When Wally Byam, founder and owner of Airstream, led his twentieth Airstream Caravan to Africa, he split leadership duties with my mother, Helen Byam Schwamborn. Their responsibilities included writing, sending, and answering letters to embassies and foreign African nation ministries. They also mailed out detailed information to prospective Caravanners, as well as to those already taking part in the African Caravan.
And there were transportation details to work out. Airstreams and tow vehicles had to be shipped across the ocean, and cabin costs for passengers had to be negotiated.
Wally’s contacts across the globe were vital in defining the roads, events, and political statuses in the nations the Caravan would explore. It helped also that many experienced Caravanners came along on the excursion. Louis and Mildred Mousley, for instance, had been on six Caravans prior to the African trip, including the six-month European Caravan in 1956. On four of the six, Lou was Wagon Boss.
What, you ask, is a Wagon Boss? That means Lou’s Airstream led the way. Each morning, he was first out and first to reach the destination. If you’ve ever seen a photo of Airstreams parked in a wagon wheel, it was probably accomplished by the meticulous routines Lou had perfected on other tours.
Per instructions from Wally, the Wagon Boss is never to be passed by other Caravanners. It shows the amount of trust Wally placed in the Mousleys and Airstream #50, as he recognized the months and years of volunteer service they contributed to the Caravans.
In 1958, when I knew Wally was going to Africa, I asked him if I could go. He said at least 35 Airstream families has to sign up to justify including me, and that I’d be working, most likely as an advance scout.
On April 3, 1959, Wally called and left a message, saying he was taking me to Africa. 41 families would be embarking for Cape Town, South Africa, where the Caravan would start off for Cairo, Egypt.
So how did I end up with pygmies on my shoulders?
A major contact for our journey through the Eastern Congo was Jean-Pierre Hallet. He was world-renowned as a guide, culturist, and environmentalist. He was respected by the Belgian government and the natives.
Jean-Pierre brought the Watusi to our campsite for an extensive drum and dance presentation. Then, he guided us to several villages where we mingled with tribal villagers and saw their drums and dancing. Maybe one of the greatest visits we made was with pygmies, celebrating the rites of passage for the young men.
I’m thankful to Wally Byam, to my mother, to Louis and Mildred Mousley, the Caravan HQ staff, the African Embassies, each of the 41 Airstream families, Jean-Pierre Hallet, and the many other people we encountered on our incredible journey.
Every mile Airstreams traveled throughout the world helped to improve their construction. Airstream remains the only towable recreational vehicle tested all over the globe. And today’s Airstream represents and proudly shows this product’s evolution.
Dale “Pee Wee” Schwamborn has silver in his blood. Each week, Pee Wee shares one of his many stories, including his experiences on the iconic Airstream Caravans, his time spent working in the Airstream factory, and the many Airstreamers he’s befriended, far and wide.
