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HISTORY OF THE WALLY BYAM CARAVAN CLUB INTERNATIONAL

by HELEN BYAM SCHWAMBORN

transcribed by Mike Orchard from a book provided to participants at the 1979 WBCCI International Rally in Kentucky.

From a very modest beginning in 1955,with only 39 Airstream families,the WBCCI has become the largest travel trailer club in the world,composed of one make of travel trailer. It now numbers well over 25,000 families-approximately 80,000 individuals. The club envelops Canada,Mexico and the United States with honorary members from several European countries. It is divided into 12 regions which are made up of some 161 units.

Additionally,and among the several intra-clubs,are the Charter Members,the Past Presidents,the Citizen Band Radio Club,the Amateur Radio Club(Hams),the Freewheelers(singles in the club),and the Chess Club. More than 600 unit rallies,caravans and dinner meetings; several regional rallies;nine national rallies;and the famed international rally make up the club's annual calendar. Furthermore,the club sponsors an overseas caravanning program which offers members the opportunity to tour foreign countries under the guidance of local foreign caravan clubs.

The club publishes its own news medium,"The Blue Beret,"which is mailed to all members each month. It also produces an annual directory listing members,their trailer numbers and address, and decisive tabulated data such as past caravans and past international rallies; a list of all current WBCCI officers;radio club members and their call numbers; the annual caravan and rally schedule;courtesy parking and Airstream authorized Service Centers.

The WBCCI is a pacesetter,an up-and-coming organization concerned with progress and always ready to support change. The club moves with confidence into the new year with new leaders.It is secure in the realization that tides of loyalty,mutual interests and concern for others,so prevalent among WBCCI members,secures its ongoing success.

The documents provided and the pictures in these photo galleries have been used with permission of Dale Schwamborn. They are intended for personal viewing and enjoyment only and are not to be used in part or in full on other websites, for commercial purpose, or for any other use. For information on this material you can contact Dale at peewee@sierranevadaairstreams.org

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