Northern Illinois Airstream Club

The Lowden rally was a good time. We had 23 people attend in 6 NIU rigs along with an Airstream trailer from LincolnLand, a MAL(former NIU member), and a pop up buddy. Friday evening we had a brutal rainstorm. Saturday breakfast, it rained again, so we relocated to the pavilion for omelets in a bag. During the day, people broke into smaller groups to see the local attractions. Dorothy Molder drove in for a Saturday afternoon visit. They have recalled Dorothy’ artificial hip, so she is scheduled for another operation in October. The big Saturday dinner featured Dutch Oven preparation of Sloppy Joe stew and Blueberry Bettie with ice cream. We enjoyed conversation around the campfire for the rest of the evening. Sunday morning it rained again and everyone decided to break camp. The Lowden Rally was a little different this year and more lay back and relaxed. Lowden State Park is always nice and especially green after rainstorms like we had this year.

The weather had cleared by Friday and we had no rain and pleasant temperatures all weekend. Nine Couples came out to enjoy the activities: Cristys, Dixons, DeHahns, Kochs, Humbles, Jamisons, Morrisons, Kortums, Whitesells, and Baulings who drove in on Saturday. In Jim Matkovich’s absence, the Morrisons, hosted the rally and Carol Dixon took the responsibility for conducting the business meeting.

FRIDAY night we enjoyed three hours of musical entertainment at the H. I. Lincoln Building in Franklin Grove. Before the entertainment, we dined at the Lincohnway Café across the street. A good time was had by all that appreciate blues and country music. The H.I. Lincoln Building was built by Abe Lincoln’s cousin as a general store and is now the National Headquarters of the Lincoln Highway Association. It contains souvenirs and memorabilia from the highway and once a month (during the summer months) they transform it into a music stage.

Saturday morning arrived early with Bob and Anita Koch preparing Biscuits & Gravy with a fruit cup for our breakfast. It was a little cool, so we used the smaller inside room. At 10:00, Carol Dixon called the business meeting to order. Louise Humble, Region 5 President, and her husband Jerry were in attendance and helped download some documents from the International site. The main order of business was the discussion of the proposed new International Constitution. Carol read the articles posted from the Constitutional Rewrite Committee and Dwight read some articles that were not included from the committee. As usual, there were some pluses and minuses about the proposal. A lively discussion ensued but in the end, the members did not feel they could approve the proposal as it was published. The next order of business was the discussion of the Denver proposed amendment to the current Constitution. It would allow the delegates’ meeting to review the International Bylaws and void those that they felt were inappropriate. This is a special proposal that is trying to be approved by going directly to the units. As a precondition, it has been approved by Region 11. After some discussion, the proposal was approved. Jim Matkovich will forward our approval to Jackson Center. Louise Humble asked for our feelings on an amendment to the International Bylaws she will have to vote on at the June by the IBT meeting. She explained this Region 3 proposal that would allow a Region officer to run for the same office more than once provided that the terms were not consecutive. We held a straw vote and found that all the members thought it would be a good idea, since it has been difficult lately to find people to run for Region offices.

Carol introduced the slate of candidates for the International Offices, as published in the Blue Beret. Since there was no opposition and no indication there would be anyone running from the floor this year, she called for them to be approved as read. There were no opposition votes. Carol, as nominating Committee Chairman, read the slate of officers for Northern Illinois offices that had volunteered and confirmed that they would serve in the upcoming year. For 1st vice president – Brian McFarland, Secretary- Jean DeHahn, Treasurer – Robert Koch, Trustees – Harry Jamison & Dick DeHahn. The offices of President and 2nd Vice president remain open at this time. Carol called for a vote and all candidates were confirmed.

We had a visiting member from the Iowa Unit drive in to attend our meeting and the afternoon activities. He joined our unit as an affiliate member.

After the meeting we broke up into groups to visit attractions in the area. Many had lunch at the Dixon’s River front on the Rock River. Later, we visited and toured the Franklin Creek Grist Mill and enjoyed homemade Putt Putt Ice Cream. Saturday dinner was prepared by Bob and Sandy Whitesell grilling huge hamburgers and Brats on the Club grill. Dwight cooked corn on the cob using a turkey burner. We all had a great filling meal outdoors under the covered patio. After dinner we lounged around the open campfire.
Sunday morning it was Carol and Dwight’s turn to prepare pancakes, sausages and fresh fruit for breakfast. Nancy conducted a small service. After the service it was voted that we all had eaten too much this weekend and would break camp instead of eating brunch. A number of us stayed around long enough to enjoy the great weather and the grounds. It was a great weekend of fun and fellowship.

