Recreational Vehicles, RV for short, go back over 100 years ago and have come a long way since the first ones were being built in 1910.  Charles Kellogg built his own model in 1914 and made it out of a single redwood tree.  It then won the name "The Travel Log," and was Kellog's way of traveling around the country telling people about the beautiful redwood trees of California. 

 

Before the RV came along people had to camp in private rail cars that were pulled along side train routes.  People didn't want to be limited to the rail system, so the RV allowed them to go where they wanted, whenever they wanted!  A few of the Early RVs had a bathroom on board, while others didn't, and the nearest tree or bush was used as a bathroom.  All of the RVs had a place to eat and sleep, and was a nice way to vacation and still have the comforts of home. 

 

Pierce-Arrow was one of the many companies that was producing motorized RVs in 1910.  Some of the companies had to be started in the backyards or in the garages of people who had a dream to get others mobolized.  During WWII several manufacturers built travel trailers to house and transport troops and defense workers.  Then after the war, RVs were a recreational activity for growing, prosperous post war families.  During the Great Depression the Travel Trailers were being used as permanent housing for families.  When first starting out, the RVs didn't have all the accomodations that we have now, but they helped a lot of familes get through tough times, and now the U.S. produces 98% of all RVs and has approximately 450 manufacturers.  

 

RVs that are being made today have a bathroom on board as well as things like TVs and nice kitchens.  They are still a great way to travel around and take the comforts of home with you.  Many people adapt RVing as a new lifestyle (for those who are not tied down by 9 to 5s) such as snowbirds and the retired communities.  For those families who love to vacation on the road, here is your answer!