Wbcci #294

[wheelerimage]

My 55 Safari has the ghost WBCCI number 294. I found myself wondering about its history and if it was on any historic caravans. I know it spent most of its life in Arizona. There is a name tag inside with the name Walter Stranz from the WBCCI Arizona unit.

[Grand Master]

In the 1957 Directory WBCC# 294 is listed as Leonard & Ann Frederick of San Rafael, CA. They went on the 1955 Mexican caravan

In the same directory, W. E. Stranz of Phoenix, AZ is listed as WBCC# 868. The WBCCI badge is of modern era. A 1957 badge would not have the word "International" on it.

You have a mystery!

[wheelerimage]

Thanks Mike,

I bought it in Montana. The P.O. 's last name was Hart. He bought it from his dad, who lived in Arizona. His dad bought it from his boss, who was the original owner, according to Mr. Hart.

I never asked the boss's name. Maybe he was Walter Stranz. Maybe Stranz bought it from Frederick and Hart just didn't know about that.

So, It sounds like my trailer was on the 1955 Mexican Caravan. Do you know where I might find photos of that caravan?

[wheelerimage]

I found this video of the Mexican Caravan on Youtube

Historical Airstream: Caravan to Mexico - YouTube

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by wheelerimage

I found this video of the Mexican Caravan on Youtube

Thanks for posting this, it is rather fascinating

[wheelerimage]

Thanks PeterH

I wonder what year that Mexican caravan in the video happened. I see a few trailers that look to be late 50's, with compound curves in the end caps. I saw something on the internet that said that Wallys first caravan was to Mexico in 1951.

[dwightdi]

The title on the You tube video says it was 1955. The Ford station wagons in the video were 1955's. These caravans predate the formation of WBCC.