The 20th Century Wagontrainers chapter continues to build friendships and enjoy good times.
By Matt Hoelzel, F198186
Chapter President
Many Family RV Association members know a bit about the start of the organization. For those who don’t: In July 1963, 26 families gathered in a field at the Good Will-Hinckley School in Hinckley, Maine, to observe a solar eclipse. Somebody said something to someone about how great it would be to have the ability for owners of “house cars” to meet up with other like-minded folks. That weekend, the group decided to form Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), which it was originally called.
During the summer of 1965, FMCA members Bob and Ada Brackhill believed it could be a wonderful idea to expand the FMCA idea of just meeting at national conventions and holding additional gatherings at other times throughout the year. By the spring of 1966, 20th Century Wagontrainers, or TCW, became the association’s sixth chapter to be formed.
Decades later, TCW, an eastern area chapter of FRVA, celebrated its 60th anniversary in Cape May, New Jersey, at Sun Outdoors RV Resort.
Hosts Matt and Ellen Hoelzel, with amazing help from co-hosts Greg and Rita Brandis, organized a three-day event between June 1 and 4, 2026, which was attended by 21 families. Along with 19 TCW member families, we were honored to have FRVA national vice president Bob Weithofer and his wife, Pat, as well as past Eastern Area president Phyllis Britz and her husband, Eric. Then-Eastern Area president Gary Lyons was scheduled to arrive but could not attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Clarissa Sherrow, the Eastern Area’s Northern Region vice president, and her husband, Larry, also joined us.
Twenty-one families gathered to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Twentieth Century Wagontrainers chapter in New Jersey.
Attendees enjoyed two breakfasts and two dinners. Being in New Jersey, they had to have the famous Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese on a hard roll with hash browns. Pizza was supplied one night, after a number of charcuterie boards for appetizers were devoured during a happy hour gathering. Boxes of wines were also put on a table.
To make the afternoon even more special, attendees were fully entertained by Stiletto and the Saxman — Doreen and Joey, a well-known duo throughout the Jersey Shore and even Florida. They performed songs from the 1970s and ’80s with high energy that went off the charts and were enjoyed by all.
Every day, the weather was perfect for anyone interested in enjoying the sites and sounds of Cape May, a Jersey Shore town. These included historical sites, a zoo, a brewery, an airport museum, and golf courses. On Wednesday, compliments of TCW, all attendees enjoyed a dinner at The Lobster House. During the dinner, Bob Weithofer presented Matt Hoelzel with a 60th anniversary certificate and check from FRVA.
The next day, Thursday, was move-out day for most attendees. For some, leaving Cape May meant going to the next rally, a four-day event advertised as the party after the party. Seaside Heights, about 80 miles north of Cape May, is a popular TCW boondocking spot, where members park at the bay at Sunset Beach.
For 60 years, TCW grew like many other chapters. Members who start out strangers quickly become friends, many for a lifetime. Many TCW members have been in the group for a long time.
TCW is not known as a chapter that keys in on specific activities. But if you want to play golf, we can find a foursome. Like geocaching or visiting historic sites? Or maybe museums or flea markets are your hot spots. They are ours also. Like the Jersey Shore or the Amish area of Pennsylvania? TCW could be a chapter to get to know. See our website at tcw-frva.org or call Matt Hoelzel at (908) 421-3090.
See y’all on the road.