Tin Can Tourist - Vintage Trailer Rally, Tybee Island, GA (second post)

Me in front of Wilma before the Open House. 

I believe that I left off having attended the Thursday evening beach picnic for all of those who had arrived.  By Friday evening there were 75 vintage trailers gathered and we all had a party.  Saturday morning was consumed by preparation for judging at 10:00 a.m. and Open House starting at 11:30 a.m. We didn't enter 'Wilma', our 1990 StarCraft pop-up, in the competition but the rally organizers encouraged us to show her because they felt that there would be visitors who would not only find a vintage pop-up interesting but it would help educate and guide those who are interested in trailers or looking for their first trailer.  The oldest trailer was a 1930 Pierce Arrow. Wilma was the youngest by 1 year. We had 750 visitors between 11:30 and 4:00, many of whom were enthralled by Wilma. About half of those who stopped wanted to visit Wilma because she brought back happy memories of camping with families. The rest fell in love with her openness and comfort.  She really did look good, especially since she did not going to the rally prepared to be shown.  The organization, Southern Vintage Trailer Friends (a branch of Tin Can Tourist), raised >$3500 for local charities.  Saturday evening there was a dinner, awards and entertainment.  The president of Tin Can Tourist (which was founded in 1919) led the initiation of those of us who are new to TCT.  The TCT song is "The More We Get Together".  A man who had been a TCT member from 1948 to his death a few years ago, started the tradition of a parting song - Willy Nelson's "On the Road Again".  The man's trailer is now enshrined in the TCT museum in Elkart, IN.   Sunday morning found everyone hooking up and, with fond farewells and exchange of telephone numbers and email, heading home. Also on Sunday morning 40 of us signed up for the 80 available spots at next year's Tybee rally.  Here are some pictures. All of these trailers are fully functional and are used by their owners to go camping!

Those of us who arrived Thursday in time for picnic on the beach.

Many owners worked hard at keeping their trailers original and in period. 

Like walking down a pathway through the past. 

There was always time for relaxing, visiting and most of us had dogs. 

A few units were pulled by vehicles from the same period.

Everyone's trailer reflected their own life, personalities and history. 

This was a candid shot which so aptly reflects the TCT people.

"Do not stop living before you die."  

One visitor said that Wilma should win the prize for zen. 

Inside a 45' from the 1940s. 

Lots of families.

This 1938 Palace Royale was all original! 

Notice the beautiful hardwood.  In this trailer it is all original. 

Notice the light fixture and stove in this 1947 Palace Royale. Beautiful.