Fun in Frankfort

Who would have guessed that Frankfort, IN, is the new entertainment capital in Indiana.  Hoosier Cruisers arrived on Thursday at the Broadview Campground.  By 12:30 members were already lining up to tour the National Cigar Factory which is one of only four remaining cigar factories in the United States.  The factory began operation in 1917 and many of the machines looked as though they were original.  Tobacco is purchased from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.  Employees make a wide variety of cigars including "stogies" which were popular during the Civil War.  It was great tour.

 
On Friday, we all realized that there was no way that you could do everything that was available.  In the morning members brought in items that they no longer needed which were swapped with other members.  This was followed with a craft workshop that turned everyday soda can tabs into jewelry or decorative bands.

Later some of the members toured the Tech Group which is a high tech factory that make a variety of items including parts for batteries.  Other members chose to visit a auto museum that had showcased the progress of the auto industry.  Cars that were on display included Dusenburgs, a Cord, Packards, a Tucker, a T-bird, and a Mustang. 

In the evening, we toured Wesley Manor, had an excellent meal, and were entertained by the "String-alongs".  Check out the previous article with the lyrics for "Rovin' in My Old RV" written by Lowell H. Brown.  There is also a video clip to view which includes their music.

 
Saturday, began with a pitch-in breakfast, but by 9:30 we were on the road again to Dull's Christmas Tree farm.  The owners explained the process of growing trees to be purchased for the holiday season.  They also have restored log cabins.  One is used as a "bed and breakfast".  It had the most unique shower that was an artificial falls that tumbled over a rock ledge.  Fascinating!

Beth and Bruce Bailey planned a hotdog roast at the Dorsey farm.  Hoosier Cruisers enjoyed cooking their hotdog over an open fire.  The lunch also included potato salad, lemonade, iced tea, and pumpkin pie.  What a feast! 

A cake was also provided by Rick and Sandy Hahn recognizing the efforts of Greg and Bettie Wessel.  It was delicious.

For the adventurous members, several were treated with a ride in a combine.  For us city slickers this was a new experience and all were impressed with the great strides made in farming.  Agriculture is a high tech business today.

 And if we had not had enough exciting experiences, we had one more opportunity.  Dr. John Saalwaechter flew his Bonanza plane to the Frankfort airport and treated several Hoosier Cruisers to flights over the surrounding area including the campground where we were camping.

The day ended at Camp Cullom with an observatory program.

Sunday, members gathered for donuts and a church service provided by Lowell Brown.  He provided a message about "Love" that was uplifting.

We were sad to realize that the camping season for 2010 had ended, but were excited about the upcoming season in 2011.  Make sure that you check the blog for updated information during the winter months.

Congratulations to the New HC Officers for 2011

The following members were unanimously elected as officers at the September Rally.  Please congratulate these cruisers who are willing to serve as officers to continue the great traditions of the club.

PRESIDENT ------------------------------Rick Hahn

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT---------Steve Lisle

SECRETARY-----------------------------Sandy Hahn

TREASURER-----------------------------Cassie Lisle

NAT’L. DIRECTOR----------------------Bettie Wessel

ALT. NAT’L DIRECTOR----------------Jerry Hardacre

NORTH V. PRES------------------------Harry DeCausemaker

CENTRAL V. PRES.---------------------Bob Heath

SOUTHERN V. PRES-------------------Greg Wessel

*NEWSLETTER EDITOR---------------Jill Winebrenner

Lyrics to Rovin' in My Old RV II by Lowell H. Brown

I walked into a dealership With not much on my mind. A salesman grabbed me by the arm.  He was one of a kind.  When I had kicked a tire or two "Twas very plain to me That I would soon be rovin' in an old RV.

I bought myself a set of maps, The latest campground guide.  With storage space stuffed to the roof, My soul-mate at my side, I have my G P S turned on.  There's  many a sight to see.  And you can find me rovin' in my old RV.

