It all began in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the Spring of ’66…
           

At the Springfield Camping Show several New England campground owners, realizing the urgent need for a national association for campground owners only, got together and presented their basic plans to some of the attending exhibitors.
           

At that time only 16 known state associations existed, and it was unanimously agreed that a national organization should be formed immediately.
           

So a temporary committee was selected to prepare bylaws for its creation.
           

Ted Curtis of Hubbardston, Massachusetts, issued letters of invitation calling for an April meeting in Framingham.
           

In the meantime publisher Rea Agnew and CAP president Dick Sandy presented the desperate position of the private campgrounds to the office of the Honorable Stewart Udall, Secretary of the Interior at Washington, D.C.
           

After months of committee meetings, correspondence, phone calls, and plans by such pioneers as Dick Pascoe of New Hampshire, the stage was finally set…

           

ON SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 29, 1967, AT THE HOLIDAY WEST IN HARRISONBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, THE NATIONAL CAMPGROUND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, U.S.A. INC., WAS OFFICIALLY CREATED WITH 155 PERSONS ATTENDING.
           

The first elected officers were: President, Gerald M. Doucette, Lakeside Pines Campground, North Bridgton, Maine; Vice-President, C. Paul Tucy, Maple Park Campground, Wareham, Massachusetts; Secretary-Treasurer, Attorney James Scheibeler, Hidden Acres, Preston, Connecticut; and Executive Vice-President, Rea Agnew of Greenwich, Connecticut.
           

The first 15 directors elected were: Charles Burrell, Illinois; Pat Canfield, Pennsylvania; Ted Curtis, Massachusetts; Albert Fanucchi, West Virginia; Vernon Gruenwald, Wisconsin; William Hellerstedt, Minnesota; Harry Jensen, South Dakota; Tom Jones, Ohia; William McCoy, Missouri; William McMullen, Florida; Richard Pascoe, New Hampshire; Harlan Senger, Virginia; Frank Singer, New York; John Turner, New Jersey; and Matthew Wittenstein, Maryland.
           

Dues were set at $25 per year, both Active and Associate.
           

Sixty-five campgrounds indicated intention to join.
           

Rea Agnew enumerated 11 objectives of NCOA and cautioned that the new Bylaws, like a raincoat, can be changed…
           

Attorney Jim Scheibeler then presented the new 12-Article Bylaws: Article I – Name; Article II – Purpose; Article III – Definitions; Article IV – Membership; Article V – Dues; Article VI – Annual Meeting; Article VII – Board of Directors; Article VIII – Officers; Article IX – Duties of Officers; Article X – Committees; Article XI – General Provisions; and Article XII – Amendments.
           

The first office and headquarters of NCOA was established at 34 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830, with Mrs. Joan Hellmann as office secretary.
           

Some of the early problems were: a membership drive, publicizing private campgrounds, publishing a newsletter, printing brochures, curbing government policies, investigating campground insurance, highway signs, gathering campground statistics, health and sanitary codes, and state park competition.
           

How many problems have been eliminated after a dozen years?
           

The Second Annual NCOA Convention was held November 1st to 3rd, 1968, at the Hotel Sheraton in Cleveland, Ohio.
           

The program featured such notable speakers as Bill Colby of Outdoor Life, Curtis G. Fuller, publisher of Woodalls, and George S. Wells, editor of Camping Guide.
           

Harry J. Jensen, of the Lazy J Trailer Park in South Dakota, was elected President of NCOA, but Vice-President Tom Jones of Tamsin Park near Cleveland, Ohio, completed his unexpired term as the third President.
           

“At this time I can not remember any main problems, but many, many small problems were keeping NCOA and the private campground business in a strictly amateur level –” writes Tom today.
           

“General campground problems were: lower competitive prices of government campgrounds, difficulty to obtain loans, and the short season (in the north),” he continues.
           

