Lowell E. Hardacre Will Be Missed

Lowell E. Hardacre, 77, of Anderson, died at his residence on Tuesday, July 20, 2010.  Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service.  Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Lowell had served as National Director several times for the Hoosier Cruisers. Members of the Hoosier Cruisers want to extend their heartfelt sympathies to Jerry and Carol Hardacre, and family.

August and September Rallies - Packed Full of Fun!

You won't want to miss the August Rally.  Duane and Lois Stoner will be hosting a rally in Clinton with Russ and Marybelle Myers.  They have planned a variety of activities that should be of interest to all who attend.  Some of the activities include a tour of Klelptz Vintage Cars and Memorabilia, a tour of Elanco Products Division of Eli Lilly and a tour of The Clabber Girl Museum.  You can also count of good food. Members will be treated to homemade BBQ sandwiches, slaw and chips.  Mark your calendar on August 19-22 for a fun filled rally in Clinton.  Click below for the registration: 

The September Rally will be hosted by Doug and Betty Tilmann. They will be assisted by Dick and Janice Schumaker, and Fred and Cathy Loucke.  You all know that the Tilmans planned the Pre-GLASS Rally that was a great time.  The rally will be held at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen, IN, on September 23-26.  Mark your calendar today so that you will not miss this rally.

Some of the planned activities include the Haystack Dinner, the annual Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale and Quilt Auction, Antique Auction, craft and bakery booths, dinner at the Trolley Cafe' and much, much more.

Check your July/August Newsletter for additional information. 

If your address or email address has changed, please contact Secretary, Sandy Hahn (smhahn1@hotmail.com), and Newsletter editor, Cheryl Schmiedt (cschmied@bnin.net).

For Hoosier Cruisers, the fun never stops, it just keeps on rolling!

July Rally Roaring Success

Jack and Mae Stevens planned an excellent rally that was enticing to all who attended.  They had activities for senior members and for grandchildren who attended.  The coaches began to roll in on Wednesday and continued through Friday.  The first scheduled activity was a visit to the Ropkey Armour Museum.  This is a private collection of equipment and items used in WWI through present day.  Many of the members who have served in the armed services remembered many of the artifacts displayed. 

The Tilmann grandsons were fascinated with the tanks and were allowed to climb in and experience what it was like to be inside a real armored vehicle.

Friday afternoon,  members took a walking tour of the historic homes in Crawfordsville.  We toured the Wabash College President's home which was built in the 1800's.

Our tour guide also shared information about the exploits of Lew Wallace who served as a U.S. soldier and a General in the Civil War.  He later became a lawyer who prosecuted the conspirators in the Lincoln assassination.  He was the U.S Minister to the Ottoman Empire, but is probably best know as the author of Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.   Lew Wallace had a study built where he wrote and studied.  It was interesting that originally the structure had a moat around it where Lew would often go fishing from the windows in the basement.

That evening we shared food at a carry-in.  And as usual the food was outstanding.  No one went back to their coach hungry.

The next day, members traveled into Crawfordsville to tour the first and only rotary jail that is still operational.  The entire circular structure of cells rotates on a column.  When it was first opened there was only one door into the cells.  The cells were rotated to allow admittance or exit by the prisoners.  The front of the jail was the home of the sheriff.

Saturday afternoon, several members went tubing down Sugar Creek.  What a beautiful day!  The sun was out and the creek was swift.  No one had to get out and walk.

The day ended with a excellent meal at the Elks Club where we were treated to catered dinner what was enjoyed by all.  Food and fellowship, what could be better.

You know that a rallly is a success when the rally masters are still smiling at the end of the weekend.  Mae and Jack extended their sincere appreciation to all those members who helped orchestrate a rally full of activities and fun.

It's Not Too Late for a Fantastic Rally

Mae and Jack Stevens have planned a super rally in Crawfordsville.  This event will be held at the Sugar Creek Campground.  Enjoy the shade of the big trees, sipping ice tea, and visiting with friends.

On Friday, members have an opportunity to visit the Ropkey Armor Museum which is one of the largest  and finest collections of U.S. tactical military vehicles in the country.  Fred Ropkey has restored tanks from W.W. I through the Iraq War, as well as Jeeps, motorcycles, and airplanes.  You will see a jet that was designed to take off and land both vertically and horizontally.  It is the only one in existence and was used by Neil Armstrong.  Next is the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum, a National Historic Landmark dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Lew Wallace, Civil War Major General, diplomat, inventor, and world-renowned author of "Ben-Hur".  Yes, Charlton Heston has been here!

Saturday, attendees can see the Rotary Jail Museum, built in 1882 and used until 1973.  Unbelieveable!  You gotta see it!!  It was the first of nine rotary jails in the U.S. and is currently the only one in operating condition.

