By Helen Caserta, F101979
January 2017
Members of 20th Century Wagontrainers (TCW) celebrated the chapter’s 50th anniversary with a rally September 30-October 2, 2016, at Old Mill Stream Campground in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The event was hosted by chapter president Nancy Russo and her husband, Rich, and Dennis and Charlotte Lawyer, with help from a supportive committee. Eighty members attended.
Rally highlights included visits with friends; catered meals; two narrated bus tours that took members to local places of interest; a dinner and show at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre; and a theatrical re-enactment of the “War of the Worlds” radio show by Raconteur Radio. Each rally attendee received a red-and-white umbrella with the TCW logo, as well as an anniversary booklet created by Jack and Karen Peters.
A wonderful log kept by Martha Dodd has helped chronicle the chapter’s history. Sixteen FMCA members gathered on May 1, 1965, in Pennsylvania to discuss forming a chapter. They agreed on $3 annual dues, the chapter name, and a logo. During the winter they worked on bylaws and planned the first rally.
The chapter was formed the weekend of May 13-15, 1965, when owners of nearly three dozen motorhomesfrom New Jersey and nearby states met at Panther Lake Camping Resort in Andover, New Jersey.
Over the years, the TCW chapter grew to almost 300 families (and several new chapters were formed from the initial group). Rallies were held in many states and places, including parks, backyards, festivals, fairs, and other events. Members enjoyed Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Seaside Heights, New Jersey (still a favorite). They gathered at Army bases, baseball stadiums, and Elks clubs. Whether large or small, each gathering was always a good time.
Anniversary rallies, held every five years, always have been special events. The 20th was at the West End Fairgrounds in Gilbert, Pennsylvania. The 25th featured a beer truck and commemorative beer mugs. The 30th was held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, New Jersey, now home of the New Jersey State Fair. FMCA national and area officers liked the location, and the following year an area rally was held at that facility.
The 35th, at Robert J. Miller Air Park near Toms River, New Jersey, took place just after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and everyone wore commemorative buttons. The 40th again was at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. The 45th, at Cape May, New Jersey, featured a whale-watching cruise, and despite the fact that no whales were seen, many dolphins put on quite a show.
Our venerable chapter is strong, fun-loving, and supportive of others. We enjoy the creativity of rallies arranged by members, and we all look forward to the next gathering!