“In NCOA the lack of experience of the early officers and the constant feeling of being a ‘two bit, small time, under-financed and inexperienced’ organization haunted the early formative years.”
           

“I personally believe NCOA will have its ‘ups and downs,’ but the overall picture will be a constant upgrading and maturing!” he concluded.
           

About this time (1968) Iowa was the first state in the country to authorize the use of a “CAMPING” sign on Interstate highways – if the campground was within 15 miles of the exit.
           

Matthew Witenstein of White’s Ferry Aqua Club in Maryland was elected Secretary-Treasurer, and Darrel Booth, President of the newly-formed KOA at Billings, Montana, became a member of the Board.
           

At this Cleveland convention about 150 private campgrounds from 27 states were represented, and single pre-registration was only $16!
           

Incidentally, at this time production of motor homes was only around 12,500 for the entire country…
           

Continuing westward, NCOA chose the Hotel Sheraton-Jefferson at St. Louis, Missouri, for its Third Annual Convention which was held October 30th to November 2nd, 1969.
           

Approximately three dozen states from all over the country were represented and 18 Industry Booth Exhibitors presented the latest recreational ware.
           

Many of the attendees took a pre-convention rainy excursion ($2 per person) to Grant’s Farm, which is owned by Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated, and which was formerly the farm of President Ulysses S. Grant.
           

Some of the outstanding speakers were: Michael Frome, conservation editor of Field & Stream; Ed Bernstein, United Campground Service founder; Connie Logan, AAA in Washington, D.C.; Merrill Ormes, Barcam Publishing Company (Rand-McNally); F.M. (Mike) Radigan, Recreational Vehicle Institute; Robert Goodwin, publisher of Selling Sporting Goods; and Gerald D. Steadman of Vista International Parks.
           

Also represented at this convention were leaders in the franchise field such as Safari Camps of America, Red Arrow Camps, Holiday Camps, U.S.A., and Arrowhead International.
           

Airlines pilot William E. Hellerstedt of Camp-on-the-Mississippi at Elk River, Minnesota, was given the nod to fly the NCOA ship as the fourth president, assisted by Vice-President “Chuck” Burrell of Timber Lake Park in Antioch, Illinois.
           

The three-day workshop was climaxed with cocktails, a dinner, and a “mellerdrama” aboard the Goldenrod Showboat anchored on the Mississippi River in the shadow of “the Gateway Arch.”
           

The Goldenrod Showboat had been moored on the St. Louis riverfront since 1937 and was considered the last authentic showboat surviving on the Mississippi.
           

In February of 1970 Rea Agnew retired as Executive Vice-President and was succeeded by Cecil S. Farrar of Delray Beach, Florida, as Executive Secretary.
           

On October 30th of that year the Fourth Annual NCOA Convention opened at the luxurious Manger Motor Inn (now Riverside Hilton Inn) in the heart of downtown Tampa, Florida, on the shores of Tampa Bay.
           

Approximately 200 persons representing 60 campgrounds from 26 states were present and a dozen manufacturers were represented.
           

Genial and straw-hatted Convention Chairman Bill McMullen of Royall Park Campground at Riverview, Florida, included in his program such unforgettable highlights as a bus trip to fabulous Busch Gardens, a riverside Hawaiian Luau, a moonlight cruise around beautiful Tampa Bay on the riverboat Tom Sawyer, and even a silver grapefruit spoon souvenir!
           

Armed with metallic oranges as namecards, colorful souvenir programs, and perfect sunny weather, the group was welcomed by Major Dick Greco from the Cigar City.
           

NCOA was growing – the eighteen-“man” Board of Directors now included its first woman – Mrs. Gailan Hartshorn of Lebanon Reservoir Campground at Lebanon, New York.
           

Director of Publicity Denis Snyder issued 380 news releases throughout the nation (postage $0.06) informing publications that NCOA now represents 38 states with 214 members.
           

