Helen Byam Schwamborn's 26' Airstream

[PeeWee]

I thought a few comments about a posting I found might clarify a few comments about my Mother's second trailer number 2.



What makes this one unique is that it carries WBCCI# 2 on the endcaps, indication that is was Helen Schwamborn's, Wally's cousin and first secretary for the WBCCI. (WBCCI Director, Secretary; Caravan Director, Leader, the whole enchilada.)

Helen's son Dales recollects that Airstream had a fleet of these trailers they would stage at rallies and caravans as her mobile office and living facilities rather than drive just one trailer all over the country.

Let’s correct the record.

My Mother had two trailers. In 1955 her first trailer was manufactured in Jackson Center, it was a 22 footer. It was used on the European caravan. Her second trailer was built in late 1956 or early 1957. Also manufactured in Jackson Center. If this trailer had the number two on it, then this was her second and last trailer. She used it into the 60’s.

Both trailers were custom and designed by Wally with his recommendations to Andy Charles, with consulting with Helen Byam Schwamborn on her needs. The second trailer was set up with Mom’s learning curve with her first trailer.

The interior pictures on this site, shows that someone really modified and changed the old number 2. Really, really really modified.
It became apparent with the number of rallies, number of units, the Wally Byam Foundation, Airstream meetings, International rallies, that Helen could not tow her vehicle to all locations. The factories would take a production model; have a dealer furnish a model for her use. She also stayed in hotels.

There was never a fleet of Headquarter trailer at her disposal.

It is possible as the staff at Caravan and WBCCI increased that other units were made.

This use could be what many of these 11 O-8000 numbered trailers consisted of.
Information taken from this site.

http://vintageairstream.com/archives1/57CustomExp26ft/1959Custom_O-8010/index.html

The first picture is in our driveway in Bakersfield.

The second picture is from the website showing the current shape of #2.

Also in the 50's no A/C's.

[safari57]

Thanks for sharing and the clarification PeeWee.

I'm a Pontiac wagon fan as well as Airstream so enjoyed the picture of that as well.

Barry

[flyfshr]

I have more pictures of Helen's longer #2 trailer here somewhere. I'll get them posted to this thread if anyone's interested.

Brad
FF

[BIGED52]

Brad, Please do post more pictures of this trailer treasure trove. I for one love all this Airstream history. Thanks in advance. Happy Trails, Ed

[willyd]

Thanks for the history - interesting information.

[flyfshr]

Originally Posted by BIGED52

Brad, Please do post more pictures of this trailer treasure trove. I for one love all this Airstream history. Thanks in advance. Happy Trails, Ed

OK, by popular demand, here are the pictures I have. The current owner contacted me many years ago via email and wanted to know if I knew anything about this particular trailer. At the time, it wasn't much.

As for the photos, this is how the at-the-time current owner acquired it. He and his small family camp in it regularly. It looks as though a PO somewhere along the line but in some make-shift beds. The galley runs across the front of the trailer and it looks as though the under-the-counter fridge is missing but a period correct (maybe even the original) cooktop is present just inside the door. It has indirect lighting running along both sides just above the windows. Many other interesting and unique features were designed into this historic trailer.

Enjoy.

Brad
FF

[PeeWee]

Originally Posted by flyfshr

OK, by popular demand, here are the pictures I have. The current owner contacted me many years ago via email and wanted to know if I knew anything about this particular trailer. At the time, it wasn't much.

As for the photos, this is how the at-the-time current owner acquired it. He and his small family camp in it regularly. It looks as though a PO somewhere along the line but in some make-shift beds. The galley runs across the front of the trailer and it looks as though the under-the-counter fridge is missing but a period correct (maybe even the original) cooktop is present just inside the door. It has indirect lighting running along both sides just above the windows. Many other interesting and unique features were designed into this historic trailer.

Enjoy.

Brad
FF

My Mother's 22 foot Airstream had a front kitchen and bath. You coult shower and stir beans at the same time.

The 26' Airstream had a front kitchen, and a rear bath. In its original state it was a wonderful trailer to travel in. As mentioned, it is only a shadow of its original state.

Pee Wee

[PeeWee]

The pictures with my Mother and Dad were taken in Eugene, OR. This was my graduation day from the University of Oregon. The contrast is great and the pictures are for memories only.

From my graduation my Mother went north to Auburn, WA for the International Rally.

The single picture of me standing in front of the trailer is a random shot.

[BIGED52]

PeeWee, This is the "Great Stuff" that memories are made of. I for one really enjoy seeing this history. Wonderful of you to show it to all of us here on the forums. Thank You so much! Ed

[safari62]

Great photos. Thanks for posting.

[66Overlander]

Reviving an old thread. Does anyone have an update on the whereabouts or current condition of this unique Airstream? I'd love to get more photos of it.