A Passion for the Past
Ever since childhood, I’ve been drawn to old cars and the nostalgia they carry. Growing up, I spent countless hours at car shows, surrounded by people who shared that same passion. My mom’s collection of 45s from the 50s and 60s was the soundtrack to my younger years. Listening to those songs, I often daydreamed about what it must have been like to grow up during that golden era.
My mom valued the past deeply. She kept photos and mementos that reflected her family’s experiences and the life she cherished. That sense of connection to history must have rubbed off on me, shaping my own appreciation for things from another time.
Discovering Vintage Trailers
About a dozen years ago, I stumbled upon the world of vintage trailers—and it was like uncovering a hidden treasure. These rolling works of art captivated me instantly. When we attended our first trailer rallies, it felt surreal, like stepping back in time. The events were filled with reminders of my childhood—not so much the 70s and 80s, when I grew up, but the era my parents experienced.
At the rallies, it was as if my idyllic vision of a world filled with Hot Rods, blue jeans, and poodle skirts had come to life. People proudly embraced the nostalgia, donning Hawaiian shirts, Chenille bathrobes, or slicked-back Elvis-style hair. I turned to Caroline and said, “I found my people.” It turns out, I wasn’t alone. Since then, I’ve heard others express that same sentiment when they discover this welcoming community.
A Tribute to Mom
My mom loved joining us at rallies, reliving the past and sharing her stories. I credit her for my passion for the past and the respect I have for preserving its memory. Even now, I find so much joy in the vintage world—the cars, the trailers, the music, and most of all, the people who share this appreciation for history.
Bringing the Community Together
When we first started attending rallies, we wanted a central place to find events celebrating America’s past. But it didn’t exist. Motivated by my mom’s passing, we launched Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine eight years ago. The goal was simple: to unite the trailer world with a calendar of rallies and events.
Now, we’re taking it a step further with a new website. This platform will bring together car shows, music festivals, and other period events for people who, like us, want to celebrate America’s rich and vibrant history.
If you share a love for classic cars, vintage trailers, and all things retro, this is your place. Welcome to a community where you, too, can say, “I found my people.”
by Paul Lacitinola, Publisher, Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine
