Airstream Documentary

[rcaplan]

We are researching a prime-time television special about Airstreams and the Wally Byam story.

As part of our research, we are looking for photographs, movie or home-video footage of Airstreams including caravans, overseas trips or rallies. If you have, or know of anyone who has, any such footage, we would very much appreciate hearing from you.

We would also be interested in hearing from any Airstreamers who may have travelled on any of the early international caravans, have had close contact with Wally and Stella Byam or may have an interesting experience with the Airstream story.

Your input would be greatly appreciated -
we would appreciate you contacting us at this email address:

rcaplan@pobox.com

Thank you, Rachel Caplan

The documentary is for the American Experience strand on PBS. As television's longest-running, most-watched history series, American Experience brings to life the incredible characters and epic stories that helped form this nation. Now in its eighteenth season, the series has produced over 220 programs and garnered every major broadcast award.

[thecatsandi]

do forget to stop by Baker City, Oregon. Wally's birthplace.

[FordTruck]

I didn't realize Baker City was Wally's birthplace.
Been there and done the Lewis and Clark (Oregon Trail) Exposition. Great facility
By the way, I'm jealous of you in Boise. I worked there for 6 months on a project a couple of years ago and absolutely fell in love with Boise and Idaho.

[thecatsandi]

Well why not move there? Boise has a lot to offer.

[Kintscher]

You should contact Rich Luhr from Airstream Life. He has a wealth of knowledge about Airstream history.

Tour of America :: Home

[tinhutjohn]

There was a movie made by The National Film Board of Canada called The Caravanners that is only available from them via their web site. It follows a 1970's (I think) caravan across Canada. Worth a look.
As you might have found out, the formation of the caravanning part of Airstream, the Wally Byam Caravan Club International was originally formed in the Maritimes in Canada. There is a memorial plaque that was placed several years ago in the Maritimes if I recall correctly. So it's just not an American organization but has a healthy mix of Canadians in it too!
There presently is a plan underway to recreate the Capetown to Cairo caravan in 2009. The people who are organizing it have a lot of the history of the original caravan and can give you all the correct directions to find the film about that journey. I believe the orginal film was narrated by Vincent Price.
Good luck. There is plenty of material and many experts on the Airstream, the Airstream "life style" available.
Might I also suggest you post your enquiry at AirstreamList : The original Airstream discussion list.. which is a discussion group run by Hunter Hampton, a full time Airstreamer who started the original Airstream discussion group on the web.
Sarge

[FordTruck]

To: TheCatsandI

Too many family ties to family in this part of the world. We're in the foothills of the Blue Ridge and it's beautiful here too.

Maybe, when I semi-retire, we'll be out there with the AS.

[thecatsandi]

Until April 2006 I lived near Warrenton, VA for nearly 20 years. So much nicer out here. I too have ties in the area. My Mother in Maryland, One sister and Father in Virginia and one sister in Florida. I see them once a year.