Northern Illinois Unit has been given the Superior Merit Award for 2010, when Carol Dixon was President.

Written by Webmaster – Dwight Dixon

Region 5 May 2011 Newsletter link Click here

The weather was threatening most of the week but 5 brave trailering couples (Matkovichs, Kochs, Jamisons, Damischs, plus Brian McFarland, and Mark Pankow) ventured over the chilly rain swept highways to attend the rally at the 4H Fairgrounds at Amboy, Illinois. Bob and Sandy Whitesell came for the business meeting Saturday morning. Terry Chesnut and his family drove in for Saturday cook out dinner.

Our new president, Jim Matkovich, wants to thank everyone that attended.

March issue of the Blue Beret on line click here

We had 12 people attend: B. Nester, B. McKee, Frank & Darlene Mucci, Brian MacFarland, Mark Pankow, the Kortums, the Jamisons, and the Kochs. Everyone enjoyed the luncheon and lively discussions.

Region 5 February Newsletter click here

The luncheon was held at the “Old Country Buffet” in Spring Hill Mall in Dundee. It was hosted by our Unit President, Terry Chesnut. Twenty-one people attended to share a meal and celebrate Valentine Day as well as talk of the summer events to come with their Airstream friends.

February Blue Beret on line click here

Nine Northern Illinois couples got together to share news and stories as well as enjoyed lunch with fellow Airstreamers. The news is: The Carligs have replaced their trailer, destroyed during their Alaska caravan. They now have a 2007 30 footer to continue their caravaning adventures. Wagnons have moved back to a trailer after 3 years with a motorhome. Their new 25 foot trailer should be easier to handle on the highway and campgrounds. They still spend most of their winter months in their double wide at Travelers Rest. The Winters came over from their full time Florida Retirement home. The Morrisons visited from their double wide in Holiday, FL. The Dixons have purchased a double wide in Dunedin, FL. which has been in their family since 1973.

Travelers’ Rest was a Airstream park for 30 years. Since its conversion to an open format, some 8 years ago, significant changes have occurred. It has now become a destination Resort for full time living. Many 8 to 12 foot wide Park Models have been installed and many people stay year round. Many SOB trailers and Motorhomes make the facility a sell out much of the winter months. They may have some sites available without reservations occasionally, but suggest you call ahead before making plans to stop by.

We wish to thank Ruelene Aarup for setting up the luncheon. A good time was had by all.

The 2010 Northern Illinois Unit WBCCI Christmas Party was held at Stockholm Inn.  The Stockholm Inn is known for the Swedish food as well as traditional American comfort food.  Twenty-seven members attended.  The Food and conversation were good. The Kingsmen Four performed their usual gospel favorites for the attendees. Due to the passing of Susan Chesnut this week, we all a little somber.  Her husband, Terry,  current NIU president  hosted the event.  We will certainly miss her dedication to the club and her work as unit treasurer for the last 15 years.

Fourteen trailers came out for an excellent weekend of weather and activities. The usual Saturday feast featured three turkeys and a gaggle of accompanying courses. Thirty-six people were served. Louise Humble, Region 5 President, attended to install our officers for 2011. Installed officers included: Terry Chesnut as President, Jim Matkovich as first Vice President, Jean DeHahn as Secretary, Susan Chesnut as Treasurer, and Directors, Bob Morrison and Anita Koch. Friday night, the club video projector was used to view some DVD’s and VHS’s from the Airstream company and WBCCI headquarters including the Cape Town to Cairo Caravan. Some of us had seen these videos last year, but the audience does change, so it was still entertaining. We had a nice campfire Saturday night. Carol Dixon, Retiring President, displayed the photo album of this year’s activities and Dwight used the club’s projector to show a portion of them using an animated slide show computer program featuring the PBS “Ken Burns” effect. Saturday afternoon, the white elephant auction was held. Many people contributed usable items and over $300 was raised to augment the members’ dues for conducting club business in the coming year. Paul and Alice Yazel contributed some of the memorabilia and equipment they had accumulated over their 30+ years of club membership. They said that Paul’s health had lead to their decision to sell their trailer. After the Sunday worship service, Carol Dixon let it be known that they had purchased Yazel’s trailer. This was the first, and unfortunately last, Rally planned and conducted Terry Chesnut, due to his wife’s death.

