Bisbee
&
The Shady Dell Trailer Park
Highway 80
Bisbee, AZ
January 30, 2001
While 
we were staying in Sierra Vista we decided to
run up to Bisbee and take a look around. Bisbee is an interesting
little mining town situated in the Mule Mountains. Bisbee was
founded in 1880, and was home to the famous and infamous, and was
considered to be the hottest spot between El Paso and San
Francisco. Today, Bisbee is quaint and captivating with its
historic buildings, museums, art galleries, antique shops, hidden
walkways,
mild climate, and tales of its rich past. Its close proximity to
the Chiricahua National Forest and Ramsey Canyon Nature
Conservancy provides wonderful opportunities for rock hunting,
hiking, bird watching and exploring the wonders of the desert.
What is fascinating to see, is that the buildings of the town and
surrounding houses are built into the hills on either side of
Highway 80. They have walking tours of the historic section of
the town, but we didn't get there in time to take the tour. So,
off we 
went in search of our own adventure.
We took
a few pictures of the town and then of the hills surrounding the
town. Just outside of town is a large pit mine. Some friends who
had been through the area last year told us that we couldn't miss
seeing the Shady Dell Trailer Park. So we continued east on
Highway 80 looking for this mysterious park. As we were passing
through an intersection I told Bob "there it is!"
The Shady Dell began its history in 1927, providing
trailer and camping spaces to travelers of Hwy. 80, which stretched
from San Diego, California
to Savannah, Georgia. Today, part of
the park is equipped with RV hookups, while the other part is a
living museum to the bygone days of trailering.
A sleek lineup of vintage aluminum travel trailers is available
for overnight or weekly rentals. The rates run from $30 to $70 a
night. This collection includes a 1949 Airstream, 1950
Spartanette, 1950 Spartan Manor, 1954 Crown, and a 1951 Royal
Mansion among others. 
Each trailer is equipped with a propane stove, refrigerator and
an electric percolator for that early morning cup of coffee. All
dishes and linens are furnished. Interiors are rich blonde wood
or highly polished aluminum, and every effort has been made to
keep the decor original. Cassette tapes of big band, early rhythm
and blues and favorite old radio programs are provided for play
in reproduction vintage radios. 
Some trailers have original black-and-white televisions and
phonographs with a selection of vintage records. Magazines and
books from the period are provided. Outside each trailer is a
grassy yard with lounge chairs. Barbecue grills are available.
The park restrooms with hot showers are spacious and clean, and
decorated with memorabilia from the heyday of the travel trailer.
Also located 
on the premises is Dot's Diner, a 1957 Valentine
10 stool model that was featured in Gourmet Magazine. It has been
lovingly restored to its original art deco splendor. Shady Dell
guests and townsfolk alike can enjoy a home-cooked breakfast
everyday of the week. In addition to breakfast they made some of
the best burgers I've ever had.
If you're ever near Bisbee be sure and stop by the Shady Dell
Trailer Park at Highway 80 and Douglas Rd. and take a nostalgic
trip into the past of trailering. Or you can call them at
520-432-3567 for more information.
Good Luck! Have Fun! and Stay Safe!
Laura