And when President Hellerstedt was unable to be present, Vice-President “Chuck” Burrell (assisted by Helen) ably coped with the challenges and intricacies of a national convention.
           

Featured throughout the busy program were such distinguished speakers as William Darter (Republic Mortgage Investors) of Miami, Florida; Katie McMullen, Editor of Better Camping; Larry Jones, Vice-President and General Manager of the Coleman Company; Don Clark, of Duquesne Press; and Jay Hamilton, of Coachmen Industries.
           

At special sessions the conscientious NCOA Board of Directors seriously considered such paramount items as up-dating Bylaws, increasing membership, a fair dues structure, pending legislation, attractive brochures, economical and effective advertising, comprehensive publicity, and reasonable insurance.
           

At this session a beautiful 4’ x 6’ NCOA flag, designed by Paul and Marion Tucy of Maple Family Recreation Area was officially adopted.
           

Patrick M. Canfield of Wilmington, Delaware, was elected the 5th President; Denis E. Snyder of Tyrone, Pennsylvania, was elected Vice-President; and Paul Tucy of East Wareham, Massachusetts, was elected Secretary-Treasurer.
           

“It seems like only yesterday that we attended the meeting in Harrisonburg to lay the groundwork for the formation of an organization which would represent the campground owners throughout the United States – the National Campground Owners’ Association,” Pat writes.
           

“The campground industry and NCOA have progressed beyond our wildest dreams – in the early days we were groping for ‘togetherness’ and survival – today NCOA is one of the outstanding organizations in the country!”
           

“During my tenure in office (1970-1972) we were faced with two major problems: money and membership,” he continues.
           

“We were operating on a limited budget and all board members had to pay for any traveling dealing with NCOA business.”
           

“(In spite of this I traveled to 25 states and as far west as Colorado spreading the word of NCOA while 40,000 brochures were distributed throughout the nation!)”
           

“From its inception membership has always haunted NCOA,” Canfield continues, “and during my presidency we increased our membership by 30%.”
           

“It was always my contention that membership would never increase substantially until we tied membership directly to state organizations.”
           

“Thanks to the persistence of the presidents who followed me (also their Board of Directors) this has finally come to pass and today membership is good and still on the increase!”
           

“I feel that the camping industry is beginning to emerge as a vital part of our economy, and I foresee great changes and unlimited opportunities during the next decade!” he predicts.
           

“For those of us who can use our imagination and ingenuity it should be an exciting and profitable era…”
           

“Being a campground owner and having the privilege of serving as president of NCOA has been the most exciting and happiest time of my life!” he concluded.
           

With membership now approaching 400 persons and with a 20-person Board of Directors, the Fifth Annual NCOA Convention convened October 28th to 30th, 1971 with headquarters at the historic Mills Hyatt House in Charleston, South Carolina.
           

Principle activities of the session were held at the new gigantic Municipal Auditorium, which was several blocks – by trolley – from the hotel.
           

J. Rut Connor of Rocks Pond Campground at Eutawville, South Carolina, was in charge of the convention, which offered excellent speakers, a shrimp feast, square dancing, and historical tours.
           

Some of the notable speakers of the program were Betty S. Carpenter from Florida; Dick Williams of the North American Family Campers Association; Bill Clugh, President of NCHA; Stu Patton of Camping Guide; Publisher Don Carey (Rand McNally Guide); and Dr. Joe Cardenuto of Penn State.
           

But W. Stanley Finch of Texize Chemicals “stole the show” with his excellent humorous address at the annual banquet!
           

With 31 exhibitors attending, Chairman Don Herring of Lake Arrowhead Campground set another record when he turned over almost $4,000 to the NCOA treasury.
           

About this time membership dues were doubled to $50 per year per campground and Milt Schmidt of Rubidell Recreation in Wisconsin and the Laub Group were busy with insurance…
           

The Sixth Annual Convention opened on November 2, 1972 at the Antlers Plaza at Colorado Springs, Colorado, despite an early heavy winter snowstorm.
           

