Helen Byam Schwamborn Born Helen Elmore Byam on August 8, 1904, in the city of Baker City, Oregon traveled a very interesting life. It is notable that her paternal Byam lineage came over early in the 17th Century from England. They were farmers. As patriots they served in the Revolutionary War, Battle of 1812 and in the Civil War. Less is known about her maternal family lineage. A grandfather she never knew had served as a Texas Ranger and later as an Indian Agent in the Oklahoma Territory. In every respect her families were pioneers and proud Americans. Growing up she knew about her cousin Wallace Merle Byam. Their age difference and Wallace’s living away from Baker City kept them from growing up together and forming that special relationship that cousins develop as youths. It wasn’t until 1931 when Helen and her husband Henry Schwamborn moved from Pennsylvania to California that Helen and Wallace developed their relationship as cousins. Over the years from 1931 to 1955 their relationship grew very strong. The Byam’s and Schwamborn families went camping together with Airstreams and tents. They socialized at family events at Thanksgiving and Christmas. During the period from 1931 to 1955 Helen saw Wally develop the Airstream trailer, work in the defense industry and return to the production of Airstreams after the war. Wally Byam saved his company by forming Caravans to Mexico, Central America and Canada. In 1955 Wally and his wife Stella scheduled a summer’s trip to Europe to scout the 1956 Airstream Wally Byam European Caravan. Over the years Wally noticed that his cousin had many skills, most notably organization and people skills. So he asked Helen to join Airstream and take over as leader on his 1955 Eastern Canadian Caravan. He also instructed her to work with the Airstreams owners to from an Airstream Club. Helen’s new position was responsible for Airstream Caravans, the newly found Airstream Club, publications and a seat on Airstream’s Board of Directors. She worked with Airstream from 1955 until her retirement at the age of 75. Helen organized not only a club, the Wally Byam Caravan Club, but a world for Airstream owners to share their lives with other Airstreamers. This is a lasting legacy whenever you see more than one Airstream together with another Airstream. So today we recognize her birth, her life’s journey and her legacy that Airstreamers enjoy today
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 01:38:21 +0000