25th Annual Chickamauga Civil War Show and Sale

Originally published March 2020 · p. 19

DALTON, Ga.—The 25th Annual Chickamauga Civil War Show and Sale went off without a hitch on February 1 and 2 at the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, Ga. The weather was perfect for a show with cool temperatures and rain on Saturday driving the public in to spend the day among 500 tables of authentic Civil War weapons, artifacts, and memorabilia presented by many of the nation’s top dealers and collectors. This show is always a gamble, weather wise, according to promoter Mike Kent of MK Shows. With the Dalton Convention Center located atop a mountain just off I-75 at Exit 333, a little ice or snow could have a major impact. That is why this show is always covered by weather cancellation insurance. I watch the weather reports continuously right up until show time, but I sleep a lot better knowing I have insurance in case a winter storm hits, continued Kent. This is Kent’s third Civil War show in the last 3 months; it was just as successful as the outings in Richmond, Va., in November, and Franklin, Tenn., in December. All tables were sold weeks in advance at all three shows with waiting lists in case there were any last minute cancellations, always a good sign the Civil War industry as a whole is still healthy and vibrant. The crowd was strong wit numbers up slightly from 2019. The lobby was packed with over 200 folks as the clock approached the 9 a.m. opening bell so tickets were presold to expedite the admission process. As usual, the lobby was also a key central location for several nonprofit groups such as local SCV camps, historical sites, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Civil War Roundtable of Atlanta made a strong showing again this year with several carloads of members caravanning to shop, visit, and renew old friendships at the show. MK Shows donates tables free of charge to many groups each year as a way of giving back to the communities and organizations that support the shows. Back this year Due to popular demand, the Civil War seminars held throughout Saturday were back this year. The speakers and their topics were as follows: • •

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Perry Cutshall of Mississippi Prospecting and Detecting Supply is enjoying his first Dalton show but is already planning to be back next year.

Michael K. Shaffer – Atlanta Campaign: Into the Very Heart of the Confederacy. Brad Quinlan – Dignity, Honor, Character: The Story of the Medal of Honor and the Recipients From Chattanooga and Tenn. Greg Biggs – Stopping Hood: The U.S. Navy and the Tennessee Campaign. Gene Andrews – Biography of General Nathan Bedford Forrest.

While the topics and presentations were interesting, professional, and educational, the biographies of the presenters were amazing and could have been the subject of an entire seminar. Their collective experiences included numerous awards, books, speaking engagements, movies, war time service, and of course, a deep and abiding interest in the Civil War. These individuals are

Paul Gibson and Bob Edmondson’s display of Confederate blockade runner documents won the Best of Show Award.

to be commended for their willingness to share their knowledge and time with others. Another addition this year were several live fire musket drills and demonstrations conducted by Fred Ufford of Co. F, 39th Ga. Inf. In addition to the musket demonstrations, Ufford also conducted a church service for dealers on Sunday morning dressed in period clothing. No show would be complete without displays and Dalton was no exception. Winners this year included: •

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Award winners, Bill Blackman, Paul Gibson, Bob Edmondson, and Jerry Hayes.

Best of Show – Paul Gibson and Bob Edmondson: Blockade Runner Documents and Letters People’s Choice Award – Jerry Hayes: Confederate Buckles and Buttons Chairman’s Award – Bill Blackman: Confederate Buckles and Belt Plates

The faces behind Mercer University Press: L to R: Author Garry Fisher, Zela Fisher, Marsha Luttrell of Mercer University Press.

Steve Strickland, President of the North Georgia Relic Hunter’s Association, and his wife Melody.