Wally Byam's Birthday Celebration, and the International Rally

[PeeWee]

A little background of the celebration of Wally Byam's birthday.

"Many years ago a little tyke got dressed up for the Fourth of July. At his young age he didn’t know about the Declaration of Independence. All he knew was this was his birthday and the celebration and parade were being held for him.

Over the years celebrating his birthday became a celebration by and for his friends.

Wallace Merle Byam out grew his unilateral belief that parades, crowds and firecrackers were for him personally.

The little boy became Wally Byam, founder and owner of Airstream Trailers. His friends prompted him to run trailer caravans, that later became a club. When the owners decided to form a club, they named it with respect for him, the Wally Byam Caravan Club.

There were many Caravans before Wally retired in 1960, Mexico, Europe, Central America, Canada and Africa.

The Caravanner’s, now Club members, wanted to have a once year international rally. The Club, as envisioned by its members, gave the Airstream owners the association of caravans, but on a local basis. What about your fellow Airstreamers and friends in California, Montana, and Texas? You live in Florida and haven’t seen your friends since your winter caravan to Mexico.

Putting together a few thoughts, the concept of the International Rally was born. In 1968 the first International Rally was held in Bull Shoals, Arkansas.

There are many things make the International Rallies important, the Celebration of our National Independence, Wally’s Birthday, vacation time, and the renewal of friendships.

My Mother, Helen Byam Schwamborn, always sent Wally a birthday card, and called him when he was home.

Have a Happy Fourth of July, and if you are attending the International Rally in Gillete, Wyoming have a safe trip and have fun."