PLYMOUTH – A slice of Americana will be on display in Plymouth late next month as 80 Airstream recreational vehicles circle park for a birthday bash weekend in honor of the preeminent travel trailer inventor, Wally Byam.
The ever-popular home away from home is enjoying a bit of a resurgence in Hollywood movies and amongst celebrities, those who have downsized, and seniors with the freedom to travel. Its growing number of owners, who call themselves “Airstreamers,” are dedicated to the vintage, silver bullet design and gather each year for Byam’s July 4th birthday to celebrate it.
“Wally Byam’s dream of travel and adventure and spreading the American spirit continues today. This event is to honor Wally - who would be 114 - and all he did for the RV industry,” said Airstream enthusiast and party host, Rob Baker.
Baker, formerly of Stanton’s Farm Market in North Norwich, said his grandfather, Don Stanton, always had an Airstream on the farm. In the 1960s, his grandfather hosted rallies at the Canasawacta Country Club in North Norwich and in Sherburne.
When Stanton died in 1997, Rob bought his first Airstream. Since then, he has owned 20 of them and, in February, started The Airstreamer’s Club or TAC (not to be confused with Wally Byam’s Caravan Club, Inc.) Baker’s new organization boasts more than 250 members.
“This will be one of TAC’s first big events that will only grow in the future,” he said.
Baker and a group of four fellow Airstreamers decided to host the large event this summer in honor of Byam’s birthday and the RV’s 79th anniversary. They were: Rob and his wife, Zoe, Frank and Beth Yensan of Catonsville, MD, Steve and Kelly Klohn of Waukesha, WI and John and Lori Kwasnik of Earlville.
But because the first 79 spots were reserved within just 10 days of the registration opening, the friends decided to hold an auction for an 80th spot and donate the proceeds to Chenango County Catholic Charities Roots and Wings program. Following a two-month long auction, the winner bid $1,000 for the coveted spot.
