[This information was provided to returning veterans who were inquiring about housing on campus. Initially there was one camp created adjacent to Solitude at the Duck Pond, but demand resulted in two more camps being established.]

Facts About Trailers For Veterans

In order to give those interested the most recent information regarding the trailer camp being established on the VPI campus, certain facts regarding the trailers and services available or outlined below.

I. Types of trailers

There are two types of dwelling trailers, the Standard and the Expansible. There is also a Utility trailer which provides bath and toilet facilities. A brief description of these types is as follows:

Standard Trailers - There will be 32 of these trailers. They are approximately 22 feet long and 7 feet wide. The main items of equipment in each are:
(1) A built-in oil burning heater
(2) A built-in gas burning cook stove
(3) An ice box
(4) A small sink
(5) Two small clothes closets
(6) A built-in couch at each end that will open up into a double bed
(7) A small folding table
(8) Several chairs, and
(9) Electric lights.

Each trailer will be installed so as to have cold running water and the sink will be connected to the sewage line.

Expansible Trailers - There will be 8 of these trailers. They are approximately 22 feet long and 18 feet wide and are partially partitioned off into a kitchenette and two additional rooms. The main items of equipment in each are:
(1) A built-in oil burning heater
(2) A built-in gas burning cook stove
(3) An ice box
(4) A small sink
(5) A couch that opens into a double bed and two beds with mattresses furnished
(6) A folding table
(7) Several chairs
(8) Electric lights, and
(9) Two small clothes closets.

scan of a letter sent to veterans about their trailer rental
The letter sent to those inquiring about housing, with details about the trailers attached.

Each trailer unit will be installed so as to have cold running water and each sink Will be connected to the sewage line.

Utility Trailers - For each approximately 12 dwelling trailers, one utility trailer will be provided. Each of these utility trailers has separate toilet and bath facilities for the men and for the women. They will be heated and will have both hot and cold running water. There are no toilet or built-in bath facilities in the dwelling trailer unit.

II. Location on Campus

The trailers will be located at the lower end of the campus between Davidson Hall and the Lakes. They are within walking distance of all departments of the college.

The trailers are being installed adjacent to a large dwelling. We hope it an early date to convert this dwelling into a club or community house which will be available to the occupants of the trailers. It is the present plan to provide several rooms in this house which can be used as reading rooms, study rooms, etc.

III. Services Furnished

In addition to the equipment in the trailer as outlined in paragraph I above, the college will furnished electric service, water, gas for cooking and oil for the heaters. A regular garbage collection service will also be provided.

No special laundry facilities will be provided. However, occupants can have their laundry done at the V.P.I. laundry at very reasonable charges.

It will be necessary for the occupants of the trailers to furnish all other items such as bed linens, covers, towels, soap, kitchen utensils, dishes, silverware, etc. As outlined in paragraph one above, the trailers are equipped with an icebox and it will be necessary that the occupants buy their own ice. Average will be made to have regular deliveries by the local ice plant in town.

IV. Rental Charges

The expense of all units will rent at not to exceed $25 per month and the standard units at not to exceed $20 per month, including the services to be furnished by the college as outlined above. Rental will be payable monthly in advance at the treasurers office.

V. Assignment Procedure

Under the contract with the Federal Public Housing Authority, the trailer units are being provided for the purpose of housing veterans and their families attending V.P.I. Therefore, under existing policy, no one except married veterans who expect the house their families at Blacksburg while attending school will be eligible to rent a trailer. Veterans with children will be given preference in assigning the expansible trailers.

Veterans desiring trailer should make application by return mail on the attached application form. The applications will be reviewed and the trailers allotted Saturday, December 22. It is therefore very essential that you submit your application promptly. All those making application will be notified promptly as to whether or not they are allotted of the trailer for the coming quarter.

VI. When Available

Every effort is being made to have the trailers ready for occupancy on January 1, 1946, the beginning of the next quarter. However, if due to unforeseen circumstances they are not available, arrangements will be made to provide rooms in the barracks and meals at the Dining Hall for the veterans until such time as the trailers are available. It will not be possible to provide such accommodations for members of the family. For the time that these accommodations are furnished, the rate charged will be $1.15 per day for room and board. In addition, the college will furnish the beds with mattresses so that the individual will not have to go to the expense of purchasing a mattress for use during the short stay in the barracks.

Since it is probable that the trailers may not be ready for occupancy on January 1, it is requested that those who are assigned trailers not bring their wives and families with them when they report to register. This will give an opportunity for the veteran to register and get the necessary arrangements made to occupy the trailer before bringing his family to Blacksburg. Since living accommodations are so overcrowded in Blacksburg, it is doubtful if any place can be found for the family to stay until the trailers are ready. The college will in no case assumed the obligation of providing such accommodations. It is for this reason that we suggest not bringing the family until all local arrangements are worked out.

December 14, 1945