I pulled into a camping ground One darek and stormy night.  The winds wer really kick-in' up, The lightnin' flashin' bright.  When come the dawn , it's raning yet. I'm soaked as you can see I smell, but I'm still rovin' in my old RV.

I'm headin' for the mountain tops, A stompin' on the gas To make the steep and curvy grade, Then whizzin' thru the pass.  A chuggin' and a smokin', Cars are linin' up, I see So slowly I'm a rovin' in my old RV.

I joined that Hoosier Cruisers band Who come from near and far.  Arriving in those monstrous rigs pushed by a tiny car.  They have a yen for 4 H grounds, Pitch-ins and sights to see.  And then they go off rovin' in their old RVs.

There'll come a time when I'll be found A drivin' 'round the bend.  Some folks are sayin' that will be My ever livin' end.  If so, my good and faithful friends, Now just you come to see; You'll find me up there rovin' in my old RV.

Click on the play button to play video.

HC 2011 Application

Now is the time to send your dues to Sandy Hahn the Hoosier Cruisers secretary.  The club continues to be a bargain at $15.  Don't miss out on a single rally and send your dues today!

Click on the icon below for a printable application form:

Frolicking Fun at the Elkhart Fairgrounds

Hoosier Crusier members enjoyed food and activities planned by the Tilmanns, Schumakers and Wilts.  The rally began on Thursday.  There were 39 coaches including four coaches who had recently joined the Hoosier Cruisers.  The organizers made sure that we would have a great time by including "happy hours" held around tables that had been decorated in fall colors including many quilts.  It was quite festive.

In the evening everyone enjoyed the food provided by members at a pitch-in dinner.  No one left hungry.

During the rally, the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale was in full swing.  The auctions and booths raise money for persons suffering from natural disasters.  Members purchased and sampled home made baked goods, attended auctions including a quilt auction that featured several beautiful handmade quilts. Other auctions included antiques and children's items.  For those interested in crafts, an entire building showcased items from all over the world.   There was certainly something of interest for everyone.

Friday evening several members savored a delicious "haystack supper".  It was similar to a taco salad on a plate.  Your meal was made as you walked along the serving line selecting the topping that you wanted.  It was scrumptious.

Have you ever been to a hay auction?  Well those that attended had an opportunity to check out an auction where local farmers bring their hay to be sold.  The seller also is typically responsible for delivering the hay.  We were all surprised how quickly the sales were completed.





On Saturday after enjoying all activities at the fairgrounds we traveled to the Old Bag Factory where we were served a delicious meal.  Following the meal, arrangements had been made for us all to be entertained by a "sweet adeline" group.  The songs were fun and some of the lyrics had been changed which made the crowd laugh. One song poked fun at "blondes". The vocalist crooned that she didn't know how to spell VW, but it didn't make any difference because she drove a Porche.

The rally ended on Sunday with a meaningful message provided by Alan Schmiedt. He provided one of his "short and shallow" talks that always gives you something to think about on your way home.

As people began to leave, they were already talking about the next rally.  If you missed this one make sure that you join your friends at the next rally at Broadview Lake Campground.

HURRAY!

Our club received 12 membership recruitment cards which entitles our club to a Chapter Prize Package.  We could not have done without the support of our members.  A special thanks goes to the Boyers, Lisles and Tilmanns who are our SUPER CLUB BOOSTERS!

THANK YOU!

Colfax/Frankfort Rally - October 7-10, 2010

The October Rally will be held at:
Broadview Lake Campground
4850 South Broadview Rd., Colfax, IN 46035
765-324-2622

Directions:
From Jct. of I-65 and Hwy 28 (exit 158) go west 2.5 miles on 28 to Hwy 52. Turn left (south) on 52 for 3.1 miles to Broadview.

We will start on Thursday with a 1:00 p.m. tour of the National Cigar Factory in Frankfort for those who can arrive early. It is one of only 5 cigar factories left in the United States.

