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VINTAGE TRAILERS BY THE BAY

VINTAGE TRAILER RALLY

September 16 – 17, 2006

A Review

1935 – 2006.  These years cover the span of manufacturing dates for the 60 vintage trailers presented at the VINTAGE TRAILERS BY THE BAY Vintage Trailer Rally held on September 16^th and 17^th, 2006, in Alameda , California , on the former Alameda Naval Air Station.  Trailers represented included Bowlus, Masterbilt, Streamlines, Silver Streaks, Airstreams, Vagabonds, Pierce Arrow, Westcraft, Teardrops, Kampmaster, Homebuilt, Shasta, Oasis, Terry, Knauss, Airfloat, Aero Flite, and more.  Accompanying many of these beautiful and interesting trailers were some very classic and vintage tow vehicles.  We met trailer owners from Oregon , northern and southern California , and Arizona .  What a nice group of people and vintage trailers!!!

Co-hosting the event were Jerry Rice and Roy Bosbach.  John Dilks (www.turnkeyprod.com), et al, were all instrumental in the success of this first annual rally by the San Francisco Bay .  Every promised activity actually happened; not only that, but they occurred on time which is very difficult to accomplish at vintage trailer rallies.

Each trailer participant was greeted at the front gate, handed a bracelet for event participation, complimentary tickets to the USS Hornet Museum, and a rally t-shirt (excellent logo, by the way).  We were then directed to an ample parking space and camping site.  Although there wasn’t any electricity, quiet generators were allowed.  Lighting was available on tall poles for the evening hours.  Portable facilities were set up nearby for toiletry needs.  The hand washing stations were very much appreciated.  We were fenced off from the swap meet area which would be taking place on Sunday.  Some trailerites brought more than one trailer.  They were able to bring in multiple trailers and place them in one of the airplane hangars before Saturday as they traveled back and forth to relocate their trailers.  There was a special vintage trailer corral, for the “for sale” trailers at the swap meet (a nice organizational feature).  Due to the fact that this area is a bird reserve, no dogs were allowed.  Notable scenery was the breathtaking view of the San Francisco skyline across the Bay.

After we finished setting up our camp sites, Saturday activities began.  Many of us went to The USS Hornet Museum which was awe-inspiring.  A short video was instrumental in the orientation of this humbling historical experience.  We began the part self-guided and part docent-guided tour of this special aircraft carrier at Alameda Point.  On that day, there happened to be a reunion of former USS Hornet naval personnel which made it even more memorable.  We stayed for almost 4 hours and only toured through the flight and hangar decks and island structure.  We saw only a small fraction of the ship.  An Airstream trailer which housed the Apollo 11 astronauts for decontamination after their 1969 “first men on the moon” flight was on display – a highlight and perfect connection with our vintage trailers.  If you go to this museum in the future, be sure to plan this as an almost all day activity to get the full value of the experience (www.uss-hornet.org).

At 5:00 PM , we enjoyed wine tasting by Rosenblum Cellars.  Cheese and crackers were provided.  Potluck began about 6:30 PM .  A few trailer folks commented that it was the best potluck they’d ever eaten (it was, at the least, among the best).  Doug Keister, author and photographer presented his DVD, Mobile Mansions, on a screen at the side of one of the hangars.  Doug’s book, Mobile Mansions, was available for purchase, also.  Some of the trailer enthusiasts at the rally have their trailers in some of his publications (www.keisterphoto.com).  A film on Funky Junk Farms (www.funkyjunkfarms.com) was also shown.  Afterwards, many campers retired to their trailers for the evening; and the more musically inclined gathered to enjoy the playing and sharing of their musical instruments and talents.

The monthly Alameda Point Auto & Motorcycle Swap Meet began at 6:00 AM Sunday morning.  The trailer show began at 9:00 AM and continued through to almost 4:00 PM for the general public.  Breakfast and lunch were available at some food booths for those who didn’t feel like preparing those meals.  Some of the most popular items sold and bought during this time were a 1925 Indian Prince motorcycle, various trailer lights, and an Airstream trailer dealership sign.  The vintage trailer knowledge we shared between us was free but priceless.

This was a one of a kind vintage trailer rally with unique activities promoting vintage trailer interest and restoration.  We sincerely hope Turnkey Productions make this an annual event.

Happy trailering!