Sam and Pat's Bus

1951 White Super Power

Text and photos: Roger

Sam and Pat's bus was a regular part of the Northwest
Touring Company's entourage making the rounds of
crafts fairs and festivals in the West

Sam first installed an old airplane canopy as one major skylight. It allowed him and anyone over 5'7" tall to stand upright while inside. As his family got bigger, Sam decided to raise the roof as to gain much needed space.

Sam & Pat were self employed artists, making and selling their work to provide the gas and the maintenance to keep the wheels rolling, and provide for the needs of their family. The bus contained two treadle sewing machines, the nearest was a special, heavy duty machine that could sew the stitching for Sam's belts and leather hats. The other machine, just visible behind the counter to the right, was Pat's, for sewing cloth. Leather stock and bolts of cloth are stored on shelving above the machines and work table.

Once inside, you lose your feeling of being in a motor vehicle. Instead, you sense you are in a home full of life. The light coming in through the overhead skylight and the walls and ceilings give this home a bright spacious atmosphere. The aroma of a home cooked meal after a long day on the road, and the warmth of a wood fired stove are the rewards of living in a land yacht.

Work and living areas often co-exist in a pleasant environment. Sam & Pat, along with
their children, Indio & Zachary, became very close friends and we traveled many
miles and years together doing art fairs in the Northwest..

The driver's position. The loft above
the front entry was Kidspace.

Their "home-shop-on-wheels" made setting up at art fairs easy and provided a place where they could live and continue to produce their wares. Having their home and workplace together gave them the ability to be spontaneous and sell their art work wherever they wished. This photo was taken in Boise, Idaho.