2010 Celebrates the RV Centennial

One hundred…what a birthday! Three prominent RV-historians - renowned RV collector David Woodworth, RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum archivist Al Hesselbart, and Smithsonian Institution curator Roger White - have cited 1910 as the start of the RV industry. The mass-produced, manufactured auto campers and camping trailers first built that year were the forerunners of today’s RVs and we imagine that RVing’s early pioneers were just as excited to go RVing as we are today.

The RV Centennial has swept the nation with the national media tour, RV mascot Centennial Charlie’s cross-country trip (and stint as an RV Undercover Boss), and the upcoming RV Industry's Centennial Celebration being held at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, Indiana. In fact, both the US House of Representatives and the Senate have passed resolutions declaring June 2010 RV Centennial Celebration Month:

The United States House of Representatives adopted a resolution May 26, “recognizing and honoring the 100 years of enjoyment of RVs in the United States.”
“Senate supports and recognizes the goals and ideals of ‘RV Centennial Celebration Month’ to commemorate 100 years of enjoyment of recreation vehicles in the United States; and encourages the people of the United States to celebrate this anniversary by taking part in recreation vehicle vacations.”

All across the country, RV parks and campgrounds are celebrating big, too. From vintage trailer rallies (including open houses and swap meets) to bbq gatherings to special geocache stashes the party has begun. Throughout the year, chances are your favorite RV park or campground will be hosting special events and weekends.

Take part in the fun they have to offer or make your own merriment. Throw an RV Centennial camping party. Schedule a camping trip with your friends and family, find your perfect park at http://www.gocampingamerica.com/, make reservations and get ready to get outdoors. When you arrive decorate your sites in fine birthday fashion, plan a potluck bbq, play your own birthday games, and enjoy the wonderful benefits of camping and RVing.

What are you doing to celebrate 100 years of RVing? Leave a comment, an idea, an inspiration below…we’d love to hear about it!

Contributed by Evanne Schmarder