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 breakfast, 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 47 YEARS of DeSoto adventures in 2023! 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!!!
This year's NATIONAL DESOTO CLUB National Convention WAS in Chatham, Ontario, CANADA, JULY 26-30, 2023! The coordinator was Kevin Stiles, Coordinator, on NDCchathamConvention2023@gmail.com, or go to the NDC website www.DeSoto.org or visit www.desoto.org/events .
In 2024, plans are being developed for a national convention in NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. Are you up for the drive, Cajun-style?
As you can see, we do road trips to conventions; Let us know of your interests at DeSotoClubMD@gmail.com
2023-2024
Club-sponsored/Co-Sponsored EVENTS (This page was last updated on 11/28/2023): 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!
2023:
FEBRUARY 23 THURSDAY: DOCM CLUB WORKSHOP;
MARCH 23 THURSDAY: DOCM CLUB WORKSHOPS;
APRIL 15: DOCM CLUB WORKSHOP; Murrays' Garage, Millersville, MD.
APRIL 22 SATURDAY: 6th ANNUAL DOCM SPRING FLING CAR SHOW AND LUNCHEON, co-sponsored with the Mid-Atlantic Region Plymouth Owners Club! Casa Mia's Restaurant, Parkton, MD.
MAY 11: DOCM CLUB WORKSHOPS; LADIES LUNCH;
JUNE 15: DOCM CLUB WORKSHOPS; LADIES LUNCH;
DATE CHANGE: JULY 8th has been rescheduled to SATURDAY, JULY 15th!!!: DOCM CLUB WORKSHOPS; LADIES LUNCH;
AUG 26th SATURDAY: VENUE CHANGE!!!: DOCM CLUB LUNCHEON and then WORKSHOP; MEET AT HELLAS RESTAURANT at 10:30AM, Millersville MD for LUNCH AND CLUB MEETING.
SEPT 9th: DOCM PICNIC: 11:30AM-4PM, VENUE CHANGE to BETHESDA, MD.
SEPT 21st THURS: DOCM WORKSHOP/MEETING; 10AM, Murray's Garage, Millersville, MD. Contact Mike Bianco if you plan on attending the workshop and if you are bringing a vehicle to work on.
OCT 19th THURS: 10AM, Murray's Garage, Millersville, MD. Contact Mike Bianco if you plan on attending the workshop and if you are bringing a vehicle to work on. NOTE: LADIES LUNCHEON is cancelled for this date.
NOV 11th SAT: DOCM Club Luncheon & Meeting at Lure’s Restaurant at 11am, 1397 Generals Highway, Crownsville, MD .Lunch is Pay-as-you-go from the restaurant menu.
DEC 2nd: Last day to RSVP and Pay for the Holiday Luncheon. Contact Kathy Keller-Baer, club VP, for info.
DEC 14th, THURS: The Annual DOCM Holiday Luncheon, The Kings Contrivance Restaurant, Columbia, MD. As in the past, we will continue with the annual Food Drive too. The details have been emailed and mailed to club members!
DEC 31st: Do you know where your DeSoto is?
2024
JAN 4: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM & A Ladies Outing (TBD). Contact Mike Bianco if you plan on bringing a vehicle to work on. Contact Cheryal Bianco about the ladies outing.
JAN 8: DOCM Club Luncheon & Meeting at LeeLynn's Dining Room and Lounge, Ellicott City, MD 11:30AM. Lunch is Pay-as-you-go from the restaurant menu. RSVP to Cheryl Bianco by Jan/4 if you plan to attend. Joint event with the Plymouth Owners Club - Mid-Atlantic Region.
FEB 10: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM. Contact Mike Bianco if you plan on bringing a vehicle to work on
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. Feel free to contact the club to point out anything that is not appearing correctly 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.