Airstreaming: Living the aluminum life

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At gas stations, campgrounds and places in between, when I stop with my Airstream in tow, one question gets inevitably asked. The answer:

They still make Airstreams.

By Christopher T. Assaf, Baltimore Sun

Recreation culture flourished after World War II as Americans wanted to hit the road, cruising new Interstates and caravanning around the globe and living the American Dream.

There has been growing popularity for Airstreams old and new. My wife and me, along with our three West Highland terriers, own two vintage trailers — a 1963 Bambi and a 1957 Caravanner we are restoring. The two are named “Ethel” and “Fred” in honor of my wife’s favorite show, “I Love Lucy.”

Wally Bayam, who wanted to build light, streamlined trailers, founded the company in 1931. The modern travel trailers are still made in Jackson Center, Ohio, where the factory is expanding to meet demand as Baby Boomers retire and want to travel the road and live the aluminum dream.