Teardroppers of Oregon and Washington
Serving those who are or wannabe teardroppers

TOW Line
Number 27 April 2009
Published whenever
Marty Boehme, Editor
20232 S. Jasan Dr.
Oregon City, OR  97045
503-632-6563
teardrops@bctonline.com
www.teardroptrailers.org

IN THIS ISSUE
1-	Spring Fling is on “Plan B” this year - By Trudy Glassett
2-	Teardroppers Tour Portland Transportation Museum
3-	Dam Gathering of the Tears – The 16th Anniversary
4-	Northwest Teardrops Plan Campout in Creswell
5-	Svard’s Yard Teardrop Meet in Canada – By Pat Svard
6-	Fourth of July Teardrop Fun in Carnation
7-	Mid-Winter Potlucks Lots of Fun
8-	Second Jefferson State Chapter Campout for Fathers’ Day – By Eunice Hill
9-	Thanks to Those Hosting Teardrop Gatherings and More – By The Editor
10-	The Annual Kelson Kampout for this Summer
11-	Third International Teardrop Gathering
12-	My Experience at the Barrett-Jackson Car Auction – By Hiram Stumpjumper
13-	Memorial Service Honors Teardropper Ed Colvin - By Katie Boehme
14-	Vintage Trailer Rally Welcomes Visitors – By Jerry Kwiatdowski
15-	TOW Nametags, Patches and Jackets are Available
16-	Calendar for Upcoming Events

SPRING FLING IS ON “PLAN B” THIS YEAR
By Trudy Glassett
	As they say, “The best laid plans of mice and men - - - “    Our 11th annual Spring Fling will NOT  be held at Backstrom Park in Morton, Washington.  Due to the severe winter weather, the campground and shelter were damaged and will not be repaired by Memorial Day weekend.
	Steve and Peggy Birley offered the use of their property in Chehalis, Washington.  Since we’re on “Plan B” and their last name begins with “B”, we’re calling their property “CAMP B”.  Nearby are Centralia’s antique malls and outlet malls, a county museum, steam engine train ride, the historic Olympic Hotel/Restaurant/Theater and the Veteran’s Museum.  Northwest Trek outdoor experience and the Packwood and Randle swap meets are each about an hour’s drive away from camp.
	The traditional Spring Fling activities will take place:  Bingo, door prizes, team Family Feud, treasures from the Packwood and Randle swap meets, great food (with Dutch Oven cooking) and fantastic, friendly and fun teardroppers.  Of course, campfires and S’mores will be available each night.
	Since we’ll be on private property, there is no camping fee, but the $20 registration will cover the cost of renting portable toilets.  This fee also includes two (2) breakfasts, door prizes, and dash plaques.
	If you are interested in joining the fun on May 22-25th, please contact us at 360-293-1108 or glassettgang@juno.com .  We would like to have all registrations completed by May 9th, so we can have enough dash plaques and food for the breakfasts.  We hope you’ll be able to attend the first Northwest teardrop/vintage trailer event of the camping season.

TEARDROPPERS TOUR PORTLAND TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM
On Saturday, Feb 28th, TOW toured a private transportation museum in Portland with a guest car club.  This museum was created by and for the Curtis family of Curtis Trailer Sales in the early 1960's.  It's grown to a size that has no equal on the Pacific Coast of North America.
       It has the most impressive collection of horse-drawn wagons, carts, buggies, buckboards, hearses and more that defy description because they were built for specific purposes.  The space in the middle of the museum was taken up by everything horse-drawn.
    Along one whole wall is a collection of old-time fire fighting equipment that rivals or exceeds the LeMay collection.  The focus of this collection is the perfectly restored steam-driven and horse-drawn water pumper.  This piece of fire-fighting equipment started out as miscellaneous parts found in a dump.  Quite a bit of the restoration involved the making of new parts to put it back into running condition.  Everything is nickel plated and does it shine!  Also, one wall is lined with vintage fire-fighting memorabilia.
   Vintage trailers were displayed in one corner.  All four were from the 1930's.  They were in perfect shape with wonderful patina that reflected their age.
    Many military vehicles of all types occupied another corner.  There were three amphibious assault vehicles.  Again, the walls above this part of the collection were lined with military paraphernalia. 
    Tour director was Camie, the daughter of Myron Curtis who started the trailer business just after WWII.  She did an outstanding job of describing each piece in the collection and in most cases, its origin and history.  Her service to our group was just outstanding!!
    Afterward, most of the original group made up of 22 teardroppers and 20 members of our guest Oregon City car club (Trick ‘n. Racy Street Rods) relaxed and visited at a local pizza restaurant.

