By Todd Moning
FMCA.com editor

Imagine the reactions of RVers from the early 1900s if they were to walk through today’s motorhomes.

Electronic mapping. Rearview monitoring systems. Central heat and air conditioning. Oh, my!

CD players, VCRs and video game systems. Bedrooms that convert to a mobile office complete with a computer and Internet jacks. Holy cow!

Dashboards covered with enough controls to rival a jumbo jet’s. Walls that slide out at the touch of a button to expand the living space. For goodness’ sake!

Early RVers didn’t have the electronic amenities and communications technology that have propelled motorhome sales in the new millennium. But like today’s RVers, they always were seeking better ways to create a homelike environment while on the road, to make travel more comfortable and convenient.

And much of what attracted them to the RV lifestyle still lures zestful travelers today: adventure, and a desire to experience new surroundings, to spend time with family, and come to appreciate nature.

The enduring appeal of RVing is reflected in an interactive RV history exhibit at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont. “American Wanderlust: Taking to the Road in the 20th Century” opened June 1, 2002, and runs through Oct. 27, 2002. In 2003 the exhibit moves to the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis, from June 13 to Sept. 11.

A dozen antique and modern RVs are displayed, along with camping and road memorabilia, historic photos, and audio/visual presentations.

View an 1938 covered wagon and a 1960s “hippie” bus (converted from a 1949 school bus). Observe how RV construction changed through the years, and how design and interior comforts evolved.

Hear music from the period playing inside some of the RVs. Discover how new technology and open roads in the post-war years led to an RVing growth spurt.

Most of the 15 RVs on display are trailers. Motorhomers, however, may be interested in how the RVs of yesteryear influenced the self-propelled, self-contained vehicles they drive today.

The Shelburne Museum, located on Route 7 near the shores of Lake Champlain, offers much more than the RV history exhibit. On the facility’s 45 acres are 37 historic buildings containing toys, dolls, paintings, sculpture, circus memorabilia, and fine and decorative arts.

Museum hours and admission vary by season. Free motorhome parking is available.

Shelburne Museum
www.shelburnemuseum.org

RV/MH Heritage Foundation Hall of Fame
www.rv-mh-hall-of-fame.org/museum.html

RVing: A Drive Through History
www.coachmen.com/gorving/fun/history.htm