trailwind Travel Trailer - This familiar riveted, aluminum-skinned trailer was introduced in 1936 by trailer manufacturer Wally Byam. As tourism flourished after World War II, the Airstream gained a reputation as the quality leader in the travel trailer industry. Its popularity spawned well-organized caravans to famous travel destinations across the country.
- 1949
- Collections - Artifact
1949 Airstream Trailwind Travel Trailer
This familiar riveted, aluminum-skinned trailer was introduced in 1936 by trailer manufacturer Wally Byam. As tourism flourished after World War II, the Airstream gained a reputation as the quality leader in the travel trailer industry. Its popularity spawned well-organized caravans to famous travel destinations across the country.
- Stream-Lite House Coach Catalog, circa 1938 - The General Body Corporation praised its aptly named Stream-Lite House Coach as "the most livable home on wheels" in this ca. 1938 catalog. The trailer's modern interior decorations and home-like conveniences provided comfort. Streamlining and strength added modernity and safety. Auto touring with this trailer could be comfortable and carefree -- just like home.
- circa 1938
- Collections - Artifact
Stream-Lite House Coach Catalog, circa 1938
The General Body Corporation praised its aptly named Stream-Lite House Coach as "the most livable home on wheels" in this ca. 1938 catalog. The trailer's modern interior decorations and home-like conveniences provided comfort. Streamlining and strength added modernity and safety. Auto touring with this trailer could be comfortable and carefree -- just like home.