Gilkie Tent Trailer, circa 1927
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Artifact Overview
Campers who wanted to get close to nature -- but not too close -- loved fold-out tent trailers. These two-wheelers folded down for easy towing by day and then mushroomed into miniature homes at night. Story has it that Warren and Ray Gilkison designed and built their first tent trailer in their father's machine shop for a family camping trip.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Camping trailer
Date Made
circa 1927
Creators
Place of Creation
Location
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
86.128.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift in Memory of Lucien F. Bauduc, Sr.
Material
Canvas
Wood (Plant Material)
Metal
Rubber (Material)
Color
Green
Brown
Inscriptions
On sign attached to front: CAMP WAHOO
Specifications
Make & Model: Gilkie tent trailer, about 1927
Maker: E.P. Gilkison & Sons Company, Terre Haute, Indiana
Features: extra-wide 28 inch door, 82 square feet, full-size beds, standing height inside, electric lights, steel kitchenette, icebox, screens, water- and mildew-proof army-cotton-duck tent
Height: 53.5 inches
Width: 13 feet
Wheelbase: 8 feet 6 inches
Overall length: 9 feet 9 inches
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