In 1977, cabinites Al and Donna traveled up I-70 from Denver towing a damaged truck, a utility vehicle and a small RV.  This RV became known as the African Queen.  Read Donna's story about the first days of the Queen.

“I was living in Denver in 1977.  During a phone call Darcy suggested I “get” a camper and bring it up to Grandma Miller’s where she and Steve were living.  As if by magic an opportunity presented itself and I had “gotten” a small, silver camper. I called Alan who lived there to help me get it from Denver to Grandma’s. I remember the climb over Berthoud Pass was long and slow, maybe I remember the pick-up backfiring.  Anyway, we made it and he parked it and its still there today along with lots of remodeling. 

    A few days after we parked it, Darcy and Jeanne and Chris, and I were walking to town.  We cut across a field of sage brush where we spied a rusty two-piece barrel stove.  It was about 3 feet high, fat enough for real firewood, with a flat top for cooking. Just what I needed for my camper! Can you dig it? When those things happen, I know I’m on the right track.

    What happened next was a once in a lifetime offer. Darcy and Steve said if I would care for baby Given they would install the woodstove and put up barnwood insulation on the inside!  The result was a first-class redecorating  raised brick platform and brick walls where the sweet stove sat.  It was idyllic.

    Winter came.  Snow fell and as we sat on the bed beneath the back window the wind would blow and the pine tree trunks would sway. It was mesmerizing.  Like a boat on the water so I named her the African Queen.  It was a wonderful home.  Had to be.” - Donna M