By Earl & Mary Powell, F63960
December 2012
The Happy (OK) Wanderers chapter was formed in 1991 by Manuel and Ramona Jackson, a couple who enjoyed camping and RVing and wanted to encourage others to “wander along” the byways of Oklahoma and especially enjoy the state parks in the Sooner State.
The Jacksons hosted a meeting at a local Oklahoma City RV dealership, and mailings were sent from FMCA inviting members from the area to come and explore the possibilities of a new Oklahoma chapter. Approximately 30 couples came to hear about forming a chapter.
Manuel had been hosting RV seminars for Brassfield’s RV for several years to inform new and future RV owners about safety, selecting sites, traveling on the road, operation of a motorhome, how to set up for camping, towing, and many other topics. In addition, Manuel authored a book titled Tips for RVing. Faye Shelton, a longtime member, recalled that she and her husband would drive to Oklahoma City on weekends to attend Manuel’s seminars. She particularly remembers the commonsense safety recommendations that he gave on towing. She also shared the Jacksons’ love of the Oklahoma state parks.
Manuel had used “Happy Wanderer” as his title for years as he spoke to RV groups, so that seemed like a great title to give to the chapter — The Happy (OK) Wanderers. Manuel and Ramona served as charter president/wagonmaster for the first two years.
Ramona selected many of Oklahoma’s state parks as sites for rallies or Christmas luncheons. The Jacksons hosted the first out-of-state rallies in Branson, Missouri, and they also scheduled rallies in Colorado, which became a favorite summer destination of the chapter for years.
Chapter rallies have been enjoyed in almost all of Oklahoma’s state parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks, the Ouachita National Forest, and commercial campgrounds. What a great way to see and enjoy the varied geography, lakes, and historical sites in Oklahoma.
In the early years, chapter members would bring tarps to cover the open park pavilions when the weather was rainy or cool. As the chapter grew, members discussed the possibility of enclosing the shelters at the parks they were using. Manuel spoke with personnel from the Oklahoma State Parks to see if the chapter could assist in enclosing some of the pavilions for added comfort in the hotter and cooler weather of Oklahoma.
Throughout the years, members who were available to help enclose the shelters would travel to various state parks for a week to work. The chapter enclosed and painted the shelters at Quartz Mountain State Park (now the Quartz Mountain Nature Park) and Fort Cobb State Park in the southwest part of the state, and Greenleaf State Park in the northeastern portion. Volunteers also assembled playground equipment at Natural Falls State Park in West Siloam Springs, and built a children’s fishing pond and extended the length of the RV sites at Greenleaf State Park.
Manuel often entertained at chapter rallies by playing his banjo and telling stories. He and other charter members shared Happy (OK) Wanderers camping tales at our 20th Anniversary Rally in May 2011. Manuel and Ramona have continued to recruit new members throughout the years as the chapter has grown to more than 60 member families.
During our end-of-the-summer rally at Twin Fountains RV Park in Oklahoma City, August 23 through 26, 2012, the Happy (OK) Wanderers bestowed a lifetime chapter membership on Manuel and Ramona. This honor recognized them as being visionaries who formed a family-oriented RV chapter where children and grandchildren are welcome and friendships are easily formed. Chapter president Ron Wadley recognized and thanked them for founding, recruiting, and serving the chapter, and for their continuing commitment to this group.
If you are interested in discovering more about an Oklahoma camping trip with this chapter, check the Association Calendar in this issue, call our hosts to confirm your interest, and enjoy a Happy (OK) Wanderers’ rally. Or visit www.happyokwanderers.com.