50th Anniverary CARAVAN TO EUROPE

[markdoane]

Although the 50th Anniversary Capetown to Cairo Caravan may have failed to develop, I think a 50th Anniversary CARAVAN TO EUROPE might have better odds of success.

To kick the whole thing off, I have written up a short prospectus and sign up sheet.

Any takers?

[ArtStream]

Sign me up for the CARA-VALUE Plan.

Thanks for the post

[Lily&Me]

Oooooh, those were the days, my friend.

[vinstream]

So are you planning something? Or is this just to tease use?!?!

Todd

[Melody Ranch]

Sign me up for this one.

[Kevin245]

Don't suppose we could get the same rates for 2010?

[66Overlander]

One of my activities as new VAC Historian is researching the old caravans. I have done some work (more to go) on the 1963-64 Around the World Caravan and am currently researching the 1959-60 Capetown to Cairo Caravan for the next VAC Vintage Advantage newsletter. I would definitely be interested in researching the 1960 European caravan for it's 50th anniversary for an article some time next year in the Vintage Advantage. To date I have very little material on this caravan. The attached document is one of the first things I've seen, besides a couple of photos.

If anyone has anything else to share, I'd like to see it so that maybe I could put a story together. Let me know. Thanks.

[markdoane]

Now I wish I hadn't just sent the files back to the storage locker. I'll retrieve it later and send you the original and whatever else turns up.

I'm sure others have some stuff also, let's all chip in.

[PeeWee]

Wally Bam Caravans to Europe 1956 & 1960
In 1956 Wally gave me a one-way ticket to Zurich for my graduation present. My Mother, Helen Bam Schwa born, had sailed for Europe with the Caravan in March, and I joined the Caravan in June. Having seen the detailed work that went into the first Caravan to Europe, I marvel at the time, effort and details required to successfully putting together an overseas Caravan. Wally had always loved Europe. His first trip in 1948 was his introduction to tailoring in Europe. Wally returned several times with Stel to the International Trailer Rallies. In 1955, he and Stel, went to Europe to the International Rally and to scout the 1956 European Caravan. By this time Wally had a wealth of knowledge regarding shipping, visas, paperwork, and where to go in Europe. In 1955, Helen Bam Schwa born joined the Airstreams family. Wally passed this knowledge on to her. This was just her beginning in organizing Caravans to Europe, Africa, Mexico, Central America, Canada and Around-the World. While Wally and the Caravan trekked through Africa, Helen was at her office in Bakersfield putting together the 1960 Caravan to Europe. She and Wally had sat down during the preliminary planning of Africa, and discussed the 1960 European Caravan.

When the African Caravan hit the border in Trieste, Italy, the 1960 European Caravan was there to greet them.

With the Caravan Headquarters, and Wally Bam Caravan Club in our home for the first five years of the Club's development, I was privy to the work that went into an overseas adventure.

I imagine that it is easier today than it was in the 50's and 60's.

I know that all of you that go will enjoy the Europe of the 21st Century.