Franklin’s Middle Tennessee Civil War Show

Originally published February 2020 · pp. 4–5

FRANKLIN, Tenn.—The 33rd Annual Middle Tennessee Civil War Show is now in the history books and it was a great one according to Show Promoter Mike Kent of MK Shows. For the past 10 years the show has been held at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park in Franklin, a wellknown equestrian facility that caters to many high end horse shows and expos of all types. For many years Kent has toyed with the idea of holding a complimentary event during the Civil War show to enhance attendance and give some variety to the show. He has hosted an auction of Civil War collectibles, various Sutler Villages, cannon demonstrations, and the Antique Bowie Knife Association. All have been interesting and fit in well with the show, but none have really had an impact on attendance until this year. Enter the Brentwood Franklin Coin Collectors Club headed by Col. Steve Ellsworth, a previous Franklin show vendor. Ellsworth, who also happens to be President of the American Numismatic Association, contacted Kent with a novel idea; integrate their established coin show with our established Civil War show and see what happens. When all the details were worked out the coin collectors had a separate exhibit room within the Civil War show facility featuring 60 tables of coins, currency, gold, silver, and other collectibles. One admission price was good for both shows. The coin dealers enjoyed the benefit of a huge Civil War crowd visiting their show while the Civil War dealers saw a noticeable increase in overall attendance due to coin enthusiasts circulating through their event. Based on numbers at the gate, Kent saw a 10% increase in attendance over last year, mainly attributed to including the coin show and targeted marketing by his advertising manager Peggy Melton. Kent and Ellsworth were both pleased with the end result and hope to work out a similar arrangement for the December 2020 show. In addition to an increase in attendance this year, the show also added 25 vendor tables, a slight uptick from 2018. As far as organizing and finalizing the table count, it’s always like a giant jigsaw puzzle until the last minute according to Kent. With the number of dealers traveling from all over the country, you can expect to run into last minute cancellations due to illness, weather, family, and vehicle situations every year. Luckily we generally have a waiting list of folks who need tables, so it is just a matching game right up until we open for move in said Kent. When opening came on Friday morning at 10 a.m., every table was filled and the race was on among dealers to find new material and renew old friendships. When the final bell rang at 7 p.m. Friday night, dealers were still shopping, trading, and visiting and had to be encouraged to leave by numerous announcements over the PA system, just like in the old days! A Civil War show would not be complete without displays and this year was no different. Seven different displays were judged; five of the seven were exhibits never shown before at Franklin. The award winners were: •

Best of Show – Paul Gibson and Bob Edmondson: Confederate Blockade Runner Documents and Letters

All in all, another successful Middle Tennessee Civil War Show! Stay tuned for the Chickamauga Civil War Show scheduled for February 1 & 2, 2020, at the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, Ga. For information contact Mike Kent at 770630-7296 or Mike@MKShows. com. See MK Shows ad on page 3 in this issue.

Best Weapon Award – Arston Grant: Confederate Revolvers People’s Choice Award – Wayne and Greg Williams: Surviving Battlefield Amputations During the Civil War Chairman’s Award – Bill Blackman: Confederate Buckles and Belt Plates Historical Significance Award – David Noe: The British Pattern 1853 Enfield Historical Significance Award – Greg Murry: The Crockett Long Rifle Historical Significance Award – Gerald Roxbury: Naval Sword Surrendered to Raphael Semmes

Chairman’s Award – Bill Blackman: Confederate Buckles and Belt Plates. Publishers: Send your book(s) for review to: 520 Folly Road, Suite 25 PMB 379 Charleston, SC 29412 [email protected]

33rd Middle Tennessee Civil War Show Award Winners. Left to right: Best Weapon Award – Arston Grant: Confederate Revolvers; Historical Significance Award – David Noe: The British Pattern 1853 Enfield; Historical Significance Award – Greg Murry: The Crockett Long Rifle; Historical Significance Award – Gerald Roxbury: Naval Sword Surrendered to Raphael Semmes; Best of Show – Paul Gibson and Bob Edmondson: Confederate Blockade Runner Documents and Letters; People’s Choice Award – Greg and Wayne Williams: Surviving Battlefield Amputations During the Civil War