law degree from Stanford University, first began building them in his backyard. His first attempt stemmed from a set of how-to instructions, and after he mastered the art, he published his own how-to explaining the construction process. Rather than decreasing his business, it actually stirred awareness and created a new market for people who wanted to own a trailer if not actually build it themselves.

The name Airstream is descriptive of how they travel: “like a stream of air.” In January of 1936, the Clipper was launched and many models have followed with names like Crusette, Wanderer, Wee Wind, Safari, Globetrotter, Bambi, and Excella. Byam’s Airstreams had the reputation of being the best travel trailers on the market. But, Byam didn’t just provide his consumers with product, he also urged them to put it to use by encouraging Airstream owners to caravan with each other across the world. In fact, Wally Byam himself led caravans to many far-flung destinations. These were so popular that, in 1951, the Wally Byam Caravan Club was founded. Now Airstreamers could travel to exotic locations with the security and communal feeling of traveling in groups. The WBCC played a major role in creating the “cult-like” status Airstreams hold. Even after Wally Byam’s death in 1962, his club continued to grow, and today it boasts around 16,000 members.

Airstreams can be found in museums such as the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, movies, photo shoots, music videos, and commercials. Of course, we know it’s cool if Hollywood endorses it, and movie stars are, in fact, snatching up vintage Airstreams and customizing them to fill their quirky desires. Actors Sean Penn, Matthew Modine, Corbin Bernsen, and Tom Hanks, and directors Francis Ford Coppola and Tim Burton have all been proud owners of Airstreams.

Most recently, Airstream has found another niche in the contemporary design crowd. According to Space Magazine, Inside Design, Wilsonart International, and architect Chris Dean are joining forces and creating an updated version of the 16-foot Bambi model with an eye-pleasingly modern interior to complement the clean lines of the aluminum exterior. We look forward to the future of Airstream with its place in the design world and its continued spot in the heart of American culture.

Sarah McNeill lives and works in New York City.