DAM GATHERING OF THE TEARS – THE 16TH ANNIVERSARY
The 16th Dam Gathering of the Tears takes place at Antlers RV Park & Campgrounds on the banks of Lake Shasta, 25 miles north of Redding, California.  The dates are April 30th to May 3rd.
Our good times with teardrops and teardroppers just keep rollin' along!  Friday night - Dutch Oven Sampler, Saturday night - World-Famous Dam Gathering Chili Pot/Dutch Oven/Potluck Extravaganza - Teardrop Derby Gravity Racing, and more!  No site reservations, first-come/first-claimed campsites.
Registration is $15 and $11 per night covers camping..  Call 530-275-6728 or e-mail info@teardrops.net for more information.  Gathering website and registration forms are at www.tandt.teardrops.net/dam.html. 

NORTHWEST TEARDROPS PLAN CAMPOUT IN CRESWELL
	This year, it happens from June 5th to Sunday, June 7th.  The site is on private property near Creswell, Oregon.  The hosts, Lonnie and Sherry Aaron have teamed up with long-time teardroppers Larry and Zelda Boehme.  The site is on an upper meadow on the Boehme farm.  
	Larry is a gadgeteer who has made the ultimate teardrop trailer that sets up like a kid’s transformer toy.  You’ve got to see it to believe it!  Larry tells us he is making a custom, designer-type dash plaques for all those attending.  It is a future collectable keepsake.
	A special Dutch Oven layout is planned with a raised steel platform near the Saturday night potluck location.  The meadow is gently sloping, but there are a lot of flat spots that are ideal for setting up a teardrop.  Bring a few leveling blocks and canopies to make your camp more comfortable.  There will be Friday night soups, fresh bread, coffee and tea, and Sunday morning breakfast provided.  We will be dry camping, but will provide electricity to those who need it for medical reasons.  Portable restrooms will be available.  Registration is $20.00. 
	Directions from the North - take the Hwy 58 exit (#188) off I-5; proceed East for about 5 miles to Enterprise Rd that comes out to the main highway from the Right.  Follow Enterprise Rd for 3 miles.  Look for a teardrop sign on the Right.  Drive past the black wrought-iron fence to the drive that goes up to the campground.
	Directions from the South - take exit #181 off I-5.  Drive 3 miles East on Cloverdale Rd until you get to Hendricks road.  Turn Right.  Follow Hendricks for about 1 mile until you run into Enterprise road.  Turn Left and go another mile.  Look for the teardrop sign and turn Left into the campground driveway.
	The registration form is on www.teardrops.com.  For more information about what will happen, please call the Aaron’s at 541-688-9595 or e-mail to aaroncruiser@aol.com  

