For nearly 100 years, Airstream has been a staple part of many households. The famous “silver bullet” has provided families a way to efficiently and affordably travel to all parts of the country. In fact, the Airstream® RV is so iconic, that you’ve probably seen it in all sorts of pop culture references. It’s even made its way to the big screen a number of times. And sometimes, it’s fun to look back at all the ways Airstream has helped shape our culture.
We’ve provided some of the RV company’s greatest hits and can also provide you with the RVs themselves! If you’re in the market for a new camper, contact Airstream of Vermont at Pete’s RV Center in South Burlington, Vermont, as we’ll help you find the perfect model for you and your family. We’re happy to help all those across New England, including those from Worcester, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire.
Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI)
The company’s first mark on culture came from founder Wallace Merle “Wally” Byam. The first Airstream trailers were designed to be pulled by the most popular vehicle at the time, the Model T. However, the company wasn’t founded until 1931, after the first successful models were designed with the help of William Hawley Bowlus, an aircraft designer whose accomplishments included work on the “Spirit of St. Louis,” Charles Lindergh’s plane used in transatlantic flight.
As a way to promote these new trailers, Byam offered Airstream owners’ international tours with their campers. This initiative soon blossomed into a group that would eventually be called the Wally Byam Caravan Club International. Today, we often refer to this club as Airstream Club International, and it now has over 6,000 members.
Hollywood Cameos
If you love the silver screen like we do, there’s a good chance that you’ve recently watched a movie that features an Airstream trailer. It’s hard to miss that iconic design, no matter how quick the shot is. You’ll find these campers in classic films such as What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1994), Independence Day (1996), Mars Attacks! (1996) and Legally Blonde (2001).
Even the celebrities who star in these Hollywood movies enjoy traveling in an Airstream RV. Most famously, Matthew McConaughey lived full-time in one for many years and currently owns 3 Airstream models. Other big names who own an Airstream include Sandra Bullock, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, and Pamela Anderson, along with musicians Eddie Vedder and Billie Joe Armstrong.
Presidential Endorsements
Airstream RVs have also drawn the attention of some of our former presidents. Some used them on campaign trails and others simply enjoyed recreational travel in a silver bullet. This includes both former president John F. Kennedy and former First Lady Laura Bush. The United States military also has used Airstream RVs in cargo planes to transport VIP politicians, including former Defense Secretaries Chuck Hagel and Leon Panetta.
The Space Program
Airstream RVs also played a role in the early space program back in the 1960s. They were used to transport astronauts between the Operations and Checkout Building and to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center.
Once the Apollo missions began, concern over contamination upon return to Earth prompted NASA to quarantine pilots in an Airstream trailer for 21 days. All postoperative communication happened through the RV until the astronauts were released.
Is now the time for you to join in on the fun? Airstream RVs have certainly had their cultural moments, but they’re also—first and foremost—fantastic campers for you and your family! If you’re ready to upgrade your camping experience for the 2021 travel season, check out our online inventory of Airstream RVs for sale here at Airstream of Vermont at Pete’s RV Center. Then call us about some of your favorites and we’ll help you take the next step toward ownership! We welcome all those from the New England area, including South Burlington, Vermont; Worcester, Massachusetts; and Manchester, New Hampshire.
