The DeSoto Owners Club of Maryland, Inc. ("DOCM") is a non-profit, social "car club" organization (IRS Non Profit 501(c)(7) Social Club) founded in 1976, and is a chapter of the National DeSoto Club. The club has an award-winning, bi-monthly publication, "DeSoto Diary" for our members. There are monthly club breakfasts, luncheon meetings and various sponsored/co-sponsored car shows and other events (such as routine vehicle workshops) in the MD, DC, VA, PA, and DE areas. You do not have to own a DeSoto to be a member! We welcome all who appreciate the marque, even those who choose to modify their DeSotos. Our members are diverse and spread out beyond the Maryland region, including Florida, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. Most of our members are MOPAR centric since DeSoto was a Chrysler product, but they often have other vehicle interests including orphan vehicles: AMC, Studebaker, Packard, Plymouth, Edsel, Hudson, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac.
Our DeSoto Club marks 48 YEARS of DeSoto adventures in 2024! We were formed before a national club was developed. Many Thanks to Club Founder Mr. J Francis Werneth, along with his wife Margaret, for having the wherewithal to create a club just for DeSoto that has stood the test of time. Sad to say, our beloved founder passed away on January 7, 2022 at age 87. You can read more here about the many accomplishments of his life and how he supported the car collector hobby in many ways: https://www.marzullofuneralchapel.com/obituary/J-Werneth
Our Club's Mission
The DeSoto Owners Club of Maryland (DOCM), Inc. is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the DeSoto Automobile by the Chrysler Corporation, model years from 1929 to 1961.
Did you miss the 2016 National DeSoto Club (NDC) Convention held in Maryland? Learn more about our 2016 National DeSoto Club's National Convention on the 2016 National DeSoto Convention tab! DID YOU MISS OUR CARAVAN driving out to the 2017 NDC Convention in San Diego, CA via the Mother Road, Route 66; or the 2018 CARAVAN TO BRANSON, MO? We also had members drive out to Hutchinson, Kansas in 2019. The national convention for 2020 was rescheduled to Brookfield, Wisconsin, July 28 - August 1, 2021 and we visited The Henry Ford in Dearborn with our caravan. For 2022, our chapter once again sponsored the NATIONAL DESOTO CONVENTION, in ALTOONA PENNSYLVANIA, themed "ALLEGHENY ADVENTURES AWAIT YOU! " WE HAD A GREAT TIME!!!
LAST year's NATIONAL DESOTO CLUB National Convention WAS in Chatham, Ontario, CANADA, JULY 26-30, 2023! The coordinator was Kevin Stiles at NDCchathamConvention2023@gmail.com.
In 2024, the national convention is in The Big Easy-NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. Are you up for the drive, Cajun-style? www.DeSoto.org or visit www.desoto.org/events
As you can see, we do road trips to conventions; Let us know of your interests at DeSotoClubMD@gmail.com
2024
Club-sponsored/Co-Sponsored EVENTS (This page was last updated on 10/13/2024): All workshops, meetings and luncheons are subject to health guidelines for mask wearing and social distancing as prescribed at the time & location of the event!
2024
JAN 4: DOCM Workshop & Ladies Luncheon at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM
FEB 10: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM
MAR 10: Visit & tour to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD + lunch outing. A joint event with Plymouth Owners Club members.
MAR 16: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM.
APR 18: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM.
APR 27: DOCM & POC Spring Fling Car Show & Luncheon. 9am -3pm, Casa Mia’s Restaurant, 17417 York Road, Parkton, MD. FEE MUST BE PAID BY APR 17th for LUNCHEON!
MAY 16: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM.
JUNE 13: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM.
JULY 12-14: A group of DeSoto Club Members plan on going to the All CHRYSLER NATIONALS in Carlisle, PA.
JULY 20: Saturday, DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM.
JULY 24-28: The National DeSoto Convention in New Orleans/Harvey, Louisiana.
AUGUST 17: Saturday, DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM. Contact Mike Bianco. NO ladies luncheon this time.
AUGUST 18: Plymouth Owners Club Mid Atlantic (POC) invited DOCM TO: Crab Feast - Salernos Restaurant, 1043 Liberty Road, Eldersburg, MD. Order any amount of crabs (1 or a dozen or in between). If you don’t eat crabs you can order off of their menu or do both! If you plan to attend call Sandy 410-796-7855 or cell phone 443-800-2651.
DATE CHANGE from Sept 7, DUE TO ORIGINAL FORECAST OF RAIN!!! SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8: DOCM MEMBER PICNIC, Bethesda MD. The Club will be providing the hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, condiments, water, soda and dessert. Please bring a side dish or appetizer to share. BYOB and BYOLC (Bring Your Own lawn chairs). Please RSVP to Cheryl Bianco @ cheche6@me.com or 410.456.9514. Please note in your RSVP what your are bringing.
SEPTEMBER 19: Thursday, DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM. Contact Mike Bianco.
OCTOBER 17: Thursday, DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM. Contact Mike Bianco.
NOVEMBER 7th: Thursday, DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM. Contact Mike Bianco.
NOV/or DEC: DOCM Holiday Luncheon and Food Drive (Date/location TBD)
See the calendar tab (pull down menu under "More") for other events and details.
NOTE: Some of the above items may be retained for historical reference so you can see what the club does each year. Also, we migrated from "DeSotoClubMD.com" to this NEW DOMAIN name www.DeSotoClubMD.org and site format. You can contact us at DeSotoClubMD@gmail.com . Thank you, The Webmaster.
Our club is Not affiliated with the Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Corporation, The Chrysler Corporation, Stellantis N.V. (or any subsequent mergers), or The State of Maryland.