Reseraching Universal Trailer Company: Any tips?

[burlesot]

Hey all,

Because I own a 1947 Tourette Travel Trailer, I'm interested in learning all I can about the company that produced it. The company was: Universal Trailer Corporation, Kansas City, MO. I'm pretty good at researching, but have drawn a blank on this topic. The only thing I can find is a 'new' company called the Universal Trailer Corporation headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Do any of you have any experience with historical research that can help steer me in the right direction?

I've used Nick's Teardrop Trailer Page http://www.nicksteardrop.com/photos.htm but he only has the magazine ad from the late 40's and no further information.

I'd really appreciate any tips you all might be willing to share.

Thanks,
Todd

[burlesot]

All,

I've tried to answer my own question.

I found a valuable researching site called: "Learning Historical Research."

http://www.williamcronon.net/researching/

I've also found a plethora of resources on the Kansas City, MO Public Library's site.

I plan to spend some of my summer researching the history of the Universal Trailer Company. I'll report back what I learn.

Todd

p.s. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Have any of you done any historical research of this type? Would love some guidance from someone who has had success in this type of thing.

[Larry & Jill]

Well, I hope you find some info. I tried several years ago when we bought our Tourette with no luck at that time. They must have produced quite a few trailers as many have survived.

[burlesot]

I found out who owned the company. He passed away in 1979. I'm doing some research in the MO local papers and have had some luck there. Struck out at the national archives. That means the company did not go bankrupt. I will be sure to let you know what I find!

[pmowers]

Have you tried the MO Secretary of State's office? Companies are required to file records of their officers, business offices etc. You may find the articles of incorporation as well as any transfers or articles of dissolution, bankruptcy, etc. I have done this to track down individuals before. Also look for City Directories. They were published with short blurbs about businesses, and individuals. These may be found in genealogy sections of libraries.
Good luck.

Pat

[robfisher]

The best single source I've found for research is the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, IN. In their files they have copies of most of the trade journals. They were very accommodating, giving me access to the journals. I spent from opening to closing one day, reading as many as I could, even copying whole pages to take with me. I don't know if they are still that user friendly, This was several years ago. But it was a great day. I still refer to notes and copies I made that day.

[burlesot]

Rob,
Great idea. Never heard of the Hall of Fame. I go to Ohio to visit my folks in the summer and I could possibly make a stop there to do some research.

Thank you for the tip.

Todd