The History of Motorhomes
Created out of Americans' love for camping and automobiles, the motorhome is born.
1910 - The first motorhome, Pierce-Arrow's Touring Landau, debuts at Madison Square Garden. A back seat that folds down into a bed, a chamber pot toilet and a fold-down sink are a sensation, but the whole idea of a "motor home" doesn't catch on.
1930s - Auto coachbuilders continue to tinker with motorized homes, but high sticker prices keep public demand low.
1950s - Following WWII, innovative thinking restarts the motorhome industry on a small scale. Expensive luxury items, motorhomes remain far less popular than travel trailers.
1960s - Following the creation of the country's interstate highway system, traveling to remote wilderness areas becomes easy. Companies like Winnebago begin manufacturing motorhomes on a massive scale, driving down the cost.
Today - From the early 16-foot models, motorhomes have grown into 40-foot behemoths that feature literally every comfort of home.
The History of Camping Clubs
For camping enthusiasts whose family and friends don't share that enthusiasm, camping clubs provide friendship and travel adventures.
1919 - Tin Can Tourists, the nation's first camping club, is founded in Florida. They got their name for the soldered tin can on their radiator caps. The club still exists today.
1966 - The Good Sam Club is founded. It now has 1.5 million members.
Today - Camping clubs abound in the United States. Some are local, some regional, and some are national. These organizations offer camping discounts, information, consumer hotlines, and jamborees to celebrate the camping lifestyle.
And there you have it; a "short" history of camping and how it evolved into the great vacation pastime it is today.
See the infographic.
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