American Digger Lowcountry Civil War & Artifact Show

Originally published March 2019 · p. 27

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.— Once again, the 2019 Civil War show season opened the first week in January with the 25th Annual Low Country event, which has been sponsored by American Digger magazine for the last four years. In contrast to last year’s show, when a freak snow and ice storm hammered the traditionally mild South Carolina Lowcountry climate, affecting dealer turnout, the weekend weather was nearly perfect. The show was held on Jan. 5-6 at the spacious Omar Shrine Center in Mt. Pleasant, just across the river from historic Charleston. Dealers and exhibitors came from all over to attend this year’s event, making the show a virtual sell out of the 200 tables. The public also came out in droves, partially due to increased public marketing. Multimedia advertisements in local newspapers and on social media complimented a billboard for the show, plus aggressive advertising and giveaways on Charleston radio station WTMA, including an in-studio interview with show promoters Butch Holcombe and Mark Schuessler. Unplanned marketing was accomplished when the local NBC TV affiliate showed up to film a segment on the show, which was then shown on Channel 2 for three consecutive news hours on both Saturday and Sunday, creating a much larger than normal Sunday crowd. Exhibits and sale included items from ancient times up to WWII. Bottles, weapons, artillery projectiles, documents and paper items, books, dug and nondug artifacts, arrowheads, jewelry, Americana, and more were seen throughout the hall. Door prizes, including metal detectors donated by Minelab and Garrett, were given away to lucky ticket holders. Feedback from dealers was enthusiastic, with many saying it was the best show they have had here in years. An oyster and lowcountry barbecue, a long running tradition, was catered by Charlestonian Jamie Westendorff, on Friday evening for all table holders. Next year’s show has already been announced for January 4-5, 2020. With orders for table spaces already coming in, it is already shaping up to be a must-attend event.

Awards were given as follows: Best Dug Artifact—Jerry Kirkland; Best of Show/Award of Excellence—Mike Fisher; Best NonDug Artifact—Bill Blackman; Most Educational—Art DiFilipio.

Crowd shot of the packed show hall with everyone having a great time. (Photos by Butch and Anita Holcombe)

Author Charlie Harris from Tenn., was photographing relics at the show for future projects.