World War II & Post-War Residential Building Types
Mobile Home, c. 1950-present
Many would not consider mobile homes buildings, mainly because they are “mobile,” and not permanently attached to the ground. Nor would they be considered historic in that they don’t seem to meet the 50-year age criterion. Probably a majority of mobile homes, however, are only moved once – from the sales lot to the dwelling site, and they are mobile only in that they were moved to the site on wheels.
As for being historical, some existing mobile homes were manufactured as early as the late 1940s or early 1950s. However, probably because of the semi-permanent construction materials and methods (plus the perceived disposable nature of this type), truly historic mobile homes are difficult to find.
Early models are fairly narrow and usually covered in metal or aluminum siding. Double-wide mobile homes came along in the 1960s. Innovations to make the dwellings more permanent include structures (typically lumber) constructed around or over them to support a gable roof, lean-to additions, and porch enclosures. Because the mobile home is unique in its appearance (compared to other residential examples) it is also noted as an architectural style.
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