Other options for the afternoons are canoeing and kayaking down Sugar Creek to Shades or Turkey Run State Park.  Also available is the 4 1/4 mile Sugar Creek Trail for walking or biking on the west side of town.  Shades State Park and Pines Hills Nature Preserve (the first dedicated nature preserve in the state and the most highly patronized) are not far.  There are three or four golf courses in the country..........you may want to bring your clubs.  The Mid'town Museum of Native Cultures just up the road on US 136....one lady's collection....she loves her hobby.  And for those railroad buffs, the Linden Depot Museum, built in 1907, is the oldest junction depot in Indiana.  It has been restored to the 1950's era of railroading with numerous artifacts on display.

You won't want to miss this great rally, so send in the registration form today!

Darke County Rally

The National RV Great Lakers invited members of the Hoosier Cruisers to attend a rally in Darke County, Ohio.  Rally Masters Dennis and Betty Behnken had planned a great rally that included a factory tour of the Kitchen Aid plant and the Kitchen Aid store.  During the tour attendees saw mixers being assembled which are available in over 50 colors.  The tour guides were knowledgeable and answered all questions. Great tour!

At the store attendees purchased appliances and accessories which were good buys.  But the best part was making apple dumplings that were baked by the instructors.  Later members returned for their dessert which included a scoop of ice cream.  Smiles were present on everybody's face as they enjoyed their afternoon treat. 

On Friday, participants visited the Garst Museum which includes several exhibits:  Annie Oakley, Lowell Thomas, Military History, and American Indians.  The docents provided much information about each display and were present to answer questions.  Everyone left a little more enlightened.

On Saturday, campers were given the freedom to choose what adventure they wanted to pursue.  Bettie and I chose to take part of the Quilt Barn Tour which is located in Miami County.  An artist from Mexico painted quilt blocks on over 50 barns in the area.  We were fascinated with this project which is available to anyone who wants to take a scenic drive.

Hoosier Cruisers appreciated the hospitality that was extended by the National RV Great Lakers.  The members were warm and included everyone in the activities that were planned.  This was evident during the catered dinner where everyone fellowshiped together. 

Thanks go to Dennis & Betty Behnken, Terry & Joan Swank who went out of their way to make this rally a success for their members and guests.  Thank you!

Bremen Rally Huge Success

The fun filled June Rally was held due to the efforts of Denny and Linda Filson, and Steve and Cassie Lisle.  The well attended rally was held in Bremen, IN, at Pla-More Campground.  The first scheduled tour was of the Newmar Factory.  Members were treated to a detailed description of how motorhomes are made in the Nappanee plant.  They were shown how coaches were built from the frame up including construction and painting. 

It was impressive!

On Saturday, rally goers traveled to the Martin Buggy Shop where they received a tour of the shop and a buggy ride.  For the woodworkers the buggy shop was followed by a visit to Mint City Millworks where everyone learned how grandfather clocks are made. 

The day ended with an authentic Amish Dinner.  WOW, what great food.  No one left the table hungry after a family style dinner that ended with homemade desserts.

As the coaches left everyone offered their appreciation for a job well done in creating a fun filled rally.  Thanks!

GLASS 2010

The Hoosier Cruisers arrived on the Wednesday prior to the beginning of the rally.  Arriving the day before was great because there was less traffic.  The club was placed in a great area for camping which allowed members to participate in "happy hours", and share their experiences while at the rally.  Doug Tilmann even arranged for the club members to be entertained at their sites.  As you can see the ladies were having a great time.

The GLASS Rally provided a variety of seminars from jewelry making to maintenance sessions that were of interest to the members.  Several vendors were there to sell there items and services.  Many members had their coaches washed and waxed which made them look like new.

On Saturday, the Hoosier Cruisers served the evening meal to over 600 attendees.  Over 50 HC men and women participated in this event.  Not only is it an opportunity to provide service, but they had a good time doing it.

The evening entertainment include a parade of chapters.  Participants were treated to a variety of entertainers who provided foot-tapping music and humorous jokes that kept the audience laughing.

The club also participated in the Chapter Fair where the club's activities and events were showcased.  During the rally FMCA members joined the HC Chapter.

This rally was truly an enjoyable experience that left those attending wanting more.  Don't forget to mark your calendar for next year's GLASS Rally which will be held the last weekend in in May.

GLASS Pre-rally

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.

Want an Attractive Name Badge Holder

Connie DeCausemaker shared a very neat and attractive pocket name badge holder that could be made by members.  She has a pattern that she is will to share and is willing to help those members who are interesting in making one.  Contact Connie at CONNIEJO9@VERIZON.NET

Thanks, Connie for this useful project that will be valued Hoosier Cruisers.

Exciting Times at the May Rally

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.