Our 1957 DeVille has been part of the family since the day it rolled off the lot. My uncle purchased it brand new and lived in it while working as a highscaler on the Glen Canyon Dam in Page, Arizona. Back then, Page was little more than a large trailer park carved into the sand, with a dining hall, communal restrooms, and a sea of vintage trailers housing the dam workers.
Years later, after my uncle passed away, my cousin held onto the DeVille for a time. Eventually, he asked if I wanted to take it, saying we should probably keep it in the family. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve had it for over 20 years now, and during that time, we’ve used it regularly, always with a deep appreciation for its history.
I’ve spent many quiet mornings at the dining table inside the DeVille, imagining my uncle doing the same after a long day of dangerous, demanding work. I picture him unwinding—maybe sharing a few laughs, playing cards with co-workers, and sipping a well-earned drink. This trailer was more than just shelter; it was his home away from home.
Structurally, the DeVille reflects the classic “canned ham” style popular in the 1950s. The layout features a galley kitchen directly across from the entrance, equipped with a three-burner gas stove and oven, an ice box, and a sink. A wide front window brightens the interior, while jalousie windows on the other sides provide ventilation and charm.
The warm birch paneling throughout the interior speaks to the craftsmanship of the era. Overhead lockers and cabinets offer practical storage—surprisingly generous for a trailer of this size—and the layout comfortably supports a small family.
Much of the trailer remains original: the sink, stove/oven, ice box, light fixtures, windows, awning, and wood paneling have all stood the test of time. Of course, time and use took their toll, so we made a few necessary updates. We replaced the rear wood paneling due to water damage, re-screened and sealed the windows, repaired the bed pedestal, added a new custom mattress, upgraded the LP system, rewired the electrical, installed new flooring, and re-plumbed the water system. We also gave the exterior a facelift with new skin and a fresh paint job—carefully preserving the original graphics.
Today, our DeVille still turns heads wherever it goes. But more importantly, it carries with it a legacy—one of hard work, family ties, and the enduring spirit of the open road.
By Ken & Meredith Jacobs