SVARD’S YARD TEARDROP MEET IN CANADA
By Pat Svard
	Hello Campers!!!  This is our first teardrop meet and we hope that you will join us.  Our yard is 8 miles (15 km) east of Vernon, BC off of Highway 6.  During our meet’s weekend of June 5-7, Vernon will also be hosting Creative Chaos, a showcase and sale from Western Canadian artisans and crafters.   We suggest that campers carpool using our directions.  More information for this showcase is available at www.creativechaoscrafts.com. 
Other things to do in our area include the beaches at either Kalamalka Lake or Okanagan Lake, mountain biking at Silver Star Ski Resort, numerous golf courses, farmers markets and winery tours.  Or, as many teardroppers do, just stay in the yard and visit.
Here’s the drill:
Friday will be arrival, setup, get comfortable and campfire.  Saturday and Sunday potluck suppers with Dutch Oven cooking welcome.  Pets are welcome, but owners will be responsible to keep an eye on them. 
We won’t be charging any fees for camping, so are asking that you bring your own provisions for the weekend.  We will be making plenty of coffee for everyone.  Two local convenience stores are near by.  There are porta-potties provided and one shower available.  Tables and two barbecues will be on site. 
Texas Horse Shoes for some friendly competition are in the yard.  Any other games you can bring along is encouraged..  Bocce Ball anyone?
	We’d like registration information to be mailed by May 15th.  We’ll forward a registration form per your contacting us at the site shown below.  Or, go on line to the TOW website at www.teardroptrailers.org to download the form. 
	To find us, use our address of 9808 Park Lane, Coldstream, B.C. V1B 3E4
For more information or questions, please contact Ingvar and Pat Svard at 250-545-5865 or kisvard@shaw.ca.  

FOURTH OF JULY TEARDROP FUN IN CARNATION
	This year, the infamous Carnation Fourth teardrop rally is set to kickoff on Wednesday, July 1st.  Ken and Marty Masden are our gracious hosts on their property in the rural area near Carnation, Washington.  What an honor to attend this stellar event.
	We must remember that some items need to be remembered, such as no fireworks.  Pets are welcome but need the personal attention of the owners.  The same goes for all the kids too - for this is great family orientated event.
	The Masdens are really great hosts, so look at the scheduled happenings when planning your food needs and entertainment.  For example the taco bar “supper” and breakfasts are provided.
For newcomers, you can get detailed registration information and driving directions by e-mailing Ken at 36fun@Centurytel.net or call 425-333-5219.  Or, get detailed directions by using their address of 2711 W Snoqualmie River Rd NE; Carnation, WA 98014.  If you are on “snail mail” for the TOW Line ask around for lots of us have been there.
Registration forms are on the TOW Line website – www.teardroptrailers.org.  Lots more detailed information is outlined in the registration form.  Maps are on this site too.
	The schedule for us to enjoy (and this event is really FUN) goes as shown below:

·         July 1st  -  (Wednesday) - Arrive and get your campsite set up. 
·         July 1st  -  6:00 PM – Taco bar “supper”.               
·         July 1st  -  9:00 PM – Kick-off meeting - in Marty’s Studio (the lower level of the house) where we will go over this information and finalize the coming activities.
·         July 1st - 10:00 PM – Until we drop - Time for everyone to socialize and make new and rekindle old friendships.  W e have a few trailer tapes to watch, bonfire, etc…

•	July 2nd - 9:00 AM - (Thursday) – Breakfast  - in Marty’s studio - TBD.
•	July 2nd - 11:00 AM – Snoqualmie Falls trip – Old car caravan to Snoqualmie Falls.  We will have lunch there (or skip lunch in favor of pigging out later at the XXX drive-in) and then take a tour of the area stopping at Snoqualmie for Ice Cream.  Eventually back to our place to play with the vehicles and get ready for the XXX trip.  We’ll be playing with our cars and providing rumble/tractor rides
•	July 2nd - 5:00 PM – Historic Root Beer Drive-in trip/dinner – Old car caravan to the XXX Root Beer drive-in in Issaquah for dinner.  Great food and Root Beer Floats (you buy your own). Others that do not want to make this trip can get together and share their favorite potluck dishes back at camp.
·         July 2nd - 10:00 PM – Until we drop - Time for everyone to socialize and make new and rekindle old friendships.  We have a few trailer tapes to watch, bonfire, etc…