The newly-formed Colorado State Campground Association, with George Arnold as President, were hosts, and despite the weather one hundred and thirty-three persons from all parts of the country registered and enjoyed the majestic beauty of the awesome Rockies.
           

The 6th NCOA Presidency was bestowed on genial “Chuck” Murphy of Garden of the Gods Campground in Colorado Springs.
           

“When I assumed the office of presidency, I found that a certain amount of friction existed between the individual campground owners and the national chains,” writes President Murphy.
           

“So one of my first priorities was to mend some fences and bring unity and purpose within the industry,” he continues.
           

But the main thrust of my presidency was to establish state association and increase the overall membership of NCOA.
           

“And as president we were instrumental in establishing state associations in Kansas, Nebraska, Utah, California, Texas, and Louisiana.
           

“Also I felt it necessary to travel to existing state associations, giving talks and encouraging them to join forces with the national associations,” he recalls.
           

“I probably logged more air miles that any officer before or since,” “Chuck” informs us, “and in the first year alone, I traveled to 19 states!
           

“During my second term I made three trips to Washington, D.C. during the energy crisis, testified in congressional hearings, and was responsible for many of the details in connection with the convention in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
           

“These were trying times for the industry and growing years for the association,” he writes.
           

“I think it is very important for a president of an organization the size of NCOA to be willing to sacrifice the necessary time to devote to the association,” he concludes.
           

Soft-spoken John Ballard of Cherrystone Bayshore Campground in Cheriton, Virginia, became Vice-President; Hank Wilgus of Sunnyside Campground in Westfield, Massachusetts, was elected Secretary; and Californian Gordon Clemens from Riverside Camp at Big Sur became Treasurer.
           

Thirty-four exhibitors provided an extra income in excess of $5,000 to the growing organization.
           

The Laub Company of Wisconsin was adopted by the Board as the official insurance company of NCOA.
           

The revised Bylaws of Ohioan Bob Clay’s Committee provided for a 30-man (person) Board of Directors within which there would be an Executive Committee of Ten Directors.
           

At this convention despite the Colorado snow a western party was held at the Flying W Ranch at the foot of snow-bound Pikes Peak and also several buses made daylight visits to the beautiful United States Air Force Academy.
           

Some of the speakers at this convention were: Tom A. DeMattis, Editor and Publisher from New York City; Douglas M. Hang, President of Jellystone Campgroundsl Davis Smith of Holiday Inn Trav-L-Parks; and Colonel L. B. Harper, owner of Holiday Hills Camping Resort in Kentucky.
           

Guest speaker at the annual banquet was Robert Honke, Recreational Sales Manager of the Ford Motor Company.
           

In May of 1973 Editor Mary Matheson of Mill Valley, California, was hired by the NCOA Board as the new Executive Secretary at an annual salary of $12,000.
           

Sick of winter weather, the Fairmont-Roosevelt Hotel in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, got the nod as the site of the 1973 Seventh NCOA Convention which was held on November 1st to 3rd.
           

The social highlight of the convention was a river boat cruise to the mouth of the Mississippi River on the SS President – complete with delicious fresh shrimp, gigantic oysters, and a lively Dixie band.
           

State campground associations were nor formed or forming in all but 13 states…some strong, enthusiastic, and active, and others weak, lackadaisical, and faltering.
           

More than 50 suppliers had booths at this convention offering the latest in supplies and equipment.
           

Eight choice workshops were held covering paramount phases of campground operations.
           

After a western party dinner and dance, despite an unexpected Texas snowstorm, two planes winged the NCOA conventioneers South to sunny and warm Acapulco on the west coast of Mexico.
           

Here, with “headquarters” at the 23-story, 750-room beautiful Plaza International Hyatt Regency, the lively group enjoyed fishing (Jerry’s record), swimming (Mexico’s largest pool), the bull-fights (ugh!), a flight to Mexico City (whee!), shopping (silver bargains), entertainment (nocturnal fireworks), sightseeing (wow!), excellent cuisine (burp…), and just plain loafin’ (zzzzz…).
           

