[a/s] "Airstream Store"

[kribbs4ASNET@xxxxxxxxx]

Crystal (and Silver Belle, too)~~twelve or
fifteen years ago the IRS came down on
WBCCI and Airstream Company because
of contributions in cash and, I guess, "in
kind".  At International and some other
rallies there was a place on the gounds to
purchase darn near everything Airstream
used:  vinyl trim, appliances, equipment,
~~everything, even those lovely mud flaps
which were available with "Airstream" in
white script letters.  These were called
"Wally Byam Stores" -- those of you with
older owner manuals will probably find a
reference to them.  After the IRS fiasco,
upsetting a long standing practice and 
costing WBCCI (and Airstream?) a hunk
of monehy, these almost went into Limbo
but are now called "Airstream Stores"
Actually it is a location to which Airstream
ships the material and sends some of their
staff to sell and provide technical assistance, much as other vendors
such
as Thetford, Fantastic Fan, solar panel
people, etc.  On the day before the rally
ends, as a rule, they pack it all up and 
send it back to Jackson Center (and if 
they have not sold out of an item, that is
a good time to "offer" to buy whatever
you were wanting!  At least that was my
experience when I was able to attend these events.  And apparently for
those
who are fortunate enough to be near
Jackson Center, stuff is available there 
also.  Otherwise, authorized Airstream
dealers must be your source for something that is distinctly
"Airstream"~~
but remember much of what the A/S
company uses is available through any
RV dealer ~~ to say nothing of WalMart,
K-Mart, etc., to say nothing of Camper's
Choice (waiting to be discovered!),
Camping World, etc.

And yes, I am sure you will find the Airstream Store at Bismarck.  Wish
we
(Harriett and I) could be there with you!

Donald and Harriett @ Port O'Call
Melbourne, FL          WBCCI #2875
kribbs4ASNET@webtv.net