A History of the RV Industry In America: The Dumb Things Sold Just Like That!

From chauffer-driven land yachts to todayÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡s sophisticated, self-contained motorhomes, the recreational vehicle industry has continually evolved to meet the demands of its ever-growing body of enthusiasts. What started out as simply a way to store and transport more camping equipment is today, for many, a fulltime RVing lifestyle.

In his new book, Ôø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡The Dumb Things Sold Just Like That, A History of the RV Industry in AmericaÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡, author and historian Al Hesselbart traces the RV industryÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡s history through the lives and accomplishments of its early pioneers. In addition to an overall history of the industry, the book features biographies of eighteen of its leaders whose accomplishments still have impact today. Bargman, Callendar, Coleman, Crist, Schult and Sherman are just a few of those included in HesselbartÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡s book.

Highlighting the text are scores of photos of vintage recreational vehicles. Many of these came from the archives of the RV/MH Heritage FoundationÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡s library, where Hesselbart has been archivist and historian since 1994. The book is the first in a series of historical titles that feature collections held in the Heritage FoundationÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡s library. Hesselbart looks at this as an opportunity to share these artifacts with a larger audience.

Ôø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡Over the years, we have developed the countryÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡s most comprehensive collection of publications, photos and other artifacts from both the RV and manufactured housing industry. Historians and educators from all over the world come to us for research and documentation,Ôø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡ he said. Ôø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡We want to share this wonderful history with the public, particularly the millions of RV owners and enthusiasts across the country. This book is just one way we can do that.Ôø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡

The Heritage Foundation recently opened the doors to a new museum, located at exit 96 of the Indiana Turnpike I-80 in Elkhart, Indiana. Included in that museum is an expanded library that is open to the public. The museum has more than 30 vintage RVÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡s on display, with more scheduled to be added to the collection in the fall of this year. For more information about the museum, go to www.rvmhheritagefoundation.org

The book will go on sale April 15, 2007. To purchase, or to see updates on the book, and excerpts, go to
rvhistory.wordpress.com. Read an Interview with the Author