Friday morning after the pitch-in breakfast, Jane Clashman will be teaching us how to make bookmarks from pull tabs. The same technique can be used for hat bands and other items. Everyone please bring your pop can pull tabs.

We will also be having a swap meet/garage sale Friday morning. Bring all those items you have not used all season and see if someone else would like to haul them around next season. There will be space available for swapping RV related items or selling your handmade crafts or just cleaning out a closet. Maybe you traded coaches and now your tire covers do not fit. You might find someone looking for that very size. Maybe you love to quilt but cannot use 10 quilts in a 1-bedroom RV. Bring it along with a price attached and we will see what happens. Maybe you read a book or built a jigsaw puzzle last winter and would like to trade for a different one for this winter?

Friday afternoon we have optional tours planned. Tech Group (which makes plastic parts such as the cases for ChapStick) factory tour or the Clinton County Historical Museum. You might like to make a quick stop at Zachary’s (formerly Peter Paul Mounds) outlet store. Then we will regroup at Wesley Manor for a brief tour and dinner. The String-A-Longs of Wesley Manor will entertain after dinner.

Saturday after the pitch-in breakfast, we will go to Dull’s Christmas Tree Farm near Mechanicsburg. In addition to Christmas trees, they have a restored barn. After a “Frankfort Hot Dog” roast we will tour the Dorsey Grain Farm where, in addition to corn and beans, they raise giant pumpkins. (Yes, the high school mascot really is a Hot Dog). Saturday night after dinner on your own we will view the stars at Prairie Grass Observatory. A chili supper fund raiser is being held at Camp Cullom, site of the observatory, or several restaurants are available in Frankfort.

Registration Deadline September 25, 2010

Rally Masters: Bruce and Beth Bailey 765-621-5734
Assistant RM’s: Jane and Ernie Clashman 765-617-6708 and
Lowel and Wilma Brown 765-242-3521 (Lowell) 765-242-9242 (Wilma)

Click on the registration to the right to print out a rally registration form.

Great Time at August Rally

The Rally in Clinton was a rousing success. On Saturday there were 25 coaches and 56 people. This included two 1st timers and two guests. Thursday, 30 enjoyed a very good dinner at the Tuscany Steak House in Paris, Ill.

Friday, members were split into two groups and toured Elanco where they developed a micro organism into usable food for farm animals. The other group visited Kleptz's classic and vintage auto and bikes chain saws etc. David Kleptz was able to describe the mechanical aspects of each vehicle and provide history on some.

Friday evening, Lois Ann, served her famous Pork BBQ, slaw, chips and Marybelle's baked beans.

Saturday, some of the ladies drove to Paris to take a quilt tour. Approx 40 drove to the Don Smith complex to view his five barns of race cars vintage auto 500 mile race memorabilia and walls covered with pictures of Larry Bird, AJ Foyt,Tony Hulman and many other dignitaries.

The afternoon many visited Lookout Farm to see how Alpaca's are raised and bred. Very interesting and informative.

Sat evening a catered dinner of Beef Burgundy, green beans, a delicious salad and two kinds of cake for desert.

 
As you can see there was lots of fun and attendees had a great time!
 
Information submitted by Duane and Lois Stoner
Photos courtesy of Ernie Clashman

Redmond Oregon or Bust

We made it!  The Wessels, Hahns and Schmiedts entered the gates together and were camped in the same location.  The scenery is outstanding and there is plenty of parking.  The facilities are top notch.  You can see that the Schmiedts were hard at work watching the rest of us set up. 

To kick off the rally we all had dinner together.  One thing that Hoosier Cruisers do well is have get-togethers.  We have also run into the Boyers and Ed Cassada.

Bettie is representing the club at the FMCA meetings and the rest of us are enjoying the seminars/activities.  Monday night we viewed the "Long, Long, Trailer".  What Fun!  Tuesday night we were entertained by Debbie Reynolds. 

The rally is sure to be another exciting event.

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.