Skip is right about the early tears not having number plaques. There was a reason for this. It wasn't because they didn't think of doing it right away but more that they were afraid people might be a bit gun shy in buying a teardrop if they were to find out that their teardrop was #4, #10, #28 or even #33 in the build order.
Eventually, people started asking what number their trailer would be. By then, about 50 had been built & it was thought that it might be a good time to start putting on the number plaques. And if the new trailers would be getting them then the earlier ones should as well. Now, even though they may not have all the current bells & whistles, it has actually become a cool thing to own an early Camp-Inn.
Not many owners can say "I knew them when they were still building them in the 2 car garage (building #1)." Even fewer can claim theirs was built during the time when the business was relocated for a few months to a temporary facility (building #3) due to a fire in the hanger (building #2). Now they are in building #4 & conitnuing to grow. Teardrop #100 was a milestone...then #200...then #300...
It's fun for us to look back and be able to tell what was happening when certain trailers were being built, what new options were being added at that time, what design changes were being implemented, etc. Kind of like watching your kids grow up & the joys & pains that come with it. That's why we like to keep track of where they go & what adventures they take. After all, it is our family!
We've come a long way since teardrop #0 and hopefully, still have many more tears to build, options to be added & designs to be implemented.
Through teardrops, we have met & camped with so many wonderful people (Camp-Inn & non Camp-Inn owners alike). And we have met some of our closet friends in doing so. What's not to like about that?
A huge "Thank You" to all of you, because if it weren't for your sharing & supporting our vision, we wouldn't exist. I have often said to Craig, "You have a great job. Where else can you not only see your work from design to build, beginning to end, but make people happy, help them have fun, & best of all, bring people together (who otherwise would never have met) where they can form new friendships?"
Sorry for the ramble...when I get started on something I am passionate about, it can get rather lengthy...but I have a feeling you all will understand.
Betsey
