Franklin, Tenn. The Largest Civil War Show Under One Roof!

Originally published February 2022 · pp. 1–6

The Antique Bowie Knife Association won a Historical Significance Award for their joint effort consisting of 14 tables of the finest Bowie knives in existence. (Alan Weinstein pictured).

Franklin, Tenn. The Largest Civil War Show Under One Roof! FRANKLIN, Tenn.—”It’s great to be back in Franklin” was the battle cry as hundreds of dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts gathered on December 4th and 5th for the 34th Middle Tennessee Civil War Show and Sale in Franklin, Tenn. Although technically the 35th year of its existence, this was actually the 34th Middle Tennessee Civil War Show due to the Williamson County Ag Expo Park being shut down all 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Vehicles were pulling into the parking lot for prime unloading spots as early as 6:30 AM on Friday morning, even though the official move in time was not until 10 AM. The excitement was obvious as folks greeted each other, showed off their latest finds, and made plans for the weekend with friends they had not seen for almost two years. Promoter Mike Kent was pleased with the results of his yearlong project to put the show back on track after its only cancellation in 35 years. Anticipating a lower-thannormal demand for tables, Kent initially altered his floor plan to remove some tables and widen the aisles for attendees but was surprised when table reservations continued to trickle in right up to the week of the show; he had to place another order for tables, resulting in the same full capacity show as 2019. It appeared that

Bruce Hohler, Rafael Eledge, Larry Hicklen, and promoter Mike Kent – The 4 Amigos – representing over 120 years of participation in the Middle Tennessee Civil War Show!

Gerald Roxbury seems to bring a new, award winning display every year. His Cutlasses of New Orleans display took home the Chairman’s Award.

The Williamson County Ag Expo was filled to capacity with over 800 tables on the main floor and mezzanine. All photos by Jack W. Melton Jr.

PG McCoy won a Historical Significance Award for his extensive display of John Hunt Morgan memorabilia.

some people were just waiting until the last minute to make up their minds about participating but everyone came through in the clutch to make for a successful event said Kent. The weather in Franklin was the warmest in memory, with temperatures approaching 70 degrees on Friday and encouraging some vendors to show up in shorts, unheard of for Tennessee in December. The warm weather made for a comfortable move in and commerce was brisk as vendors visited table after table in search of new material for their collection or shop. The Franklin show is the highlight of the year for many dealers as they see numerous collectors who only participate in this one show. This year was no different with many dealers reporting strong sales and several stating that they had already “made their number” by Friday evening, always a positive indicator of a good, productive show. Covid-19 and its effects were a major source of conversation throughout the show, with almost everyone having a story of friends or family who had battled it. All dealers suffered directly or indirectly as show after show was cancelled over the past 18 months, forcing many to rely on internet sales alone to get them through the year. Just being back in Franklin, face to face with their fellow dealers, was a big morale booster according to Kent. Several long-time regulars were missing from the show due to the risks of being in a large crowd, but assured Kent they would be back next year. This year the Franklin show was honored to host the Antique Bowie Knife Association’s annual meeting. In addition to the meeting, which was closed to the general public, the Association put on a spectacular display consisting of 14 tables exhibiting some of the rarest and most desirable Bowie knives in private hands, earning them a Historical Significance award in

Greg Murry and his display of The Crockett Long Rifle easily won the Best Weapon Award.

Knife Association was founded in 1975 by 19 collectors who shared a passion for Bowie knives; it has since evolved into a worldwide organization dedicated to collecting and preserving antique Bowie knives. As always, some dealers vying for awards bring out their personal collection or project for the public to enjoy. For many it is a labor of love as there are no monetary rewards for putting the time and effort into their passion. The enjoyment and satisfaction comes from receiving comments and accolades from the public and the respect of their fellow collectors. The winners of this year’s display awards were:

Bruce Hohler won a Historical Significance Award for his stunning kepis that belonged to Brig. General Cockrell and Maj. General McLaws.

Historical Significance Awards ✪ PG McCoy - The John Hunt Morgan Collection ✪ Bruce Hohler – Kepis of Brig. General Francis Marion Cockrell and Maj. General Lafayette McLaws ✪ David Noe – 1853 Enfield Rifles ✪ Antique Bowie Knife Association – Bowie Knives Through the Ages

Mark Annabali won the Best of Show Award for his display of Civil War Contract Revolvers featuring over 100 firearms.

People’s Choice Award Dean Sprowl took the People’s Choice Award for his “Texas Civil War Artifacts and Memorabilia.”

Well known dealer, author, and Antiques Roadshow appraiser Tim Prince is always a popular figure at the Franklin Show.

Chairman’s Award Gerald Roxbury won the Chairman’s Award with “Cutlasses of New Orleans.”

Allen Wandling made a family affair out of the Franklin Show this year!

Best Weapon Award Greg Murry pulled in the Best Weapon Award for “The Crockett Long Rifle.”

Texan Al Duquette always has one of the largest selections of weapons at the Franklin Show.

Best of Show Award Mark Annabali’s “Civil War Contract Revolvers” garnered the Best of Show Award.

Roger Ballard from Alabama has been a regular at Franklin for over 30 years.

Of particular interest was the exhibit of Bruce Hohler, owner of Franklin Relics, which displayed original kepis that once belonged to Confederate Brig. General Francis Marion Cockrell and Confederate Maj. General Lafayette McLaws, along with documents, memorabilia, and photographs of both men posing with their kepis. Cockrell has a riveting connection to Franklin as he was wounded three times in the Nov. 30, 1864, Battle of Franklin, when his 1st Missouri Brigade led the assault against Union defenses near the Carter Cotton Gin. More than half the Missouri Brigade was wounded or killed in that battle. After the war he was elected to the United States Senate and served until 1905; thereafter he was appointed to the Interstate Commerce Commission by President Theodore Roosevelt. McLaws was commissioned a Major in the Confederate Army in 1861 and rapidly promoted through the ranks to Major General, serving under Lt. General James Longstreet for most of the war. He achieved great success in some battles, but disappointed Lee at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, eventually being relieved of command and sent to Savannah to defend against Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” After the war he served as Savannah’s Postmaster and was active in Confederate veterans organizations. No Franklin show would be complete with the presence of Nashville native, artist John Paul Strain. Hosted by Debi and Kent Robinson of DK Prints, Strain is often seen working on his latest project at their booth where he is more than happy to shake hands and greet visitors and customers alike. Porter’s Battery, a 3-gun artillery reenactment unit, was on hand as always, firing hourly salvos across the parking lot from their position on a bluff located outside the exhibit hall. Young and old alike flocked around the battery. As the commands were given to ready the guns, all ears were covered as the lanyards were pulled. No matter how many times you have observed cannon being fired, it always brings a smile to your face! Make plans now to attend Mike Kent’s Chickamauga Civil War Show in Dalton, Ga., on Jan. 29-30, 2022, and next year’s Franklin Civil War Show on Dec. 3-4, 2022. For information visit www.MKShows.com. Tom and Debbie Hays from Murfreesboro have been participating in the Franklin show since they were teenagers!