SILVER BULLET Iconic American Airstreams — made in Ohio, treasured everywhere. BY JAMES PROFFITT
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ally Byam’s childhood was spent immersed in nature. He worked on a West Coast sheep farm, where he lived in a donkey-towed wagon that was outfitted with a stove, food, water, and just about everything else he could possibly need. In reality, it was the earliest version of an American classic — just not as shiny. It wasn’t until 1929 that Byam built the first actual, official Airstream. Byam’s love of camping and the outdoors, combined with American ingenuity, resulted in a product that lasts for decades and is instantly recognizable around the world. Perhaps best of all, it’s made in Ohio — Byam moved the production to Jackson Center in rural Shelby County right
30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2021
after World War II, and workers there build upward of 120 of the iconic silver bullets every week, all by hand. Until the pandemic struck, anyone with a few free hours could witness the process in person — from pallets, rolls, boxes, trucks, and hoppers of myriad components to impeccably finished and tested product in just a few thousand steps. The company has not announced a date that the tours will resume, but hopes to do so later this year.
An aura of ‘cool’ Of course, while the manufacturing process itself is amazing, the unleashed product is spectacular. Its power to inspire fierce passion and intense loyalty among owners — especially among owners of vintage Airstreams — is notably cool.