With membership approaching the 1,500 mark, NCOA chose Hartford, Connecticut, as the site of its eleventh convention, and entered its second decade with confidence and enthusiasm!
           

The 2-city-block Sheraton Hotel and Civic Center complex were chosen as headquarters, and the 4-day convention opened on November 14, 1977, with the largest attendance in NCOA’s history!
           

Unfortunately, the roof of the 13,000-seat Civic Center collapsed later from excessive weight of early snowstorms; and fortunately the 100 NCOA exhibitors had moved out and no one was injured.
           

With the resignation of Dee England, and more new states joining NCOA as it grew rapidly, Vineta Davidson joined Jerry’s staff as Administration Assistant and Marilyn Collier was charged with membership services.
           

So from the stirring opening strains of the Scottish bagpipes to the inspiring harmonies of the New London Sea-Notes as they bid NCOAers farewell, the spell-bound audience knew they were seeing the organization at its finest hour!
           

Anna Tillinghast’s “Campy” made his debut and Doris Kennett’s Program Committee came up with almost four dozen interest sessions and workshops.
           

Keynote Speaker Representative “Pete” McCloskey from California set the pace – from then on it was action; from Al Henninger’s inimitable auction (which netted over $4,500) to the surprise introduction of Herbert Rebout, who owns a campground in Southern France and speaks little English!
           

With almost a half thousand delegates attending (despite the chance of an early New England snow-storm), most felt that NCOA was entering its twelfth year with maturity, enthusiasm, and confidence.
           

Committees were constantly busy with insurance, legislation, regionalization, finances, Bylaws, RV liaison, SBA, ANSI, and even the 1978 Convention! (San Francisco.)
           

Internationally, a group from Great Britain toured campgrounds from Washington, D.C. to Florida, and in turn President Williams, his wife, Martha, and several NCOAers visited Wales in April of 1978.
           

A post-convention trip from Hartford to Puerto Rico was cancelled to due to lack of interest at the time.
           

In mid-March of ’78 (at a cost of more than $10,000) the NCOA Board met at the Sheraton-Palace in downtown San Francisco and laid basic plans for the 12th convention to be held in the Fall.
           

Many perplexing problems were resolved by this hard-working and dedicated Board which wrestled with NCOA’s exploding growth in busy sessions that ran from 9 A.M. to 2 A.M.!
           

San Francisco – the Golden Gate Bridge; the cable cars; Chinatown; the 48-story Trans America Pyramid; the Japanese Tea Garden; the outside elevators of the St. Francis Hotel; Fisherman’s Wharf; the 52-story Bank of America Building; the crookedest street in the world – all of this awaits the NCOA conventioneers at the twelfth congress.
           

And the Sheraton-Palace – with its magnificent and historic Garden Court – begun in 1874, renovated in 1909, and host to such notables as General Grant, President Wilson, Will Rogers, Tom Edison, Nicita Krushchev, and a long list of others down through the ages!
           

A unique PRE-convention week to Hawaii (Phase 1) was included in the meticulously-drawn plans of Convention Program Chairperson George Gregory and his committee.
           

Parliamentarian Verl Thomson wrestled with the latest changes of the Bylaws.
           

Legislative Chairperson Rut Connor was busy banging on doors in Washington, D.C.
           

Executive Director Jerry Crumrin and his staff experimented with the size and content of the NCOA NEWS as they announced that this year’s convention would feature such notables as Ronald Reagan, The Ink Spots, and “Green Acres” Pat Buttram.
           

And “Busy Bill” Williams tried to tie it all together in a presentable package for the twelfth convention looming on the horizon on the West Coast.
           

Yes, NCOA’s early trail had been rocky and fraught with peril as its devoted pioneer leaders wrestled with the momentous challenges of its early growth.
           

