20th Century Wagontrainers

By Cherie Ilg Haas
Production Assistant

Many FMCA chapters gather for music and games, seminars and crafts, ice cream socials and potlucks, but few have been doing so for 36 years. Meet one of FMCA's first chapters -- the 20^th Century Wagontrainers, or TCW for short.

The chapter began when Ada and Bob Brackbill, F458, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, invited other FMCA members for a get-together in 1965. The group became an official FMCA chapter on March 2, 1966. Today 340 people belong to the Twentieth Century Wagontrainers. Although the majority of them hail from New Jersey, the chapter's geographical scope includes members from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.

Enthusiastic members such as Dolly Conway, F7720, of Middlesex, New Jersey, help to keep the chapter going strong. "Anybody that has a motorhome should join FMCA and a club, because it really gets you out," she said. "Motorhoming is a lovely way to travel."

The chapter's 35th anniversary was celebrated at a rally held September 22, 2001, which was attended by more than 200 people in 100 coaches. FMCA Northeast Area vice president Bill Gowen, F93847, and his wife, Diana, presented the chapter with a check from the association and an FMCA flag to commemorate TCW's success. Chapter members participated in a mile-long bike ride during the rally. TCW is issuing a challenge to all other FMCA chapters to beat its record: 42 members who each rode at least 1 mile.

While members played games, watched musical performers, and listened to storytelling, they also raised money in response to the September 11, 2001, tragedies. Joe and Eleanor D'Amico, F157440, made buttons with American flags on them and sold the buttons at the rally, raising $500 for the American Red Cross. Members also played a game of Survivor, which included a water balloon toss.

Although some TCW rallies have special events and goings-on unique to a specific rally, every rally has coffee hour in the morning with doughnuts, bagels, and coffee, of course. Later in the day, during happy hour, everyone brings a snack to share. "The potlucks bring everyone together," said Dolly. "We sit and talk and joke. It's so nice to meet people and get to know them." They also play Dominoes and card games, and socialize in general.

Dolly said everyone was very congenial at the anniversary rally, but that seems to be typical of TCW get-togethers. "We've always had a really nice group," she said. Dolly has been a member of TCW for approximately 32 years, so she can recall many rallies. "When we were younger, we stayed up late, had musicians, sang, and had campfires, and it brought us all together. Now we use propane heaters and get together over pizza, soup, or hot dogs."

TCW holds approximately 11 rallies each year. One recent rally took place at picturesque Liberty State Park, across the river from New York City, which was hosted by Pete and Charlotte Huebner, L13297. "When evening comes and the lights come on, the New York City skyline is the most beautiful skyline in the United States," said Dolly.

Then there's the Balloon Rally, which is held annually to benefit the American Diabetes Association, and is hosted by Ange and Louis Venti, F24621. At the last Balloon Rally, crafts and hot-air balloon rides were available for members to enjoy, and an auction was held to help generate money. In addition to the auction funds, rally dues are donated to the cause.

Sea Girt, New Jersey, is another popular rally site for the group, because it's close to water and can accommodate all the coaches. The fishing is pretty good there too, according to Joy Perrella, F179982, chapter secretary. Even the National Guard has been involved in this rally by cooking dinner for TCW, which the chapter members serve and enjoy. Seaside Heights, New Jersey, which is near the water and a boardwalk, is another common rally location.

TCW members receive a chapter newsletter approximately eight times a year which includes a rally schedule, a letter from the chapter president, and editorial contributions from chapter officers. Chapter dues are $10 per year. Members can get a name badge shaped like an old-time covered wagon for a few dollars more.