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    NSSO Home > Newsletter > Archives > Issue 13

Meet Bob Archer

Hello, I did a Google search on the words "Serro Scotty" and stumbled upon the National Serro Scotty Organization. I want to introduce myself as a 1968 "Scotty" owner. I am Bob Archer, living in Pleasantville, PA, near Titusville and about 25 miles from your National Rally in Slippery Rock!

I do not have a title for my little Scotty so I only use it here in my woods as a little guest room. I acquired it about five years ago from a lady I mow for. It was leaking, rotting, and sinking into the group with a few windows broke out of it. I told her I'd be interested in it if "the tires held air" long enough to pull it home. They did. And I soon fell in love with it, even though it was really stinky. I decided to restore it as best and close to original as I could. I feel I got to it "just in time". Another year or two of snow loads and wet ground and who know? It had sat there a long time, as I'm sure many are, even now.

I'm happy to report that this little gem is now in really great shape and used regularly, if only on my own private estate. It is preserved, cared for, and will last a long time. As far as I can tell, it is original and intact. I had to replace the gas lamp, the original was gone. It even has the original (optional) child's hammock above the rear bed. I did have to replace two windows and make a new slider for the screen door. And, had to make two drawers, under the sink and over the heater--the originals had mouse nests in them for so long that I could not get the smell out, and they were warped. I made the new ones exactly like the originals and even used the original fronts on them. My first impulse was to repaint the whole interior but I held off and cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. I had to touch up the original blue in the cabinetry, and had to repaint the side walls. But, I sponge-painted them and they look really nice. The stove and gas light work. I haven't gotten to the furnace/heater yet, but it is original. Inside lights are original as are the plastic lenses on them. I had to put a new lock in the rear outside hatch and I do not have a key for the entry door lock. The lady says she has one, but she hasn't found it yet. It has original Serro Scotty hubcaps, but I did have to sand and repaint them and I made new curtains. The cushions and their coverings though are still original.

I own a 100 acre "private resort" in the woods near Pleasantville. I have several camp sites on the grounds for friends and family. In the summer it is a busy place. Everyone's favorite is to stay in the Scott. We pull it around the grounds with a four-wheeler (that is not me in the photo). The Scotty stays in a heated garage in the winter and becomes an extra guest room. It is one of my favorite possessions! I'm glad I did not go crazy painting, ripping, and burning (cushions) when I first got it. I even have a copy of Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine in the built-in magazine rack, with a feature article about Serro Scottys in it.

I would like to have two or three more Scottys eventually. They are so neat. I have an old (mid-60s) Shasta too, but it is bigger and darker on the inside. Might start a collection of "oldies" - they sure have character!

My area of Pennsylvania is now recognized as a National Heritage Region because we are home to the birthplace of the Oil Industry. I am very involved locally because I impersonate Edwin L. Drake, driller of the world's first oil well (www.drakewell.org). I have done things in character for the History Channel, and many events, local and distant. I have also been even more involved with the Oil Creek and Titusville RR (octrr.clarion.edu) over the past ten years, as a volunteer tour guide aboard the train, chairman, and board member. I enjoy showing and educating people from all over what we call "The Valley That Changed the World". The valley where I lived as a kid is now Oil Creek State Park, where we take the train through. I sold my business when I was 35 and retired from the daily grind to enjoy my woods and my mostly volunteer efforts. I also do some radio and have become known as a bit of a speaker (www.voicebob.com), preferring to do "liners".

Thanks for reading my story. It would be great to hear from other Scotty enthusiasts! My e-mail is penwoodbob@starband.net.

Sincerely,

Bob Archer
Pleasantville, PA

A nice job Bob! We look forward to meeting you at Slippery Rock in July!

 

   
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Last updated: June 7, 2007
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