•	July 3rd - 9:00 AM - (Friday) – Breakfast - in Marty’s studio - TBD.
•	July 3rd  - 11:00 AM – Old Car trip – Old car caravan to somewhere (TBD – Perhaps Snoqualmie Casino)
·         July 3rd – 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Old car caravan (the long way) to Carnation for Dinner.  Everyone invited to go into Carnation to the Senior Center for the Spaghetti Feed (The Seniors charge a small fee, but the money goes to a very good cause – The Carnation Senior Center). 
·         July 3rd - 9:00 PM - “Marty’s Studio” Meeting - We will have a few door prizes and many laughs.  More announcements and a chance to introduce ourselves.
·         July 3rd - 10:00 PM – Until we drop - Time for everyone to socialize and make new and rekindle old friendships.  We have a few trailer tapes to watch, bonfire, etc…

·         July 4th – (Saturday) - Head for Carnation - Some of us will be registering our vehicles at the Hot Rods and Harley’s Show.  Everyone will want to go to the Pancake Breakfast at the Tolt Congregational Church (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM).  Then get a good spot to watch the parades starting at 10:30 AM.  
·         July 4th 10:00 – 2:00 – Stop by the Senior Center again for their fabulous fresh Strawberry Shortcake! 
·         July 4th 2:00 PM – All of our teardrop challenged friends will start arriving at our place.  Rumble seat, Tractor and Model T rides will get underway.  Folks with the horses may stop by also and give hay wagon rides.
·         July 4th 5:00 PM – Potluck dinner - Marty and I will be providing hamburgers, hot dogs, soda and beer.  Bring something we all can share.  Use your Dutch oven for extra credit.
·         July 4th Dusk – Back to Carnation to view the fireworks!!! 

·        July 5th - 9:00 AM – (Sunday) - Breakfast – In Marty’s studio - Freezer bag omelets.
·         July 5th 10:00 AM – whenever – More rumble/Model T rides - Volley Ball, horseshoes and swing also available.  Perhaps another caravan tour someplace for folks who don’t have to leave early… (Late lunch at the Riverside Tavern in Falls City perhaps???)  Sad good-bys, vows to meet again soon!!!

MID-WINTER POTLUCKS LOTS OF FUN
	This was the first time TOW had two mid-winter potlucks.  The traditional one was held in the South Seattle area and was hosted by Ed and Linda Kelson.  All gathered at the Kelson’s private museum called “A Touch of Nostalgia” that contains many vintage collectables.  It’s reported that three new teardroppers were part of the 38 in attendance.  All said they would like to come back next year as most forgot their cameras.
	Our second potluck held in Albany, Oregon was hosted by Glenn and Laurie Anderson.  Again, the location proved very popular because the 35 to 40 teardroppers and friends in attendance voted overwhelmingly to do it again next year.  The Anderson’s collection of 200-plus cast-iron cookware nailed to all the walls of the barn has no equal.  Touring the barn was a hit too.  Vintage and collectable cars and a vintage TTT (Tiny Travel Trailer) are stored for safe keeping.

SECOND JEFFERSON STATE CHAPTER CAMPOUT FOR FATHERS’ DAY 
By Eunice Hill 
          Our second annual campout will be held June 19th to the 21st.  We expect a great turnout of all teardroppers – especially those living in Northern California and Southern Oregon.  It will be held at the Chinquapin Campground on the Caves Highway (46) about half way between Cave Junction, Oregon and the Oregon Caves National Monument.
It is located about 1/4 mile past the Grayback campground on the left.  There is no sign, but there will be the Jefferson State banner at the gate.   This campground is about 10 miles east of the town of Cave Junction.   Cave Junction is on highway 199 south of Grants Pass Oregon and north of Crescent City California.  The cost will be $10 per trailer for the entire weekend. 
Teardrops (and tents) will be allowed on the grass.  We will be using a tongue dolly to push them into place.  The tow vehicles and regular trailers must park on the paved parking area. No electric.  There is water and a pit toilet.  This is a really pretty area.  There will be a potluck on Saturday evening and maybe impromptu waffles for breakfast if you bring your waffle irons.
A visit to the Oregon Caves is something not to be missed.  There is a quaint, old-fashioned lodge to tour as well are a tour of Oregon’s only cave system open to visitors.
The registration form can be found on the teardroppers universal web site, www.teardrops.net.  For more specific information, please contact me at keneunicehill@sbcglobal.net or call 707-725-4674 

