Airstreams Through History
Cultural Ambassadors of the Third Kind
The Center's Field Unit adds a postmodern chapter
to the history of an American archtype. Led by Wally Byam, Airstream's
founder and CEO, caravans of the gleaming metallic trailers left
the USA and lumbered all over the world. From the first Central
American caravan in 1951, to later trips in Europe, India, and
Africa, groups of 50 or more trailers processed through the landscape,
camping in circular formations adjacent to, and often inside historical
landmarks.
In Uganda, women from town were lined
up to view the inside of Wally Byam's trailor.
Photo: Airstream Inc. Archives
Wally Byam's dream of totally encircling The Great Pyramid
of Giza with Airstreams was never realized.
Photo: Airstream Inc. Archives
Byam designed a harness for loading Airstreams
into cargo ships, opening up Europe and Asia to Airstreaming
in 1956. Overseas ca
ravans commonly departed from Newark,
NJ. Photo: Airstream Inc. Archives
Wally Byam often led caravans, trying
out a new trailer model on each trip. In this image his
Cadillac-towed Globe-Trotter model is seen leading the way
down the causeway at Mont Saint Michel, in France.
Photo: Airstream Inc. Archives
The Center's Field Unit circumnavigates
the Luxor Casino, in Las Vegas.
