Midwest Coachmen

Friendship, good company, and good times are just a few of the benefits that the Midwest Coachmen chapter offers. And with 112 member families and 39 years under its belt, its members must be doing something right.

This group is one of the first three chapters of FMCA, which all received their official charter on April 10, 1965. The chapter's name does not refer to the Coachmen motorhome brand; at the time it was chosen, the word "coachmen" was used to describe people who owned RVs, according to chapter president Bob Sherwood, F234483. Owners of all coach makes are welcome. “We don’t care what it is as long as it has wheels and you can drive it,” he said.

Chapter members rally approximately eight times each year. Most rallies are held in Ohio, where the majority of Midwest Coachmen members live, but the group has been known to stray a little farther into Michigan, Indiana, or West Virginia.

One of the chapter's 2003 rallies was the Bicentennial Bash in Granville, Ohio, where Don and Grace Murphy, F176615, won the chapter’s "Bicentennial Coach Contest." The contest was held to celebrate Ohio’s 200th anniversary. Chapter members decorated their motorhomes and/or their camping areas to reflect the state’s history.

The Troy Strawberry Festival and the Columbus Zoo are a couple of other Ohio locations where the Midwest Coachmen recently gathered. Typical rallies include potluck dinners, activities, and varying entertainment. Time is made available for members to explore the rally area on their own. Playing golf, swapping books, and socializing are other activities. Plus, “We’re just happy . . . to sit around the campfire and talk,” Bob said. With such great company, who can blame them?

The photos on the chapter’s Web site, www.midwestcoachmen.com, show what a great time these folks have. “We are a friendly group of motorhomers who enjoy getting together .... " the Web site introduction says. Web site visitors can view a list of rallies and a recent newsletter. They can connect to some great links, including other FMCA chapter Web sites and the association's official site, www.fmca.com. Visitors also can register for a future rally or send an e-mail to the chapter.

Although the chapter uses this Web site to generate interest and recruit members, it doesn't stop there. At campgrounds chapter members hand out information about FMCA and the Midwest Coachmen to other RVers, and through mailings they contact new FMCA members within their chapter scope, which is Ohio and Kentucky. No wonder this is such a strong, active chapter that keeps celebrating year after year with FMCA.

If you’re interested in joining the Midwest Coachmen chapter, contact FMCA’s Chapter Services Department at (800) 543-3622.