Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/355277
AUGUST 2014 18 THE JOURNAL Our industry has been a part of one of the greatest housing values in America. That's my heritage, and why for so many years I have made it a part of my business life, but also have shared my enthusiasm with others, as a retailer, man- ufacturer, developer and business consultant. My Scottish great-grandparents in the 1860's crossed America three times in a "covered wagon (the manufactured home of the day) with the Mormon immigrants. My grandfather who had a "long, long trailer" (all of 8' wide and 25' long) lived in Southern California, and my mother who lived in a "pre HUD code home" in Santa Barbara are ex- amples of my heritage. My life in a "manufac- tured home" started out as a resident of a small 8' x 35' trailer in 1963 after leaving the University, and now on my 75th birthday anniversary, once again I find wife Lynne and myself living in a manufactured home, this time in a m/h home- site condominium com- munity. I'm passing on my history with the industry as a part of my monthly column this month, as I did not want to be the only "Old Persons" re- ceiving it from some kind but well meaning friends "birthday cards" for my 75th birthday. Actually, in my opinion, it's not such a bad thing to be referred to as an "Old Person", as you will see. And perhaps, even you may dis- cover you are one, but almost for sure, you will be one! Old Persons make up a significant percentage of our high quality manufactured homes resi- dents, many of which are in land lease commu- nities, m/h condominiums and other community types, and happily so. In these communities they are highly respected members of the larger community, providing community support, eco- nomic stability, and improving neighborhood se- curity and values. Old Persons have wisely given up on the idea that a larger, more expen- sive site built home is nec- essary for happiness in retirement, except for the "status driven". With today's high cost property taxes, ever increasing util- ity costs, and expensive home maintenance costs, smaller and "downsized" housing is obviously better. And, Old Persons recog- nize all the benefits high quality factory built manu- factured homes in commu- nities can offer those with fixed incomes. And, they are not embarrassed for their relaxed, positive, lifestyle and often work together to provide for greater community support, safety, and tran- quility. Their site built home neighbors speak highly of them. Old Persons know the value of goods and services: they are willing to drink good wine in a box, live in a factory built home even if they don't own the homesite but lease it instead. They learn to take advantage of all the seniors discounts being offered by almost all businesses, and are not ashamed to ask for them. Life is good for them. Old Persons are easy to spot at public events; during the playing of our National Anthem. Old Persons remove their caps, cover their hearts, stand at attention and sing without embarrass- ment. They know the words and believe in them. And, when our Nations flag passes in front of them, they uncharacteristically salute by placing their right hand over their heart, and taking off their headwear. Old Persons remember World War II, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal,Normandy, and Hitler. They remember the Atomic Age, the Korean War, The Cold War, the Jet Age and the Moon Landing. They recall the 50 plus Peacekeeping Missions from 1945 to 2005, not to mention Vietnam If you bump into an Old Persons on the side- walk they will apologize. If you pass an Old Per- son on the street, he will nod or tip his cap to a lady. Old Persons trust strangers and are courtly to women and treat them with great respect. This can work against them when challenged by predatory scam artists in person or on the Inter- net. Old Persons hold the door for the next person and always, when walking, make certain the lady is on the inside of the walkway next to the street for protection. Old Persons be embarrassed if someone curses in front of women and children and they don't like any filth or dirty language on TV or in movies. And, may apologize for the curser. Yeah, we may drive a little slower on the highways but most of us try to stay in the slow lane. Through experience we are aware of how little is the importance of saving a few minutes "Old Persons" and Pride in Manufactured Housing BY ED HICKS DEVELOPMENT MARKETING I'm passing on my his- tory with the industry as a part of my monthly column this month, as I did not want to be the only "Old Persons" re- ceiving it from some kind but well meaning friends "birthday cards" for my 75th birthday.