Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Keyes, Christie
----Source: Tribune Record Gleaner (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 1/10/1974
Greenwood Homes, Inc. (10 January 1974)
Mingling with Mary (By Mary Woods)
In order to make the living conditions of mobile homes more comfortable and safer, changes must take place, and Bob Keyes, president of Greenwood homes, Inc., is well aware of the changes that do occur.
Being in the mobile home business since 1958, Keyes incorporated Greenwood Homes in 1970, and since that time has witnessed great changes in the business, styles, colors, and without any doubt, building regulations.
One such regulation that will soon be implemented in the building code for mobile homes is referred to as American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Almost nationwide, the law was signed in September and will be in full effect in March, according to Keyes. Falling within the Department of Industry, Labor, and Human Regulations (DILHR), the code will check to see that all mobile home manufacturers meet the stated, required standards of the code. Keyes, in explaining the code, stated that the code does contain, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems standards, along with body and frame design, and construction requirements.
According to Keyes, third party inspectors may come at any time and check the homes that are under construction or may even check the homes that are being transported to a different area. Within Greenwood Homes, Hugh Christie, plant inspector, works under the Product Fabrication Service (PFS) in checking all mobile homes that are constructed so to meet state regulations. Keyes stated that with Christie at the plant, “at all times Greenwood Homes meets and exceeds ANSI codes.” A booklet containing the standards to be met is revised and checked yearly for up-dating all phases of the mobile home construction.
Speaking on the topic of regulations, Keyes stated that when a copy or plan for a mobile home is drawn up, a copy of all the plans must be submitted to the DILHR for approval.
According to Keyes, Wisconsin was one of the first to adopt the ANSI code but not the first to enforce it. Describing certain standards that must be met, Keyes pointed out that all homes must be able to hold 30 pounds of weight per square foot on the roof, and all windows must be made a certain size in order for fire escaping and other emergency exits. He also noted that when transporting mobile homes to other parts of the country, certain standards very, this being because of climate and topography. Keyes also stated that the mobile homes must contain electrical protection for shock prevention from outside receptacles, and that paneling must meet certain fire prevention n rules.
Referring to regulations in and out of Wisconsin, he stated that all homes that are constructed at Greenwood receive a sticker that shows the construction has met various state codes. Keyes noted that this type of sticker and set up is good in that it saves checks along the highway when entering other states.
According to Keyes, “the new law will have a bill that will provide for a one year – 10-day warranty on all mobile homes that are manufactured.”
Another interesting code, according to Keyes, is a uniform building code for one and two family dwellings. “This legislation introduced by Representative Nager would supersede all local building codes and would be enforced by the DILHR and incorporated with other state agencies. At this time, there is no minimum code on the construction of one and two family dwellings.
Statistics show that during the years since 1963 mobile home construction has seen a 16% growth annually. “Mobile homes are just one way to provide people with lower cost housing,” stated Keyes. “Perhaps something could be done in the field of financing the homes, but there is no doubt that mobile homes have become an accepted and comfortable means of housing,” stated Mr. Keyes.
Noting the changes that have occurred in the mobile homes, Keyes stated that both the interior and exterior designs have changed in the homes, providing the buyer with a home atmosphere. Speaking on the subject as to who buys the mobile homes, Keyes stated that almost all generations are now buying the mobile homes, with the average occupancy of a home being 2.7 people.
According to him, the biggest months for mobile home sales in April through October with the Greenwood plant, at peak production time, constructing three homes a day. During the summer time 100 persons are employed at the plant, and the number drops to 50 during the winter. Keyes referred to figures that estimated that 585,000 homes were built in the United States during 1973, with the largest home at Greenwood Homes being 14 x 70, and the smallest being 14 x 52. According to him the average cost of a mobile home is $9,000.
Besides being in the mobile home industry business, Keyes is also serving on the Spencer School Board, and is a Spencer Lions member, and a director of the “Spencer Bank. Keyes and his wife Vera have seven children, Mike, Jerome, Christine, Barbara, Tim, Mary, and John.
“Inspections are needed in order to make a mobile home safe and suitable for living, and standards are necessary too as to make the mobile homes attractive, and a uniform means of housing,” notes Keyes, and if anyone should be aware of the changes that occur so frequently in the mobile home business, Bob Keyes of Greenwood Homes does.
