Rolling homes go back almost as far as rolling vehicles and the modern era of motor driven cars is not an exception. If you have followed this blog at all you may have seen some great contraptions, especially from the 1920s and 30s. The counter-culture of the 1960s lead to a generation of rolling home builders and dwellers ready to hit the road.
Luckily…
Photographer Paul Herzoff took a series of photos of some of the interesting, home-built, house trucks between 1971 and 1973 on the American West Coast. Many of these images are now housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Since I save a LOT of reference images, I sometimes forget what is even there. I picked a few from my files to share here since they gave me many ideas since I first encountered them many years ago.
Paul Byrd’s Old West-themed truck is among my favorites and has a lot of charm in the details. I hope it survives somewhere today.This thing looks like a mid-century sheep wagon mated with and early Airstream (its descendant) and gave birth to a little COE camper. The giant drop down porch looks like a precursor of a modern day Toy Hauler camper.The interior of Bob’s Bus. It appears to have a lot of great storage space and utilizes a loft for added room. You have to love the plants as well.This one is called “Cab, Craftsman’s Van.” Again, I just love the homeyness of the plants on board.Not much information about this other than the title “David.” It is a very utilitarian door that appears to be made from a recycled packing crate and a re-purposed window. I wouldn’t put a hasp on the outside unless it could be locked in the open position. I think there would be too much chance of mischief.Here’s another pragmatic interior with a guy named George. Small bed, maybe it folded out?Here’s another bus interior decorated with recycled cloth. Very Bohemian.Craig’s house truck really speaks to me. It has a great form with the compound curve of the roof and a mollycroft. You’ll notice the water barrel on top and the ever important stove pipe poking up.Another view of Craig’s home. Not only does it have a mollycroft, but it has a sunroof as well.Here’s a pragmatic plywood beauty. Maybe not very aerodynamic but it sure looks spacious.And finally, probably my favorite from the set. I suspect it is ridiculously heavy but I think this truck can handle it. There are a lot fine details to note with this one.
If you are preparing to build a rolling home, there has never been a better time to find pertinent examples to learn from on the web. Enjoy the views.
I get lots of crap in my inbox, but I always look forward to getting your blog. There is always something of interest and I enjoy what you do and make.
I met you some years back at Wintercount when you were teaching making bows and arrows.
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 
Hey George,
I get lots of crap in my inbox, but I always look forward to getting your blog. There is always something of interest and I enjoy what you do and make.
I met you some years back at Wintercount when you were teaching making bows and arrows.
All the best and see you down the trail.
Bill Gwaltney
Thanks Bill. I hope we meet again sometime.