Airstream Club International's 70th Anniversary Celebration

Wally Byam, inventor of the iconic Airstream travel trailer, had been leading groups of intrepid travelers on international caravans in their beloved Airstream trailers for four years when the idea to incorporate a caravan club was born. On Aug. 3, 1955, during the Eastern Canada Caravan led by Wally’s cousin, Helen Byam Schwamborn, travelers gathered in Kentville, Nova Scotia, for the first Wally Byam Caravan Club membership meeting. This marked the beginning of a rich tradition, uniting generations of Airstream enthusiasts in our passion for adventure, camaraderie, and exploration.

Celebrating 70 Years of Airstream Club InternationalTo celebrate our Club’s 70th Anniversary, we have a year-long schedule of activities and educational opportunities including:

  • Anniversary celebrations at local and regional rallies, including a rally in Nova Scotia very close to where the club was born;
  • A historical retrospective campaign highlighting the history of the Club throughout the decades with archival photos, educational presentations by the Club Historian, Joe Peplinski and personal stories from Dale “PeeWee” Schwamborn, Helen Byam Schwamborn’s son, Wally Byam’s cousin; and
  • An oral history project gathering current member stories and recollections about their family’s history with the club, with materials gathered to be donated to the soon-to-be established Airstream Club International Historical Center.

The largest celebration takes place in August at the Airstream Club International Rally in York, Pennsylvania. Taking advantage of the “Let’s Make History” theme of this year’s Rally, the club will host activities throughout the weeklong rally highlighting the rich history of the club, such as:

  • Storytelling and S’mores where attendees can gather round the campfire to learn more about the early days of the club
  • Selfie opportunities with historic photos
  • Screenings of the Vincent Price-hosted Caravan Around the World movie
  • 1950s themed Casino Night sponsored by Colonial Airstream
  • Airstream Club International 70th Anniversary Celebration featuring the ACI band and choir concert, a Wally Byam and Helen Byam Schwamborn look-alike contest, and cake and ice cream celebration.

Airstream Club International invites all current and prospective members to join in the celebrations online and in person to experience the camaraderie that has made the club a cherished institution for seven decades.

LIST OF 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Check back often as we add events throughout the year:

Wally and Stella Byam 1955

Celebrating 70 Years of Adventure, Camaraderie and Exploration!