The 16′ trailer was purchased new by Ken and Elaine Hunter of Manhattan Beach, CA. They and their three children camped extensively in it and their daughter, Barb kept it all these years . Ken had the kids use a bicycle pump and a ten gallon water tank to cool their 1949 Ford flathead as it towed up the Grapevine and other narrow grades of the day.
While returning from Minnesota, and after breakfast with ranch friends near Pocatello, ID, they were making a (unusual for them) nighttime sprint for home down US 91 (now I-15). Their 1961 Ford Galaxie hit a bull South of St George, UT and jackknifed with a fin gashing the front of CW #429. Both tipped on their sides. The bull ambled into the desert and none of the family were hurt. They righted the Galaxie and headed for a motel, leaving CW #429 by the road. The next morning a tow truck righted the accident.
The Hunters were able to tow it home and then to their land in Oak Grove, CA (San Diego Cty), just off Old Truck Trail Road. It rested from August of 1961; the same month Barak Obama was born, the Berlin Wall was built, “Tossin’ and Turnin” by Bobby Lewis was the #1 song, Kennedy was president, “Route 66” was on TV and “The Parent Trap” at the theaters. It was there until November of 2016.
The wreck knocked off the curbside cabinets, tweaked the frame, bowed the streetside wall, and bent various corners. Maple syrup sprayed everywhere; the title was lost. CW #429 became storage for Ken’s workshop and a home for generations of mice. Sun and rain took their toll.
Sounds perfect for someone’s next restoration project! A trailer this rare does not come along often in ANY condition.
