2016 Mid-South Military History & Civil War Show

Originally published July 2016 · p. 6

Two chapters of the Military Vehicles Preservation Association displayed WWII cannons, trucks, jeeps and half-tracks which were enjoyed by the public.

2016 Mid-South Military History & Civil War Show MEMPHIS, TENN.—The 49th annual Military History & Civil War Show held on Saturday and Sunday, March 5th and 6th, at the Agricenter Showplace Arena in Memphis, Tennessee was a great hit! The Show featured the Traveling Vietnam Wall, which drew additional attendees to this Memphis-based event. The Show has grown in each of the last few years and should exceed 200 dealer and exhibit tables in 2017. The 50th annual Military History & Civil War Show is scheduled to take place at the same location on March 4th & 5th, 2017. A discounted price is available for early dealer registration. Show dealers will display sales and exhibit tables covering all the wars from 1776 through the current period. Items will sell from less than a dollar to over $10,000.00! During the Show, a lecture series in 50-minute increments was given by well-known historians, authors and experts in various fields concerning the items available from the Show’s dealers. Al Arnold spoke about his new book, Robert E. Lee’s Orderly, A Modern Black Man’s Confederate Journey. Bridget Smith spoke about her new book, Where Elephants Fought, The Murder of Confederate General Earl Van Dorn, which is an interesting story concluding that historians were wrong about the motives for the death of Earl Van Dorn. Don Sides also spoke about his recently published book, The Essential Guide to the Battle of Coffeeville, Mississippi, a little known but important Civil War battle. All participating dealers reported good sales. Louis Varnell of The History Company stated, “We had a good time at the show. There was a good flow of traffic and a variety of dealers and exhibits to keep everyone interested. We are looking forward to coming to the show next year. This was our third year!” Another dealer stated, “The Memphis Military & Civil War Show was a ‘blast’ in 2016. (Note: All cannon fire was outside the building.) The crowd was great and very receptive.” Awards were given to several of the display table presenters for their educational value. Bridget Smith commented, “The Mid-South Military History & Civil War Show” in Memphis is one of the best events of its kind! As a first time attendee … I was truly impressed with the event and participating vendors! Educational and entertaining, this event is the perfect show for the entire family!” The Mid-South Military History & Civil War Shows are sponsored by the James R. Chalmers SCV Camp #1312 and the Robert E. Lee SCV Camp #1640. For more information on the March 4-5, 2017 Show, call Tarry Beasley at 901-682-8000.

Tarry Beasley (Show Chairman) and Jim Koch (Display Award Winner).

Two chapters of the Military Vehicles Preservation Association displayed WWII cannons, trucks, jeeps and half-tracks which were enjoyed by

The 2016 Show, open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, was well attended.

Tarry Beasley (Show Chairman), Graydon Swisher (Display Award Winner) and Sam Escue (Show Co-Chairman).

Several dealers and displayers had an opportunity to engage the attendees, young and older, to educate them on their displays or items for sale such as Ken Chrestman seen here talking with three attendees.