Franklin Caravans.

[Richard]

Franklin Caravans 7-9 Dawson St Ballarat.
Was started by Geoffrey Robertson in 1952 when he constructed 3 caravans in a small building in his fathers back yard at Armstrong St Ballarat. He shortly moved to new premises at 7-9 Dawson St Ballarat, with this location being quickly out grown he moved the business to Learmouth Rd Ballarat where on 62 acres by 1970 the factory covered 8 acres and by then had become a giant in caravan construction.

[Richard]

A few original Franklin advertising photos.

1958 Franklin 12' Standard.

A massive 1958 24' Franklin fitted with a Jones' Dolly Wheel.

1960 Franklin 18'.

1962 Franklin 15'.

[Richard]

A 1959 Franklin ad featuring a huge mobile ticket office finished in anodised aluminium sheeting.

[Richard]

A 1959 brochure for the 59 model range.

[Richard]

Franklin Fibreglass Caravan.

[Richard]

This is an Ad for the 1958 Franklin.
It is interesting to note that the vans are made from 8 foot to 38 foot vans, of either ply or aluminium.

[Richard]

A little 1958 ad for Franklin caravans showing their 30' model.
Could you imagine pulling into a caravan park with this thing behind, I dont think one site would be big enough to fit it on.

[Richard]

A 1974 article written by Ted and Jean Ardini on the 10 foot 6 inch Franklin Regent.

[griffin]

This item from 1967 gives a little history of Geoff Robertson's development of Franklin, massive factory. Wonder why he chose the name Franklin and not Robertson??

George

[griffin]

We finally managed a few days at Kendall's Beach recently and I found this 'on site' Franklin of interest. I don't know the year but suspect late 60s early 70s but I particularly liked the logo on the front window awning and the fact the gas bottle was specially made with their own name on it. The old girl looks a little out of place at Kendall's as it seems to be the only 'on site' van there and is a little neglected.

George