30th Anniversary Of The Middle Tennessee Civil War Show

Originally published February 2017 · pp. 1–7

FRANKLIN, TENN.—The Middle Tennessee Civil War Show finished up its 30th year in good shape, exceeding expectations with a full house of dealers and a gate increase of 5% over last year’s event according to Show Chairman Mike Kent. Franklin is often seen looked at as the “bellwether” show by many enthusiasts, with the results of the show often predicting how other Civil War shows will do in the following months. As long as Franklin is a healthy show, most vendors feel secure about the future of the industry; and once again Franklin did not disappoint. With dealers and collectors from 34 states and one foreign country participating from 34 states and one foreign country, the show lived up to its reputation as a truly national event for the 30th anniversary. Many dealers took great delight in reminding Kent that they had participated in all 30 shows and had dealer badges from every year to prove it. In looking back at show photos over the years, it is interesting to note how we all look basically the same, albeit the graying of hair and addition of extra pounds we seem to have acquired so quickly. Yet the material we collect, sell and display continues to change as it emerges from collections, museums and the ground. One thing that does not change is the friendships and business relationships developed over the years. Since many dealers only see each other 3 or 4 times a year, each show is another opportunity to renew old friendships, catch up on the latest industry gossip and meet new friends and customers. Many of us remember the early years of the Middle Tennessee Civil War Show and Sale started by Larry Hicklen in 1986 at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville. Think multiple buildings, poor lighting, leaky roofs, dinner at Darryl’s in Cool Springs on Saturday night with the high rollers buying drinks for everyone and after parties at the Holiday Inn. Fast forward 30 years and we have progressed (or matured) to the Ag Expo Park in Franklin with dinner at P.F. Changs, a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beer, reminiscing with a few friends and in bed at the Hilton by 9 p.m. My, how times have changed! Many dealers reported strong sales and trades on Friday during set up, both to fellow dealers and the hundred or so early admission buyers who were not able to secure tables. Friday is always a good indicator of the mood and overall success of the show when commerce is active and intense, with dealers quickly setting up shop so they can begin their search for fresh merchandise. It’s also a good sign when dealers have to be reminded several times that the show has closed for the day and it’s time to leave! Requests for extra tables were noticeable this year as several vendors were looking to expand their footprints due to acquiring new collections or setting up new displays.

Fortunately, we are all still able displays to the show to be judged.

ing relics or promoting Civil War shows. Who would have guessed we would still be doing this 30 years ago? The hobby is going strong, even with the graying of dealers and little interest being shown by younger folks today. This was evidenced by the huge queue which completely filled the lobby in Franklin at 9 am on Saturday morning when the show opened and it took almost an hour to work the line down to a manageable level. As always, there were many collectors who brought their

Jim Lewis - General Ambrose Burnside’s Sword Brian Riel - Sniper Rifles from the Civil War through World War II David Noe - Austrian Rifles Rusty Hicks - Identified Confederate Swords and Revolvers Dave Winfield - Confederate Blades from England Wayne Williams - Model 1855 Muskets Ernie and Tonnia Arnold - Burnside Shoulder Belt Plates John, Nikki, Jonathan and Alex Walsh - Western Sharpshooters - The 66th Ill. Vol. Inf. Kent Wall and Bill Beard - Leech and Rigdon - Arming the Confederacy Bill Gurley and Meigs Brainard - Chasing Missourians in Arkansas Don Phillips and Bill Blackman - Confederate Buckles Josh Phillips - Captured Confederate Battle Flags Gerald Roxbury - U.S. Naval Swords

• • • • When the dust settled and the judge’s results were tallied, the winners were: • • • • • • • • • •

Dave Winfield - Best of Show John Walsh and Family - Chairman’s Award Rusty Hicks - People’s Choice Award Kent Wall / Bill Beard - Spirit of the South Award Ernie / Tonnia Arnold - Most Educational Award Bill Gurley / Meigs Brainard - Best Dug Relic Award Jim Lewis - Best Non-Dug Relic Award Brian Riel - Historic Significance Award Wayne Williams - Historic Significance Award Josh Phillips - Historic Significance Award displaying their collections each year, as there is no financial incentive to do so, only the appreciation and interest show by the public and other collectors. With a successful 2016 Middle Tennessee Show behind us, we can all now look forward to the challenges and adventures 2017 will offer. Make plans now to participate in or visit the next big show, the Chickamauga Civil War Show in Dalton, Georgia on February 4-5, 2017. See you there!