But with the continued support of the faithful, the inspirations of the dreamers, and the wisdom and guidance of its leadership, the first dozen years of the National Campground Owners’ Association has endowed to our future leaders a heritage of accomplishment, strength, and challenge!!!

NCOA CONVENTIONS, OFFICERS, AND DIRECTORS

 

First Annual Convention: October 27th-29th, 1967, Holiday Inn West, Harrisonburg, Pennsylvania.

 

Officers: President, Gerald M. Doucette, Maine; Vice-President, C. Paul Tucy, Massachusetts; Secretary-Treasurer, James Scheibeler, Connecticut; Executive Vice-President, Rea Agnew, Connecticut.

 

Directors (15): Charles Burrell, Illinois; Pat Canfield, Delaware; Ted Curtis, Massachusetts; Albert J. Fanucchi, West Virginia; Vernon Gruenwald, Wisconsin; William Hellerstedt, Minnesota; Harry J. Jensen, South Dakota; Tom Jones, Ohio; William E. McCoy, Missouri; William R. McCullen, Florida; Richard L, Pascoe, New Hampshire; Harlan Senger, Virginia; Frank L. Singer, New York; John T. Turner, New Jersey; Matthew M. Witenstein, Maryland.

 

 

Second Annual Convention: November 1st-3rd, 1968, Hotel Sheraton-Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio.

 

Officers: President, Harry J. Jansen*, South Dakota; Vice-President, Tom Jones, Ohio; Secretary-Treasurer, Matthew Witenstein, Maryland; Executive Vice-President, Rea Agnew, Connecticut.
*Resigned April 18, 1969, and was succeeded by Tom Jones.

 

Directors (15): Darell Booth, Montana; Charles Burrell, Illinois; Pat Canfield, Delaware; Ted Curtis, Massachusetts; Gerald M. Doucette, Maine; Albert J. Fanucchi, West Virginia; Vernon Gruenwald, Wisconsin; Gailan Hartshorn*, New York; William Hellerstedt, Minnesota; William E. McCoy, Missouri; William R. McMullen, Florida; Richard L. Pascoe, New Hampshire; James Scheibeler, Connecticut; Harlan Senger, Virginia; John T. Turner, New Jersey; Matthew M. Wittenstein, Maryland.
*Replaced Frank Singer.

 

 

Third Annual Convention: October 30th-November 2nd, 1969, Sheraton-Jefferson, St. Louis, Missouri.

 

Officers: President, William E. Hellerstedt, Minnesota; Vice-President, Charles Burrell, Illinois; Secretary-Treasurer, Matthew W. Wittenstein, Maryland.

 

Directors (18): Rea Agnew, New Jersey; J. Rut Connor, South Carolina; Harold S. Kimberley, Iowa; Richard L. Pascoe, New Hampshire; Harlan A. Senger, Virginia; John T. Turner, New Jersey; Gailan Hartshorn, New York; John F. Hughes, Colorado; Darrell Booth, Montana; Pat Canfield, Delaware; Ted Curtis, Massachusetts; Gerald Doucette, Maine; Al Fanucchi, West Virginia; Robert D. Clay, Ohio; William E. McCoy, Missouri; William R. McMullen, Florida; Milton Schmidt, Wisconsin; C. Paul Tucy, Massachusetts.

 

 

Fourth Annual Convention: October 29th-31st, 1970, Manger Motor Inn, Tampa, Florida.

 

Officers: President, Patrick M. Canfield, Delaware; Vice-President, Denis E. Snyder, Pennsylvania; Secretary-Treasurer, Paul Tucy, Massachusetts.

