Tales from Trailerville

Many married students living on the Eastern Washington College of Education (EWCE) campus between 1946 and 1957 resided in Trailerville, a grouping of 75 war-surplus travel-type trailers. Most of the men were veterans. They had sacrificed much to be there, and they were excited to start the next chapter in their lives.

Trailerville was a real community. It had its own mayor and council; there were streets and alleys, picket fences, flower gardens, and dogs and cats to make life normal for the families who lived there.

Husbands and wives attended classes and participated in college activities, including student government, sports and honor clubs, and most had jobs as well. A day nursery, run by the college, took care of the children while the parents attended school or work.

Thank you to these Trailerville residents who shared their stories and photos with us.