Metzendorf
Manufacturer Information
Metzendorf Trailer Manufacturing Company, Wes Farmington Ohio
FYI a re-post: Not happy news, it is the obit. of the owner , BUT, I thought it would be of interest… Karl H. Gerlt 1919-2007 Western Reserve #507 Karl H. Gerlt WEST FARMINGTON — Karl H. Gerlt, 87, of West Farmington, died at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, at his home from lung cancer. He was born Aug. 22, 1919, in Bremerhaven, Germany, the son of Emil and Charlotte Gerlt. He came to the United States, with his parents and two bothers Emil and Helmut. They settled in New Jersey, where he graduated from Bagota High School. He enlisted in the Army at the start of World War II. He received the Commission of 2nd Lieutenant in the Signal Corps and was later promoted to Captain. Karl was transferred to the Military Intelligence Corp., serving with Supreme Head Quarters Allied Expeditionary Forces. He also served in the occupation force of Berlin, Germany, commanding the office of Communications. Upon discharge from the Army, he married Velma Coster. They settled in West Farmington. He worked as an electrician for Ohio Lamp of Warren for 16 years, before purchasing Metzendorf Trailer Plant, in West Farmington, where he built travel trailers for 18 years. He then worked for the Village of West Farmington Water Treatment Plant, until he retired at age 71. He lived to the fullest, serving many organizations. He was a member of the West Farmington School Board, serving as President for more than nine years. He was a lifelong member of West Farmington Methodist Church and served on the church board. He was a life member of VFW Post No. 7200 where he was a past Commander. He was a member of Western Reserve Lodge No. 507, serving as treasurer for many years. He served as Master in 2000, at the age of 80, celebrating their 125th year. He was a member of Alpha Chapter No. 44, where he served twice as Patron with his wife Anne. He served on the Rainbow Girls Advisory Board. In 2001, he was honored as the Parade Marshal for the annual Farmington Festival. He was past President and treasurer of the Warren Amateur Radio Association, taking part in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service. He is survived by his wife, Anne Seidlarczyk Gerlt, whom he married May 25, 1968; his children, Charles Gerlt of Pueblo, Colo., Dorothy (Joseph) Cleer and Karl James (Vicki) Gerlt, both of West Farmington, Lisa (Kurt) Ehas of Reynoldsburg; stepchildren, Dave Seidlarczyk, of Chipewa Lake, Bill Seidlarczyk of Huston, Texas, Debra Hawkins, of Middlefield, and James (Janice) Seidlarczyk of Milton, Fla.; and 14 grandchildren, Alberta Nelson, Hannah Flemming, Charles Gerlt, Gideon Gerlt, Joseph Cleer, Robert Cleer, Emily Cleer, Christopher Gerlt, Alicia Gerlt, Reed Gerlt-Ehas, Megan Seidlarczyk, Billie Seidlarczyk, Adam Hawkins and Tina Hawkins; and 10 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, his first wife, Velma Coster Gerlt, and brother Helmut Gerlt. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2007, at the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home in Warren followed by the funeral service at 7 p.m. A Western Reserve Lodge Service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. Pastors Thomas Fish and James George will be officiating.. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2007, at the West Farmington Methodist Church, followed by a VFW Military Service at the Hillside Cemetery in West Farmington. In lieu of flowers, material contributions can be made to the Senior Center, 251 Fourth St., West Farmington, 44491.
History
They were produced in the 50’s and early 60’s by Martin Metzendorf of West Farmington, Ohio, approximately 10 miles northwest of Warren, Ohio. Martin (my great-uncle) and his wife had the trailers built with Amish laborers, she picked out the interior patterns and colors. They delivered most of the trailers themselves until a delivery accident deprived my great-aunt of her arm. They sold the business in the early 60’s and the trailer was produced for a few more years under the Metzendorf name, I believe they closed the doors in ’63 but I’m not 100% on that. If their is a real interest out there I might be able to piece together some facts from my relatives, but admittedly they’re all a touch fuzzy on events from forty years ago. – Brin Metzendorf
Years Built
I have found references to ones that were manufactured from 1957-1975; and lengths seemed to run from 13 to 15 feet. I own a Metzendorf (13 FT – bumper to tongue) and according to the ID plate, it was built in September of 1970.
Interior
1 full and 1 twin bed propane fridge, and stove. water pump, toilet, step down area. 6 foot space These trailers were unique in that they were less than 7 feet tall overall exterior height in order to fit into a garage. The interior height was about 5 feet 7 inches.
Pictures
