Back to Normal—Annual Civil War Show a Success!

Originally published April 2023 · pp. 1–7

Back to Normal—Annual Civil War Show a Success! — lead photograph from the original article

Back to Normal—Annual Civil War Show a Success! DALTON, Ga.—The 28th Annual Chickamauga (Dalton) Civil War Show held February 4th and 5th at the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, Ga., exceeded expectations according to promoter Mike Kent of MK Shows. Kent noted that shows overall seem to have been stuck in the doldrums for the past two years due to concerns over Covid-19 but finally broke free this year leading to the best attendance for the Dalton show in the past six years. Dealers were upbeat and commerce was brisk as relics and cash traded hands throughout the 45,000 square foot state of the art Dalton Convention Center. As always, General Manager Doug Phipps was on hand for move in on Friday and reminisced with Kent about their initial meeting in 2002 where Kent agreed to take over management of the show and how it has grown to its full capacity of 500 tables, attracting dealers and attendees from over 30 states and the United Kingdom. Dalton is one of the few cities that actually encourages and supports Civil War shows and related activities as evidenced by front page coverage on Thursday before the show.

The Convention Center actively promotes the show through the hard work of our long time Event Services Manager Tuesday Jones who ensures our Dalton Lecture Series is well publicized several weeks in advance. Tuesday did such an excellent job this was the first year that all seats were taken at many sessions with standing room only for late comers. The lecture series was put together by well-known author and lecturer Greg Biggs who continues to bring the best and most entertaining speakers to Dalton year after year. The speakers and their topics for this year’s show were as follows: ★ Richard McMurry: Jeff and Joe: The Quarrel that Doomed the Confederacy ★ Steve Davis: The Atlanta Daily Intelligencer Covers the Atlanta Campaign ★ Gene Andrews: General Forrest at Fort Pillow - The Truth ★ Robert Jenkins: The Cassville Affairs, May 19, 1864, and the Failed Confederate Strategy in the Atlanta Campaign ★ Donna Faulkner Barron: The Man Who Carved Stone Mountain

Kenny Copelin, Scott Riddle, and Dr. Bill Blackman shared honors with Best of Show awards for their combined six tables of rare Confederate buckles.

Speaker, columnist, and author Steve Davis.

Back to Normal—Annual Civil War Show a Success! — photograph 2 from the original article

David LaSlavic won the People’s Choice Award for his educational display of fake swords.

Speaker and author Robert Jenkins. ★ Scott Sallee: The Deification, Sanctification and Sainthood of Abraham Lincoln – How Did That Happen?

Josh Phillips always comes to the show with rare and unusual flags like this one.

Back to Normal—Annual Civil War Show a Success! — photograph 3 from the original article

As always there are vendors who participate in Civil War shows primarily to display their collections and vie for awards.

They generally don’t buy, sell, or trade artifacts and memorabilia unless it is to enhance or improve their collection. Hats off those who pursue this type of activity as it is often expensive and time consuming with few rewards other than a small plaque and the respect and admiration of their fellow collectors. It is truly a labor of love. This year’s award winners were: ♦

♦

Back to Normal—Annual Civil War Show a Success! — photograph 4 from the original article

David LaSlavic - People’s Choice Award – Fake Civil War Era Swords Gerald Roxbury – Chairman’s Award – The Cutlasses of Columbus, Ga.

Gerald Roxbury was winner of the Chairman’s Award for his display entitled “The Cutlasses of Columbus, GA”. ♦

Kenny Copelin, Scott Riddle, and Dr. Bill Blackman – Best of Show Award – Confederate Buckles and Belt Plates

Back to Normal—Annual Civil War Show a Success! — photograph 5 from the original article

Dave Nelson and Greg Ton consummating a deal at the show.

Civil War badges experts Everitt Bowles, Shane Bowles, and Vann Martin.

David LaSlavic’s award winning educational display of fake swords.

Back to Normal—Annual Civil War Show a Success! — photograph 6 from the original article

Tom and Debbie Hays of Stones River Trading Company.

There were plenty of antique muskets and rifles for sale at the show.

Kenny Coplin’s award-winning display of Confederate buckles.

Back to Normal—Annual Civil War Show a Success! — photograph 7 from the original article

Brian Akins of Rebel Relics never disappoints with his latest acquisitions.

Jim Hemphill and Jeff Luncan just made a successful trade as both are still smiling. Glenn Dutton and Roy Woods taking a break during the show.

Donna and Larry Munther are regulars at all the Civil War shows.

Back to Normal—Annual Civil War Show a Success! — photograph 8 from the original article

Mercer University Press always has a great selection of books.

Gerald Roxbury’s display of “The Cutlasses of Columbus, Ga” was an award winner at the Dalton Civil War Show.