 

Directors (17): Milton Schmidt, Wisconsin; Gordon Clemens, California; Robert D. Clay, Ohio; Lee Goucher, Michigan; Leonard Thayer, Minnesota; John Ballard, Virginia; Mrs. Carolyn Hartshorn, New York; Will Booker, North Carolina; Charles Burrell, Illinois; Rea Agnew, Connecticut; Al Fanucchi, West Virginia; Harold Kimberly, Iowa; William R. McMullen, Florida; Richard Pascoe, New Hampshire; John Turner, New Jersey; Harlan Senger, Virginia; J. Rut Connor, South Carolina.

 

 

Fifth Annual Convention: October 28th-30th, 1971, Mills Hyatt House, Charleston, South Carolina.

 

Officers: President, Patrick M. Canfield, Delaware; Vice-President, Denis E. Snyder, Pennsylvania; Secretary-Treasurer, Paul Tucy, Massachusetts; Executive Secretary, Cecil S. Farrar, Florida.

 

Directors (17): Rea Agnew, Connecticut; John Ballard, Virginia; Will Booker, North Carolina; Charles Burrell, Illinois; Gordon Clemens, California; Robert D. Clay, Ohio; J. Rut Connor, South Carolina; Lee Goucher, Michigan; Carolyn Hartshorn, New York; Don Herring, South Carolina; Harold Kimberly, Iowa; Richard Pascoe, New Hampshire; Milton Schmidt, Wisconsin; Harlan Senger, Virginia; Robert Sonntag, Florida; Len Thayer, Minnesota; Al Thornborough, New Jersey.

 

 

Sixth Annual Convention: November 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 1972, Antlers Plaza Hotel, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

 

Officers: (Same as previous year.)

 

Directors: (Same as previous year.)

 

 

Seventh Annual Convention: November 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1973, Fairmont Roosevelt Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana.

 

Officers: President, Charles J. Murphy, Colorado; Vice-President, John Ballard, Virginia; Secretary, Gordon Clemens, California; Treasurer, Hank Wilgus, Massachusetts; Executive Secretary, Mary Matheson, California.

 

Directors (24): Term expires November, 1974 – Russ Donoghue, Utah; Don Herring, South Carolina; Country Johnston, Georgia; Harold Kimberly, Iowa; Al Mackie, New Hampshire; Denis E. Snyder, Pennsylvania; Al Thornborough, New Jersey; C. Paul Tucy, Massachusetts.

 

Term expires November, 1975 – Ralph D. Brown, California; Gary Core, Louisiana; Herb Dodson, Texas; Col. L. B. Harper, Kentucky; Charles Stout, Kansas; M. C. White, Arkansas; Lee Whitehead, Nebraska; Bill Williams, North Carolina.

 

Term expires November, 1976 – John B. Campbell, Missouri; Derald Dafforn, Indiana; Don Eichen, Minnesota; George W. Fitzsimmons, Washington; Al R. Henninger, Illinois; Peter G. Holman, Canada; Lyle Seger, Michigan; Joe Waters, Wisconsin.

 

 

Eighth Annual Convention: November 4th, 5th, 6th, 1974, Stardust Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Officers: (Same as previous year.)

 

Directors: (Same as previous year.)

 

 

Ninth Annual Convention: November 10th, 11th, 12th, 1975, Deauville Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida.

 

Officers: President, Denis E. Snyder, Pennsylvania; Vice-President, E. L. “Bill” Williams, North Carolina; Secretary, Lyle Seger, Michigan; Treasurer, Barbara Wilgus, Massachusetts; Executive Director, Mary E. Matheson, California.

 

Directors (24): Term expires November, 1975 – John Ballard, Virginia; Steve Hames, Texas; David T. Hodgin, California; Mario P. Pomanti, New Jersey; Warren L. Reuther, Louisiana; Charles S. Stout, Kansas; M.C. White, Arkansas; L.E. Whitehead, Nebraska.

 

Term expires November, 1976 – John B. Campbell, Missouri; Derald R. Dafforn, Indiana; Donald G. Eichen, Minnesota; George W. Fitzsimmons, Washington; Ed Hardee, South Carolina; A.R. Henninger, Illinois; Peter G. Holman, Canada; Joe Waters, Wisconsin.

