The Door County Bookmobile was designed by the king of the bookmobile manufacturing industry, the Gerstenslager Company of Wooster, Ohio. Already a maker of fire trucks, mobile x-ray vans, television units and even the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, they were well-suited to occupy this new niche.  Soon the company held a near monopoly on bookmobiles, enjoying 90% of the market.

Their success was due to quality, craftsmanship, and a well-designed national advertising tour in 1949 to unveil their pioneer bookmobile model. Each Gerstenslager bookmobile was custom-built and painted according to the needs of the individual library.

The first Door County Bookmobile was built in 1950, but it was worn-out by 1967.  This model was its replacement.