THANKS TO THOSE HOSTING TEARDROP GATHERINGS AND MORE
By The Editor
It’s great that teardroppers have such a wonderful and growing following.  In the Pacific Northwest there is no official organization with by-laws, monthly meetings, officers or dues.  What we have instead are individuals who unselfishly want to host a gathering for our teardrop family of friends.  Through the years, we experience a wonderful “perk” in that many great and lasting friendships are made.
	Hosting a teardrop gathering is a LOT of planning, up-front costs and a LOT of unadulterated WORK!  All the host wants in return is for everyone to have fun and a good time.  Most don’t even expect a “thank-you”.  However, we must really remember not to forget this courtesy for us all having such a memorable, fun time.
Our God-Father of all teardroppers is Grant Whipp, who with his wonderful wife Lisa, established what some call the universal teardrop web site of www.teardrops.net.  It’s the “ultimate” for finding out what’s going on in the teardrop world.  We remember when the list of gatherings in the early 1990’s numbered less than 5.  Now, there is a happening every weekend all summer long.
Along with Grant’s site is www.teardroptrailers.org that came on board a few years ago.  It’s an outgrowth of Teardroppers of Oregon and Washington, a non-official entity formally registered with the State of Oregon so that we get a free checking account.  In the early days, TOW put on an annual display of teardrop trailers at a car show in Portland.  Proceeds were divvied-out, put in the TOW account and, in turn, given out to hosts of various gatherings.  That source of income has gone away with Northwest Car Collectors Association in limbo.
One good thing about our TOW checking account is that $50 or more is paid out to the hosts to cover incidentals.  And that policy of the TOW checking account will continue to be that way until it runs out of money.  Thanks to a very generous anonymous contribution of $1000 early last year the account is still healthy.
	Now, a word about the TOW Line.  With the encouragement of one of our teardropper couples, it started out with the number 1 issue in 2002.  This is number 27.  Sometimes I wonder if it’s a “vanity thing” that keeps it going.  But, on the other hand, as a retired research and project engineer use to writing many reports, it keeps the writing juices flowing.  Actually, the TOW Line is the “glue” that keeps us all informed on what’s happening and reports on teardropper activities.  Look for a change of the TOW Line’s format later this year.
Thanks for letting this editor ramble on about our world of teardroppers and as a reminder to thank our many hosts.

THE ANNUAL KELSON KAMPOUT FOR THIS SUMMER
	This year’s dates are June 12th, 13th and 14th.  You can’t ask for a more “laid-back” place to visit, share stories and admire teardrop trailers.  It’s a great experience camping near Roslyn, Washington.  Ed and Linda Kelson are the hosts for this campout   Roslyn is within walking distance from camp and is a town that boasts “vintage” stores, restaurants and even a few “water holes”.
In the past, most everyone wanted to go out and eat.  However, breakfasts are hosted by the Kelsons.  There will probably be Dutch Oven cooking and shared potlucks.
For reservations, contact Linda at 253-797-0708 or via raisinldy1@comcast.net

