There are times when the most amazing connections happen when you least expect them. That was certainly the case during the Buellton Bash Vintage Trailer Rally.
The rally had officially wrapped, and we had already pulled out to head home. On the way, we made a quick stop to check out someone’s “new” vintage trailer. But as fate would have it, we ended up circling back and deciding to spend one more night at the Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton.
That spontaneous change of plans turned out to be a special kind of magic.
While relaxing near our trailer, Chuck was approached by a kind woman who had been drawn to the vintage charm of our rig. Her name was Susan, and she shared an unexpected and touching story. As it turned out, our trailer reminded her of some treasured family photos she had—images of trailers built and sold by her husband’s grandfather in Toronto, Ontario, during the late 1930s. The business may have operated until his passing in 1947.
Verna is the lady in the hat (mother of Richard). The man in the hat is Norman Hampson.
Susan had become the family’s historian of sorts—the keeper of the old photos and stories passed down through generations. And in a moment of pure vintage kismet, our trailer sparked those memories and brought that history back into the spotlight.
Thanks to Susan’s generosity, we now have the joy of sharing these rare and wonderful images of Home-A-Long trailers—a piece of Canadian trailer history that might have otherwise remained tucked away in a family album.
It’s a beautiful reminder of what makes this community so special. Vintage trailers don’t just take us places—they connect us across time, families, and memories.
If you have any information about Home-A-Long trailers, we’d love to hear from you—and so would Susan. Let’s help piece together more of this fascinating chapter in trailer history.
By Toni Miltenberger
