[Midamrail]

The Argosy trailers and motorhomes and the early A/S motorhomes were built in my hometown of Versailles, Ohio. Versailles is actually a town much like Jackson Center, where the Airstreams are built, and is located about a half-hour southwest of Jackson Center. The Argosy plant still exists on the edge of town; following the termination of the original Argosy line, the plant was bought by Midmark Corporation and used for the construction of medical furniture. It is still used in that capacity today.

My parents, who still live in Versailles, own a 1977 28' Argosy. I'm actually very impressed with the quality of their trailer and am of the opinion that it is as well-built as Airstreams of the same era. The disadvantage of an Argosy trailer is that the paint fails after a period of time, particularly on the steel end caps. However, once the investment of painting one is made, the exterior maintenance seems to be simpler than that of an Airstream. That, combined with the lower price of the Argosy and the features available in that line that didn't become available until several years later in the Airstreams (such as the wrap-around windows) makes them very appealing. And I know my parents sort of like the fact that their trailer is a bit of a rarity, even at Vintage Airstream events.