THIRD INTERNATIONAL TEARDROP GATHEREING
	This year it’s happening from June 18th to the 21st.  The gathering is centrally located for most of us living in the USA.  Minden, Nebraska is the home of the famous Pioneer Village.  It contains a collection of pioneer-era memorabilia that ranges from an authentic prairie school house to a great collection of vintage cars, trucks, farm equipment and even an airplane of two.  This museum is world famous.
	The campground is absolutely great!  It’s large with the most wonderful, tall shade trees to camp under during the summer time.  Lots of activities are planned for all teardroppers.  Talk about Dutch Oven cooking!  The past two gatherings had sessions that covered everything you ever wanted to know about cooking with briquettes on and under that cast-iron icon from the past.
	For those on the west coast, going or coming with a few days to spare can find you touring many places in between Minden your home.  The Rocky National Park offers a great experience to tour.
	Keep tuned to www.teardrops.net for more details as they develop.

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE BARRETT-JACKSON CAR AUCTION
By Hiram Stumpjumper**
	In January of this year, my wife and I joined my daughter and son-in-law for a vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona.  While there my son-in-law and I attended the famed Barrett-Jackson Automobile Auction.  We anticipated we would enjoy looking at the hundreds and hundreds of custom and vintage cars – as if we were going to a HUGE Roadster Show.
	As we approached the auction location, we noticed that valet parking was available.  The two of us thought, why pay when there was free parking across the road?
	It cost me $30 to get in.  The front gates lead us though all the vendor stalls – all of them selling “first cabin” merchandise.  We got there just as the first car on the docket was clearing the stage.  I wanted to go past the ropes to get nearer the stage, but was stopped by a guard - I did not have a pass.  “It costs $500 to get past these ropes”, I was told.  But, I was handed a list of all the cars on the docket for that day.  The total was 207 which had to clear the stage.  The day started at 11 AM and lasted til about 10 PM.  As I looked at the list, I counted a total of 107 cars that were GM, most being Chevrolets and most of those being muscle cars.
	We went outside the hall and found five immense tent awnings covering four rows of cars that were going to be auctioned sometime during the week that started on a Tuesday and ended on Sunday – the day when the multimillion cars were sold.  It took most of the day to look at all the cars.  They were as I expected - most were show cars.  One unit for sale was a pink 1950’s Rambler station wagon that was being auctioned off with a companion teardrop trailer.  But, as an informed teardropper, my conclusion was that the trailer was very poor.  It was just a shell sheathed in bare aluminum sheet over a steel frame.  I stuck around the ropes when it went onto the stage.  The combo went for $27K.
	It was interesting to watch the way the auction was run.  With on We will be dry camping, but will provide electricity to those who need it for medical reasons.  Portable restrooms will be available.  ly 11 hours to auction off 207 cars, I found that as one neared the final price, it was being pushed off the stage as the next one was coming onto the stage.  Then, if the auctioneer thought he was not getting what he wanted, he would pause 30 seconds or so to verbally outline the features of the car.  I imagined the current high bidder thinking the auctioneer should just shut up.  Usually a higher bid did come in.
	An additional hall was toured at the end of the day.  It contained the really unusual cars - and the most expensive.  I’ve never before seen a row of 12 Corvettes!  There was a Bat Mobile, the first production 1951 Ford off an assembly line, a rare Kaiser Darrin, an early 1900’s Rolls Royce touring and a homebuilt, futuristic Pontiac replica from GM’s traveling AutoRamma show from the 1950’s.
	It was an exciting day for a “car” guy.  But it was not over.  Remember I mentioned we parked free?  It was in a huge gravel lot where we were directed to park in somewhat unorderly, unmarked rows with thousands of other cars.  By the time we left the auction, it was dark.  We blundered our way across the road to the dimly-lit lot with no idea where my rental car was parked.  Luckily, when I rented it that morning, I remembered it was red.  So, we started walking around in the dark looking for my rental.  I held up the key fob holding down the alarm key.  Others were also wandering around doing the same thing.  When we heard an alarm go off everyone ran over to the beeping car.  We did that countless times.  Finely, we spotted the umpteenth red car and it was ours.  I actually did not ever get the alarm to work and found out the fob battery was almost dead.  Looking at the cars was great; the hour it took us to find the rental car was not so great.  My advice – pay for valet parking!
**Hiram is a roving TOW Line reporter living in Aumsville, Oregon