Rally Schedule for the Thanksgiving/Halloween/Installation rally

Friday, Oct. 15th
11:00 a.m. Arrive After 11:00a.m. Please help to set up the hall.

3:00 p.m. “Snacks and Chats” in the hall. Please bring snacks to share.

6:00 p.m. Dinner. Please remember to supply your own tableware

7:00 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting.

7:00 p.m. Play cards, board games and chit-chat Campfire (weather permitting)

Saturday Oct. 16th

8:00 a.m. Breakfast

9:15 a.m. Pay Rally Fees and Membership Dues

10:00 a.m. Unit Business Meeting

After meeting prepare Thanksgiving Turkeys and Dressing and Set-up for White Elephant Auction

12:00 p.m. Lunch on your own

1:30 p.m. White Elephant Auction—Bid High Buy Often! (Fill the Club Coffers)

6:00 p.m. Dinner! Our Annual Thanksgiving Feast – We provide the turkey, dressing; you provide the trimmings:
A-K Vegetable Dish L-Z Salad Dish

7:00 p.m. Installation of Officers

8:30 p.m. Door Prizes and Evening Snack

Sunday Oct. 17th

8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Worship Service

11:00 a.m. Lunch to follow (including our Thanksgiving Feast leftovers)

Please help to clean-up

September newsletter click here
Have a Safe Trip…We’ll see you down the road!

170 RV’s attended from six Regions. Northern Illinois had 10 memberships there. Five Northern Illinois members caravaned over from the Region 5 Rally Dixon, Aarup, Jamison, Morrison, DeHahn, and Koch. Meeting us at the Airstream factory were: McFarland/Pankow, and Lantvits. Whitesells and Kraners came directly from Chicago to the rally on Saturday. It took them about 8.5 hours via the expressways.

We arrive early Friday. The weather was in the 90’s as we explored the surrounding rolling countryside to familiarize ourselves with the towns and facilities in the area. The city park and the Land-O-Lakes Unit have hosted this rally for 48 years, so they were well experienced and had all bases covered. They had a wide variety of activities and experiences planned. On Saturday, we toured by ourselves some attractions that we would not have time to see on the tours. Saturday afternoon Northern Illinois had a gathering amongst the trailers. Sunday, after church services, a number of us went for an Amish Dinner in Charm and returned for the afternoon band concert. Opening ceremonies were Sunday evening.

The all day tours started on Monday as the temperature dropped from in the 90’s to the 60’s and with some rain. The convoy tours were lead by experienced Land-O-Lakes members. Most tours included Amish based or owned businesses in the surrounding towns. The presence of slow moving Amish buggies on the narrow country roads had to be considered when calculating commute times.

The Amish and Mennonites are not one uniform religious body, but a wide variety of conservative religious groups with varying traditions and rules of what constitutes a “proper” life style. The various groups within the Amish communities have dress, buggy construction and other social customs which are different and distinguishable to the educated observer. The Amish usually avoid AC, grid based, electricity, but in some groups tolerate AC electricity, if it is self generated. They usually do not allow telephones in their houses but many keep the family phone in a small outhouse like phone booth in the front yard. Some of their kids use cell phones but have no electricity at home to charge them. Television is also to be avoided. Computers are operated by battery rather than by AC. They do not like to have their picture taken. Large families on small farms are a tradition. Some families raise large commercially quantities of chickens under contract to large processors. Many use horse drawn equipment to farm the small fields that can be squeezed into the valleys. Some horse drawn equipment has diesel or gas engines mounted on them to perform functions requiring high speed or high RPM. A number of Amish sects refuse to use electrically driven appliances, so air driven or motor drive is an acceptable substitute. Amish tradition will not allow them to drive a car but some sects allow them to ride in a car. Black buggies with battery powered lights are the common mode of transportation but some use bicycles to get around. Women receive a 8th grade education and are then qualified to be school teachers. Most men also receive only an 8th grade education, but some are allowed to go on to college and even become doctors. Men must have beards, but mustaches are not allowed. Clothing must be made from solid color fabrics. No printed fabric is allowed. Women must have their hair pulled back under a bonnet. Different bonnet style are required for: children, young girls, and married women. To me, the traditions do not seem to be logically consistent, but to them, they are closely held traditions. They claim these are not religious mandates, but rather social traditions that reinforce their family unity.

