Approximately 30 coaches began to arrive on Wednesday at the scenic West Boggs Campground. The Rally Masters Bettie and Greg Wessel, and Assistant Rally Masters, Mable and Bob Heath were kept busy directing members to their assigned sites. Some adjustments had to be made due to the rolling terrain of southern Indiana. Thursday ended with a roaring campfire where members shares stories about their winter experiences.
The next morning everyone was up bright and early to travel to Jasper. The first stop was the Jasper Engine Plant where engine, transmissions, and marine equipment is rebuilt. We walked around the plant for over an hour and a half. Dirty engines are brought in to the plant where they are rebuilt to factory or better standards.
The authentic department rebuilds engines that are no longer in production like model A Fords or engines that were used in hot rods.
Jasper Engines has even designed and produced a transmission that is used in may NASCAR cars today.
Those who took the tour learned much about the rebuilding of engines and transmissions. The workers were proud of their product and the plant was very clean and well run. We had to smile when we saw how they transport parts in this very high tech plant. Note the picture of the cart attached to a scooter.
After leaving the plant we traveled to Huntingburg where some Hoosier Cruisers did some shopping and others enjoyed lunch at a quaint restaurant.
The last stop was at Dr. Ted's Marvelous Musical Museum. What fun we were given the grand tour of nickelodeons, player pianos, calliopes, and various other music boxes. One even played the "chicken dance", which was enjoyed by the members.
Friday concluded with a delicious buffet at Stoll's Amish Restaurant. The food was excellent and it was a great way to end the day.
The next day attendees were treated to a pitch-in breakfast. One thing for sure the club has very good cooks. You can see from the smiles that the food was really enjoyed.
After breakfast members caravanned to West Baden to take a walking tour of the resort that became famous for its health springs. The resort has been restored to its former glory. When it opened it had the largest dome up until the Astrodome was built. Today you can tour the grounds and buildings of the West Baden Hotel, and view the architectural details that made the "eighth wonder of the world".
The tour began in the lobby of the hotel and which opened into the domed area. When the owner wanted a large dome he was told it could not be done until he met a young architect who had also designed bridges. It was a success and a marvel for the times. After leaving the atrium members walked through the gardens and visited the buildings where the health springs had been located.
The next stop for Saturday was at the train depot. Have you ever traveled on a vintage train? That's what the attendees were treated to... a nice relaxing train ride through the Hoosier National Forest.
At the end of the day, all Hoosier Cruisers gathered at the activity center for a chili supper prepared by Mable Heath, Sandy Hahn, and Bettie Wessel. The chili super included chili, salad, and homemade cookies
. Delicious!
The rally ended with a church service and hymns lead by Bruce Bailey. As the coaches were packed and the last goodbyes were said, people were already getting ready for the next rally in Plymouth, IN.
Linda and Denny Filson, and Cassie and Steve Lisle have planned another excitng rally. Check out your last newsletter for details. See you there!
The club thanks Bettie Wessel and Ernie Clashman for the photos which they submitted.
WOW, what a pre-rally. Attending members were given royal hospitality by Betty and Doug Tilmann. With the able assistance of the Schumakers and the Wilts, attendees had a rally packed full of activities. Doug assisted in parking the coaches and all went well even though they had received several inches of rain a few nights before. As you can see their property provided a beautiful setting for evening campfires, grilled hamburgers and a pitch-in chili supper. Betty even took lemonade to campers at their coaches. Now that's service.
The chili was heated in a cauldron over the campfire. Everyone brought their own secret recipe of chili, and it was all mixed together for a brew that was delicious. In addition to fun on grounds, a tour was taken that allowed members to view a repair shop that reconstructs coaches that have had a fire or extensive body damage. It was amazing how the shop was able to make old coaches look like new.
As a final meal together the group traveled to "Between the Buns" which is a restaurant/bar that has good food and great live entertainment. The pre-rally was a great lead-in to the GLASS Rally that was held in Berrien Springs. The Hoosier Cruisers want to thank the Tilmanns for their great hospitality and hard work.