MEMORIAL SERVICE HONORS TEARDROPPER ED COLVIN
By Katie Boehme 
The January service for Ed was a fitting tribute to him - he lived a wonderful, full life for 84 years.  It’s amazing the he died in the same house he was born in.  About 40 people (including 11 teardroppers) gathered in a large living room at his church.  It was a warm and intimate service.
The service was lead by Ed’s pastor.  He was assisted by Ed’s closest friend, a man named Tucker.  Tucker is owner of the “The Oyster Bar”, a Portland restaurant which was a regular hangout for Ed for over 30 years.  Tucker said people always thought he was Ed's son and after a lot of years “We just never corrected them because it was almost like I was Ed’s son.” 
We had received lots of wonderful pictures from teardroppers and made a tri-fold display of enlarged pictures with a special tribute to Ed.   The top read "You will be Fondly Remembered and Loved."   This display was at both Mid-Winter potlucks and will be at Spring Fling in his memory.  Tucker brought the autographed hard hat the teardroppers gave Ed when he fell at a Spring Fling a few years ago.  It will travel with the display.  There were other pictures of Ed’s youth, family and the inside of Ed’s Camera and Hobby Shop he ran for years in the nearby village of Multnomah. 
It was a very relaxed service and lots of people shared memories of Ed (Peggy, Ken and Marty among them).  We learned Ed had made name tags not only for all our teardrop gatherings but for other activities too.  He made all the graphic signs for his church.  Also, Ed was a stamp collector.  Another friend had memories of traveling with Ed to take pictures of all the covered bridges in Oregon.  That photo collection will go to the Oregon State Library.  We remember Ed sharing his covered-bridge slide show at a tear campout years ago.  Displayed also was a model of a submarine that Ed bought from a prisoner when he was part of the military police at a WWII German POW camp in Arizona (the model has been displayed for years at The Oyster Bar restaurant).
The part of the service that really touched my heart was when the pastor shared part of Ed's will.  He read the following:
 	“I, EDWARD WILLIAM COLVIN, presently of Portland, Oregon, Multnomah County, do hereby make and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.
	“I want all to know that I am a born again Christian and have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior and when this will is read I will be residing in Heaven with my Lord.  It is my wish that each one of you who hears this will believe what I am saying that I HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN AND AM WITH MY WONDERFUL LORD IN HEAVEN.  It is my prayer that each of you will look to the Bible and see how easy it is to let Jesus Christ into your hearts and accept him as your personal savior and be assured that you will spend eternity with Him in Heaven.”
 	The church provided lots of homemade treats for everyone.  On the table was a beautiful, large bouquet in a basket “From all the Teardrop family”.
I definitely sensed that Ed had been loved and appreciated by a lot of people.  So many people came up to us and shared how much Ed treasured his teardrop camping friends and that he just loved camping with his teardrop.  He will be missed!

VINTAGE TRAILER RALLY WELCOMES VISITORS
By Jerry Kwiatkowski
For those of you, who are not camping with us at our third annual Vintage Trailer Rally, please join us on Saturday, June 27th for our open house and all the festivities of the day.  The vintage trailer open house will be held between 1:00 and 3:00 PM.  Vintage/classic cars will be displayed in the parking lot after 3:00 PM by participants who are attending the Sweet Home Car Show earlier in the day.
Bring a main dish or dessert and join us for potluck at 6:30 PM.  A good ole’ fashion “hoedown” around the campfire will climax the evening.

