The Largest Civil War Show Un FRANKLIN, Tenn.—”It’ 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 no until 10 AM. The excitement was
Bruce Hohler, Rafael Eledge, Lar representing over 120 years of p 12 – American Battlefield Trust 40 – Book Reviews 32 – Central Virginia Battlefie
America’s Monthly Franklin, Tenn. One Roof! 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-th normal demand for tables, Kent initially altered his floor plan remove some tables and widen the aisles for attendees but was surprised when table reservation continued to trickle in right up to the week of the show; he had to place another order for table resulting in the same full capac show as 2019. It appeared that
icklen, and promoter Mike Kent – cipation in the Middle Tennessee 36 – Emerging Civil W 45 – Events rust 30 – The Graphic War
o was filled to capacity with ov l photos by Jack W. Melton Jr. 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 encouragin 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 tabl in search of new material for th
show is the highlight of the yea for many dealers as they see numerous collectors who only participate in this one show. Th year was no different with many dealers reporting strong sales and several stating that they ha already “made their number” by Friday evening, always a positiv indicator of a good, productive show. Covid-19 and its effects were a major source of conversation throughout the show, with almost e 31 he Lens 8 That
everyone having a story of friends or family who had battle it. All dealers suffered directl 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 bac in Franklin, face to face with t 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 Associatio annual meeting. In addition to the meeting, which was closed to the general public, th Association put on a spectacular display consisting of 14 tables exhibiting some of the rarest an most desirable Bowie knives in private hands, earning them a Historical Significance award in the process. The antique Bowie
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