SCHUETTE COLUMN: Fred Kohlmeyer, Loganville’s mechanical genius | Life

It was all around 1917 when Fred Kohlmeyer received the bug to strike the street in a comparable fashion, and he created his initial camper vehicle which took him and his household on a trip to Yellowstone Countrywide Park. On their return, he tore it totally apart and rebuilt it, this time on a Klondike chassis which was substantially heavier.

Kohlmeyer’s “house on wheels” would assist his family members on the excursion out west—no need to shell out the outrageous rents requested by tourist stops alongside the way. Upon arriving in California for the wintertime, it would also provide as their household though there.

The car or truck was 28-ft very long, 8-toes vast and 7-toes high. It was developed of beaver board, and painted on the outdoors. The inside boasted a chemical bathroom, force h2o technique, electric powered lights, a kitchen and sleeping quarters. Nearby website visitors to his shop puzzled how it would be able to navigate the twisting mountain streets and sharp corners which would be encountered in route. But Kohlmeyer was up to the undertaking, owning constructed quite a few heavy-duty cars and trucks and vans in the previous.

Right after finishing this device in 1921, the relatives still left Loganville for the lengthy trip, and headed west into the sunset. His loved ones followed in a Cadillac touring auto, as riding in the motor property would be rough taking into consideration the absence of satisfactory roads at the time.

The household spent that winter residing in their camper in Extensive Beach, California, hire free, and returned in May 1922, reporting, “A successful journey without the need of an accident.”