The First Annual Show of the West Tennessee Antique Engine
Association held on June 12-13 at the Gibson County fairground at
Trenton attracted over 50 exhibitors from seven states. Displays
included 150 gas engines, 6 tractors, 1 steam engine, 4 miniature
steam engines and one display of horse drawn farm equipment and one
antique car. Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas and
Mississippi, also Tennessee exhibitors from as far East as
Cookeville were on hand for the first show.
Show attendance was low on Saturday due to rain but increased on
Sunday afternoon which put the association treasury in the black by
over $500.00 from gate receipts, sale of show buttons and plaques.
Association membership now stands at 44.
Association officers and directors served as show committee in
planning and conducting the first show and included Joe Perry,
President and his wife, Betsy, Atwood; James Caplinger,
Vice-President, Bruceton; Tom McCutchen, Secretary-Treasurer and
his wife Peggy, Milan; and directors Larry Robinson and his wife
Betty, Bruceton; Billy Year wood, Trenton; J. M. Sudbury,
Tiptonville; Billy Britt, Jackson; William Moore, McLemoresville
and Wayne Oxford, Camden. In addition association members from
Trenton, Albert Taylor and Frank Jones assisted with the show. The
Association is also indebted to Bobby Joe Cannon, Gibson County
Fair Association President for his time and efforts prior to and
during the event. He and the Fair Association provided the
facilities at no charge to the Antique Engine Association. Security
on Saturday night was provided by Gibson County Sheriff Ralph
Moore’s staff and on Friday and Saturday nights by the Trenton
Police Department.