 

Term expires November, 1977 – Charles Burrell, Wisconsin; Richard D. Croul, California; W.G. Crumrin, Illinois; Russell O. Donoghue, Utah; Bernice Grell, Pennsylvania; Carole A. Russ, Florida; Joseph P. Staruk, Massachusetts; Verl Thomson, South Dakota.

 

 

Tenth Annual Convention: November 10th, 11th, 12th, 1976, Fairmount Hotel, Dallas, Texas.

 

Officers: (Same as previous year except, Executive Director, Jerry Crumrin.)

 

Directors (24): Term expires November, 1976 – (Same as previous year.)

 

Term expires November, 1977 – (Same as previous year, except, Warren L. Reuther, Jr., Louisiana for Crumrin and George Vought, Pennsylvania for Grell.)

 

Term expires Novemver, 1978 – Robert B. Albee, Virginia; J. Rut Connor, South Carolona; George T. Gregory, Arizona; Steve Hames, Texas; David T. Hodgin, California; Doris W. Kennett, Massachusetts; Mario P. Pomanti, New Jersey; J. Eddy Thomas, Ohio.

 

 

Eleventh Annual Convention: November 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 1977, Sheraton Hotel, Hartford, Connecticut.

 

Officers: President, E.L. “Bill” Williams, North Carolina; Vice-President, David T. Hodgin, California; Secretary, Steve Hames, Texas; Treasurer, Derald Dafforn, Indiana; Executive Director, Jerry Crumrin, Illinois.

 

Directors (24): Term expires November, 1977 – Lee Bosworth, New Hampshire; Charles Burrell, Illinois; Russell Donoghue, Utah; Warren Reuther, Louisiana; Carole Russ, Florida; Joseph Staruk, Massachusetts; Verl Thomson, South Dakota; Eldredge Welton, California.

 

Term expires November, 1978 – Robert Albee, Virginia; J. Rut Connor, South Carolina; George Gregory, Arizona; Bernice Grell, Pennsylvania; Doris W. Kennett, Maine; Joe Kwak, Illinois; Mario Pomanti, New Jersey; J. Eddy Thomas, Ohio.

 

Term expires November, 1979 – John Ballard, Virginia; Charles Bissell, Canada; Donald Eichen, Minnesota; Ed Hardee, South Carolina; Al Henninger, Illinois; Audrey Larson, North Carolina; Lyle Seger, Michigan; Anna Tillinghast, Rhode Island.

 

 

Twelfth Annual Convention: October 30th, 31st, November 1st, 2nd, 1978, Sheraton-Palace, San Francisco, California.

 

Officers: (Same as previous year.)

 

Directors (24): Term expires November, 1978 – (Same as previous year.)

 

Term expires November, 1979 – (Same as previous year.)

 

Term expires November, 1980 – Lee Bosworth, New Hampshire; Russell Donoghue, Utah; John Graybeal, Maryland; James J. Oestreich, Washington; David Roth, New York; Joseph Staruk, Massachusetts; Verl Thomson, South Dakota; Eldredge Welton, California.

 

 

Immediate Past President

 

1978 NCOA PRESIDENTS

 

1967 GERALD M. DOUCETTE Lakeside Pines Campground Maine

 

1968 HARRY J. JENSEN Lazy Trailer Park South Dakota

 

1968 TOM JONES Tamsin Park Ohio

 

1969 WILLIAM E. HELLERSTEDT Camp-On-The-Mississippi Minnesota

 

1970 PAT CANFIELD Rosemont Camping Resort Delaware

 

1972 CHARLES MURPHY Garden of the Gods Campground Colorado

 

1974 DENIS E. SNYDER Bald Eagle Campsite Pennsylvania

 

1976 E.L. “BILL” WILLIAMS Hatteras Sands North Carolina