Welcome, and thank you for your interest in
what is truly a Symbol of American Ingenuity
This is about an original prototype, showroom model Travel Trailer
built in 1960 with a design years ahead of its time. Following is a brief story of its Creation, Journey and continued existence to date.
“GEOGRAPHIC”
In 1959
"David H. Holmes, an Air Force war time veteran who still continually pilots his DC3 aircraft in business as the very active head of Harry & David, Fruit-of-the-Month Club, Bear Creek Orchards, and Holiday House trailers, explains that last year he was intrigued by the beautiful, aero-dynamic lines of a "dream trailer" drawn by young designer Charles Pelly. Pelly, winner of awards from both Ford and General Motors for outstanding automotive design, is now in the Army.
David H. Holmes had envisioned the first luxurious Trailer for the Rich with amenities of a fine home on the road. The unique "Model X" is fully protected by patent pending. Holmes retained Lawrence McCane of the Industrial Design Affiliates, Beverly Hills, California, who has achieved national prominence for his brilliant work in industrial design, and who had been one key to Holmes' development of the aluminum - plywood line of Holiday House trailers. To help Holmes bring the new exciting fiber glassed trailer to realization, McCane enlisted Robert B. Brophy, one of the nations few experts in missile and satellite fiberglass, to engineer and produce molds for this assembly-line fiber glassed honeycomb prototype model which, as McCane describes it is "ten years ahead of the trailer industry in concept, design and construction principles."
In February of 1960, the completed Showroom Model of “GEOGRAPHIC”, one of the five-manufactured Fiberglass Coach Trailers was shipped to Van Nuys, California to be introduced to the world during one of the largest trailer shows in the country.
In 1958 and during the preliminary design phase, this Trailer was named “Star Craft”. Later and during its marketing it was referred to as Model ”X”, and finally it was introduced to the public as “Geographic”.
It is assumed that due to its expensive price tag of $8,495 (In 1960 you could buy a house for $13,000), no units were sold and finally in 1962 the Showroom Model was sold to Joyce Woodin, the Showroom manager for $5,000. She kept all the original sales; service receipts and brochures that came with this magnificent trailer as well as a complete set of Mel Mac dishes. After her death, in February 1995, her sister sold the trailer for a few hundred Dollars to a residence of Green Valley, California.
In 1999, I spotted the trailer on a country road outside Los Angeles in Valencia with a “For Sale” sign. As an architect and a designer intrigued by its design, I was drawn to its form and lines. But it was so badly rat infested that was hard to breath inside. Rats had chewed up all plumbing and electrical wires. After some bargaining, I bought it for $1,500.
Soon I realized that I had found not just a unique, but also, a One-Of-A-Kind Trailer. What has really authenticated this trailer is the complete set of brochures, articles and even the original sales receipt that were kept in a folder by the first owner who was the showroom Manager at the time, not to mention a complete set of Mel Mac dishes.
After further research, in 2005 I decided to restore the trailer and save this piece of the American History. I am happy to say that all original appliances; Magic Chef Stoves and Oven and Norcold refrigerator, air conditioner, heater, etc. are now in working condition. All original Teak and Walnut cabinets and woodwork are restored to their original condition.
What you will see on this Website is a collection of photos and article from 1958 to date. Without the effort and interests of LA Times editors, Medford, Oregon “Mail Tribune” and other publications, Oregon Historic Society, and finally the management at Harry & David Fruitier, this story and photo collection would have been lost in history.
You are welcome to post your comments and input, and feel free to share your thoughts as I value them. You are also welcome to email me with any question that you may have.
Bardy Azadmard
bardy@designingla.com
