This is proof that tiny houses on trailers aren’t a new thing!
Here they are set up on an oilfield in Freer, Texas around 1937.
These were oilfield houses in Freer, TX circa 1937. look how they dug out for wheels. Pretty basic, but everything comes around again.
Keep up the good work, Sam
Tiny Houses on Wheels from 1937!
Our big thanks to Sam Dick for sharing!
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Alex
Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.
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A lot further back if you count pioneer wagons, Sheppard huts, Gypsy Wagons, etc.
Here are some more historical photos…
-Before RV’s were called RV’s there were lots of creative solutions like custom hand build house trucks…
https://i1.wp.com/gypsyjournalrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/544274_10152612008460285_528868140_n.jpg
-A 1918 Truck Camper…
https://offgridworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/1918-camping.jpg
… And another, not sure how old but it’s still around…
http://1funny.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/old-trailer-house.jpg
-1926 Mobile Home…
https://i.pinimg.com/236x/52/42/c4/5242c4f1551f5f499a96661a76c01e30.jpg
-Back in the heyday of the logging industry… At least one logging company hallowed some out and turned them into mobile homes for the loggers…
http://www.thescoopnewspaper.com/sites/default/files/Faith/Features/OldTree3.jpg
And a couple of other photos…
https://dornob.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/vintage-antique-mobile-home.jpg
http://cdn.blog.rvshare.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/motorhome__motormag.jpg?de6dcd
http://cdn.blog.rvshare.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Untitled-design8.png?de6dcd
-While here’s an example of a Skoolie built back in the early 80’s and it’s still around…
http://www.stillstanding.ca/stillstanding/The_Mary_Ellen_Carter.html
There’s some from the 60’s and 70’s still around too and in excellent condition…
Plenty more but that gives some idea… Whether it was for dealing with recessions, providing temporary housing for workers, or just people wanting something to live more nomadically or simply needing to be able to move their home. The concept of a portable home goes far back into our history…
Thanks, James, for all of those links! It’s fun to see the really old tiny houses on wheels. I bet we could learn some good ideas if we could analyze each one closely.