Decades of chapter history culminated in a golden anniversary rally held in July 2024.
By Greg Xanders, F496994
November/December 2024
In April 27, 1974, the Lincoln Landers chapter was formed. Then-president Jeff Schroeder held the first meeting and rally at the fairgrounds in DuQuoin, Illinois, with 18 coaches and approximately 50 members attending. In July of that year, 11 Lincoln Landers coaches returned to the DuQuoin fairgrounds for FMCA’s 11th Annual Convention. That month, they opened chapter membership to anyone with an interest in RVing, instead of being defined by Illinois state lines; they also established chapter membership dues at $10 per year, which remains the same 50 years later.
By the 1990s, Lincoln Landers membership had grown to 64 coaches and well over 120 members. In its 50-year history, chapter membership has totaled around 567 members from Illinois and six surrounding states.
They have been quite an active group through the years. Members spent lots of time playing games, including an early favorite, “Pitching Washers.” They enjoyed arts and crafts, campfires, and preparing lots of good food. They also established the “scooter squad”; visited many different sites; went to 394 rallies; and, most importantly, had a fellowship and comradery that would last a lifetime!
Fast forward to April 27, 2024 (and it does go by fast!). The Lincoln Landers chapter again held a rally at the DuQuoin fairgrounds. This rally celebrated the chapter’s 50th anniversary. Members assembled in a nice, renovated horse barn. The front room still contains horse stalls, which were perfect to display the many albums of pictures taken during those 50 years. These were maintained and provided by our chapter historian, Nancy Huckaba. Original banners were hung, along with some of the original jackets past members wore. The building’s back banquet room was decorated with black and gold for the 50th anniversary celebration.
Although there were not many visitors from the early years, the three daughters of Fritz Thomann attended and had great stories. Greg Bingheim and his brother, Dennis, also attended early rallies with their parents. Greg and his wife, Cindy, are current Lincoln Landers members, and they furnished some of the memorabilia displayed. Thanks so much!
The afternoon celebration started with a slide presentation by current president Greg Xanders, honoring and highlighting the activities of past members. FMCA national president Gary Milner and his wife, Glenda, who are Lincoln Landers members, were on hand to honor the club with a 50th anniversary certificate and check from FMCA. Midwest Area president John Jacobs and his wife, Alice, also Lincoln Landers members, participated in the festivities.
After a delicious catered dinner, there was a champagne toast and 50th anniversary cake. Although Frances Cobb was unable to attend, she was honored for being a member of FMCA and the Lincoln Landers for 48 years. Jim and Dee Block were also honored for their longstanding 27-year membership. Insulated tumblers donated by Dolo Wishard and 50th anniversary bolo tags donated by Charlie and Mary Ruth Kieffer were given to members.
It was a great rally and celebration! Many thanks to all who helped.
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