Can you tell us about how you got into the vintage trailer hobby? By happenstance! I’ve always had a penchant for all things midcentury. My long-time dream was to restore an Airstream. But the more and more I researched vintage trailers, the more and more I fell in love with Spartans. They are gorgeous in a unique way… quirky, yet relatable! I was looking for a Spartan Manor because I really liked the porthole windows (odd reason to want a trailer, but hey…). I could not find a Manor that suited me and my restoration skills (or lack thereof), but I did find a ’51 Royal Spartanette in pretty darn good condition. By the time I decided she was “the one,” she had been sold. But, that sale fell through and the owner contacted me. It was meant to be! So I bought her and named name Frankie (in part, after my grandma). She arrived from Missouri in July of 2022 and I couldn’t be more excited!
I also recently stumbled upon a ’53 Spartanette Tandem that was calling my name. I pulled the trigger on her too. So, here I am… with almost two Spartanettes! My second, yet to be named, will arrive here after the Michigan Winter when the roads are safer to transport. Can’t wait!
I’m a single mom of an 18 year old son and 16 year old daughter. Now that they are older, I have more time on my hands to live out some of MY dreams!
What type of trailers have you owned and what do you have now? What is your dream vintage trailer? Until July of 2022, I have never owned a trailer of any kind. In fact, I did not grow up camping so this is a whole new world. As an adult, I rented a couple of campers with my kids for local trips during Michigan summers. But honestly, I know nothing. lol. Frankie is in storage for now, so I am spending the long Michigan winter researching, learning, and watching LOTS of YouTube videos! I’m also learning to sew so I can decorate (my favorite part). I would say my unicorn vintage trailer is a Spartan Carousel.
What do you tow with? Well, I literally put the proverbial cart before the horse. Or in this case, the trailer before the truck. lol. I’m planning to use some local haulers for now (I never have towed a thing in my life)! However, my ultimate goal is to restore several vintage trailers and put them on a piece of waterfront property in Northern Michigan (so I wouldn’t have to tow haha). As a one year cancer survivor/thriver, I want to create a “Vintage Health and Beauty Boot Camp(er)” retreat on this property for other cancer warriors, survivors, and/or thrivers.
Do you attend rallies and what do you like the most about attending a rally? I just bought my ’51 at the end of July of 2022 so I have not yet had the opportunity to attend. I did register for a rally at the end of July in Northern Michigan! I am looking forward to seeing lots of amazing vintage trailers, getting ideas and advice, and making some new friends and lots of memories. Life is short!
Why did you decide to join the Tin Can Tourists? I am a sponge. And I want to learn. I don’t pretend to know it all. But I believe that I was born a few decades later than I should have been and I am a vintage girl at heart. I want to find like-minded friends and others from whom I can learn.
What are your camping plans for this year? I did register for a rally at the end of July in Northern Michigan! I am also planning to spend a long weekend in June at Starlight Campground in Mancelona, Michigan. And maybe set up for a few days in my parent’s back yard on White Lake or my brother’s cottage on Harper Lake!
Your pictures are beautiful along with your enthusiasm. I love your plans…..and I wish you the best.