Tusco Traveliers to celebrate 50 years with anniversary Souper Celebration for past and current members of the camping club

  • by Jennifer Kneuss
  • April 15, 2013
  • 420
                        
Summary: Although transitioning from tents to well-equipped recreational vehicles along the way, the Tusco Traveliers have been going strong for 50 years. The camping group is planning an anniversary celebration, and is inviting past and present members to join them on April 27 at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds. As an Army veteran who felt he had spent way too many uncomfortable nights sleeping on the cold, hard ground, Paul Feller was doubtful in 1963 when his wife told him that she wanted to join a newly forming camping club. “I told her, well, I guess we can try it,” said Feller. “But I had my doubts.” 43 people showed up for the first meeting, which resulted in their first ever camp-out at Atwood Lake over the July Fourth weekend. That was 50 years ago. Today, the club, known as Tusco Traveliers, is still going strong. Feller, now a widower, was recently presented an award from his fellow club members for being the only charter member who is still a part of the club. “We sure had some good times,” he mused, recalling not only campouts, but dances, games, tours, campfire singing, fish fries, and other memories. He shared about the fun his family had camping together in the great outdoors. When pressed for a memory of any experiences, he shrugged. “I can’t really think of any. Oh, maybe a few thunderstorms. Of course, there was that time when park officials came to us to report that a group of our youngsters had gotten into the main building and got their hands on a bunch of rolls of toilet paper that they decorated the trees with,” he chuckled. “But that’s not really a bad memory. Kids will be kids, you know.” At one time, the Traveliers had several night long campouts with a church service on Sundays, but now the two to three day campouts usually end on Saturday nights “so that members can attend their home churches on Sunday,” explained Barb Renner, current club president. Once the weather starts to turn cold, camping disbands, but the group continues to meet. They kick off their winter season with a chili supper in October. “Every family brings a quart of chili,” noted Renner. “We combine them all together, heat them up, and enjoy! The blended flavors always turn out to be delicious.” They meet monthly all winter long for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at area restaurants or other locations until the warmer spring weather reappears and camping resumes again. Club members note that many things have changed over the years. Most of the membership is now older, and many are grandparents or great grandparents. They reminisce that tents and air mattresses were once standard camping fare, but members now camp in a whole new way of “roughing it”. “We have to rough it now with big screen televisions, satellite TV, indoor plumbing and climate control,” joked Carl Rummell of Newcomerstown, as he admitted that today’s recreational vehicles are a far cry from what was available in several decades ago. The Tusco Traveliers are commemorating 50 years as a club with a reunion “Souper Celebration” on Sat., April 27, at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds. All past and current members are encouraged to attend. “There will be games all day, starting at 10 AM,” Renner said. “Members can bring their extended family members, too, and current members are asked to bring salads and desserts.” Dean Miller is gearing up for the anniversary. “I will be cooking some delicious vegetable soup in a 30 gallon pot over the fire,” said Miller. “It’s what I like to do.” The culmination of the day will be the evening meal, which takes place at 5 PM. Renner said that even those who no longer camp still like to join the group for meals and fellowship throughout the year. “I’m not a camper anymore, but I still attend whatever I can,” agreed Feller, his eyes brightening. “I wouldn’t miss out on this fellowship for the world.” Anyone with questions about the anniversary Souper Celebration reunion or joining the Tusco Traveliers club can call Renner at 330-364-5031.


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