Thorrold Jaggard Caravans

REGINALD THORROLD-JAGGARD'S CARAVANS, 1930s

Palmerston North Architect, Reginald Thorrold-Jaggard designed and built three caravans for his family’s holidays. The information below was supplied by William (Bill) Thorrold-Jaggard, son of Reginald, to Ian Matheson in June 2000.

First Caravan
In 1929 or 1930, Reginald built his first caravan on the chassis of a 1920 Buick, in the garage of his home in Langston Avenue. He used a plywood frame and sheet metal for the body. The caravan was thought to be too heavy and was only in use for two or three years.

First caravan built by Reginald Thorrold-Jaggard, Palmerston North Architect, in 1929 or 1930

Simpson and Thorrold-Jaggard families on holiday.

Second Caravan, built c1932/1933
The chassis of the second caravan was made by Joe Griffiths, a Rangitikei Street blacksmith and old friend of the family. The body of the caravan was made from painted scrim on a plywood frame. With room for two people, and standing room only when the top was folded up, at about eight feet long the caravan was considered too small.

Bill Thorrold-Jaggard and his mother at campsite.

Third Caravan
The chassis was again made by Joe Griffiths and the body, painted scrim on a plywood frame, by Reginald Thorrold-Jaggard. For the construction Thorrold-Jaggard rented a shed in King Street. About 12-14 feet long, the caravan slept two and people could stand up inside.

Gladys Simpson and  Mrs Thorrold-Jaggard

Photographs
Copied from Reginald Thorrold-Jaggard Collection, Series 5, Box 3 in Ian Matheson City Archives