The tours continued Tuesday and Wednesday. The rain had cleared up by that time but the night time temperatures reached the high 40’s and the day time temperatures reached the high 60’s. In three days we took three of the seven tours offered and learned a lot about the people and their varying traditions and life styles. Other Northern members took other tours. Many of our members had been here more than once and still find it interesting.

The nightly entertainment started Sunday with a couple singing and playing their stringed instruments in a traditional religious and Bluegrass style. Monday, a different couple showed and demonstrated a wide variety of stringed instruments that they had acquired in their business of buying and selling them during the last fifteen years. It included: guitars, banjos, violins, mandolins, zithers, and many more instruments dating back to the 18th century. They hope to open a museum some time in the future. Tuesday evening, “The Maidens Four”, a younger four singing sister act, played and danced in the Celtic tradition. They were very high energy and demonstrated a variety of instruments. Their clog style tap dancing rang throughout the hall from the portable hardwood floor they brought in. On Wednesday evening, Crystal Gage, a young female singer, put on a one woman country and western show she had perfected by playing to senior audiences for ten years. The music was based on an Ipod recorded karaoke music. She got the audience activity involved in the show. Thursday evening’s entertainment was provided by a school band director, who demonstrated the use of the Alphore horn followed by a four piece Cleveland style Polka band. We also saw them again the next day, Friday, at the in-town Swiss Festival. The saxophone player used a new instrument, I had never seen, called a electronic windjammer. It had a saxophone type reed and was played with nine fingers, but electronically modified the sound to make it sound like a variety of instruments. He played it as a: tuba, clarinet, trombone, flute, and harpsichord. He also had a new sax which he had just bought and played it most of the night.

Larry Huttle, chairman of the Airstream Div. of Thor, came over from Jackson Center to give us a presentation. He said the company is doing quite well in its recovery from the downturn in 2008 and 2009. The big news was that the company had changed its stance on building Class A motorhomes. If WBCCI and others in the market can provide enough commitment to buy new motorhomes, the company will consider building some based on using the exterior purchased from other Thor Divisions and finishing the interior at Jackson Center. Larry likened it to what they do with Mercedes, Ford and Chevy vans when they turn them into B-vans. Larry was not specific as to how many models might be made available or how many units needed to be committed to before the company would be willing to build them. Even if these units never see the inside of the Jackson Facility, the fact that they carry the Airstream brand name on their exterior and are sold and serviced by authorized Airstream dealers, would allow them to be classified as Airstreams under the current WBCCI Constitution and be qualified for membership. If the club can prove that enough units can be sold for the project to be economically viable, this would completely defuse the motorhome controversy. The ball is clearly in our court. Airstream said they would not build 34 footers anymore, but changed their tune when they got commitments for 17 trailers and built 25 of them. I have heard they have all been sold. Airstream said they would not build anymore slides on trailers but the machine fixtures to build them were still seen on our plant tour two weeks ago. The bridges have not been burned.

The hobby show and garage sale was held on Thursday. We sold some more reflector tape, as we had done at Region 5. There was some nice wood crafting shown. Apple butter was being made by an Amish man in a 50 gallon copper kettle over an open fire for 14 hours. The resultant 175 pints were sold for $3.75 each. We took a drive over to the Walnut Creek shopping area and bought a belt from an Amish shop as well as groceries. We got back just in time to see a horse shoeing demonstration and have our Amish buggy ride. We got free freshly made Put-Put Ice cream. Put-Put ice cream is made by a double barreled old fashion hand crank type machine but powered by a slow RPM single cylinder gasoline motor which fires very irregularly. The ham and beans had been cooking in four 50 gallon cast iron kettles since morning and were passed out at 5:00 PM for people to bring back to their groups, between the trailers, to share a meal.

On Friday and Saturday, a school bus provided free rides to the in town festival events. We watched the kids’ parade, with marching bands and floats, as well as kids and animals dressed up in Swiss costumes. Bands were playing in two locations and there was a carnival midway with rides and lots of eats. The firehouse had cheese and wine tasting booths. While we were in town enjoying ourselves, the Land-O-Lakes members took down all the decorations and walls that had surrounded the open pavilion to make it into our entertainment venue. They own the walls as well as all the kitchen appliances and have to take them all down and store them each year. As the average age of the members in the unit has continued to rise and the membership numbers have dropped. They are uncertain how long they will be able to continue to offer this national special event rally. We left for home early Sunday morning as did many others.

September Northern Illinois Newsletter
click here