TOW NAMETAGS, PATCHES AND JACKETS ARE AVAILABLE
	At last year’s Midwinter Luncheon the new TOW jacket patch went on sale.  It was designed by Herb and Elaine Kipp and features the TOW logo.  It can be seen on the TOW website www.teardroptrailers.org.  The new magnetic nametag everyone is wearing at our gatherings is shown on the site also.  There is an additional supply of patches available.  They are quite attractive and have to be seen to be appreciated. 
	Along with these two items, a jacket for both sexes can be purchased with the patch embroidered on the back.  But, many prefer to sew the patch on a favorite jacket.  Look for the order form on the website.  The order form has pricing information.
	If orders are received by May 7th, free delivery will be made at the Spring Fling.  What you pay is what TOW buys them for.
We also have a source for small patches used for hats and shirts at a cost of $6.00 each.

CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL 30TH – MAY 3RD – Shasta Dam Gathering – Lakehead, CA
The 16th Dam Gathering just 25 miles north of Redding, California.  Contact Grant & Lisa Whipp at 530-275-6728 or info@teaardrops.net for registration form.

MAY 22ND – 25TH  – Spring Fling at New Location – Chehalis, WA  
The 11th gathering will be held at “Camp B” on the Birley’’s Farm.  Contact Rod & Trudy Glassett at 360-293-1108 or glassettgang@junio.com for more information.

JUNE 5TH – 7TH – NWTTT Gathering – Creswell, OR
The 12th gathering will be behind the Boehme’s barn near Creswell.  Contact Lonnie & Sherry Aaron at 541-688-9595 or aaroncruiser@aol.com for more information.

JUNE 5TH – 7TH – The Svard Yard Meet – Vernon, B.C. – Canada
One of the first international teardrop traditional three-day campouts.  Contact Ingvar & Pat Svard at 1-250-545-5865 or email kisvard@shaw.ca.

JUNE 12TH – 14TH – Kelson Kampout – Roslyn, WA
The Kelsons host a really laid-back event on private property in Roslyn.  Contact Ed & Linda Kelson at 253-797-0708 or raisinldy1@comcast.net more information 

JUNE 18TH – 21ST – International Teardrop Gathering – Minden, Ne
This is the third gathering of teardroppers at Pioneer Village.  Great camping under big shade trees.  Call up www.teardrops.net for more details as they develop.

JUNE 19TH – 21ST – Jefferson State Campout – Cave Junction, OR
The second Tearjerkers Fathers’ Day Campout at Chinquapin Campground in S. Oregon.  Contact Eunice Hill at 707-725-4674 or keneunicehill@sbcglobal.net 

JUNE 26TH – 28TH – Vintage Trailer Rally - Sweet Home, OR
This campout will be sold out.  Located at River Bend County Park.  For more, contact Jerry & Linda Kwiatkowski at 503-831-4991 or jerryk20002000@yahoo.com  

JULY 1ST – 5th – Carnation Fourth – Carnation, WA
A great place for teardroppers to fellowship.  Lots of fun for all.  Contact Ken & Marty Masden at 425-333-5219 or 36fun@centurytel.net for more information. 

JULY 31ST – AUGUST 2ND - Antique Powerland – Brooks, OR
On the campus of the Northwest Vintage Car and Motorcycle Museum.  Contact Marty & Katie Boehme at 503-632-6563 or teardrops@bctonline.com for more info. 

AUGUST 28TH – 30TH – LeMay Display Campout – Tacoma, WA
This will be the 12th campout and display that started in 1998.  For detailed information, contact Pat & Jan Estes at 253-538-2859 or opasgang@yahoo.com  

SEPTEMBER 10TH – 13TH – Vintage Trailer Rally – Lynden, WA
This is a new and better location at the NW Washington Fairgrounds.  Contact Pat & Joanne Ewing at 360-966-4253 or pre47airstream@aol.com for more information. 

OCTOBER 9TH – 12TH Fall Brigade – Mulino, OR
At Oregon City Elks Park.  An optional three-day rally.  For more information contact Marty & Katie Boehme at 503-632-6563 or teardrops@bctonline.com