ATHS celebrates 50 years with annual show

Being able to welcome guests back in person came at the perfect time for the American Truck Historical Society as they celebrated 50 years with their annual convention and truck show held during the first weekend of June in Harrisonburg, Va.

The show, which took place at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, attracted nearly 700 trucks and approximately 6,000 attendees. It was held virtually last year, but returned to an in-person format similar to previous events for its 50-year celebration in 2021.

“Overall, we were pleased with the turnout for the ATHS National Convention and Truck Show,” ATHS Executive Director Laurence Gration said. “There was a diverse display of trucks – large, small, antique, working and unrestored – for our guests to explore and enjoy. We are very thankful for the local ATHS chapters and the hundreds of volunteers who helped put on a successful show. The chapters are what drive us forward.”

Also at the ATHS truck show this year were Marty Ellis, skipper of The Spirit, OOIDA’s tour trailer, and Lewie Pugh, OOIDA executive vice president.

Pugh said his experience, which included the chance to meet face-to-face with many OOIDA members, was exceptional.

“The American Truck Historical Society did a wonderful job hosting their event,” Pugh said. “It was really a good time to not only see all the old trucks, but great to see all our members that attended. I would urge anyone that has never been to an ATHS convention and truck show to try and attend one in the future. It is always good to get out and be able to mingle with truckers and our members to hear what is happening on the road and what their concerns are.”

The five-day event featured presentations from experts on Axalta Coating Systems Paint, History of the Cummins, Harrisonburg Motor Express History, Identifying the Difference of Cummins and Detroit Engines, and Trucking in the Shenandoah Valley. Historic tours in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley also were offered.

The awards banquet honored several individuals including:

• John Vannatta, Leonardtown, Md. – Harris Saunders Sr. Award
• Antique Truck Club of America, Boyerton, Pa. – 50-year Company Award
• Houff Transfer Inc., Weyers Cave, Va. – 75-year Company Award
• Keith H. Jones, Colonial Heights, Va. – Historian of the Industry Award
• Glenn Martin, Sugar Grove, W.Va. – Distinguished Service Award
• Stephen Rosemond, Hillsborough, N.C. – Distinguished Service Award
• Bruce Essick, High Point, N.C. – Golden Achievement Award
• OOIDA life member George Fiebe, Patchogue, N.Y. – Golden Achievement
• Award
• Kermit E. Jones, Sr., Charlotte Court House, Va. – Golden Achievement
• Award
• Kolen Stephen Jones, Chesterfield, Va. – Golden Achievement Award
• David Woodrow Parks, Riegelwood, N.C. – Golden Achievement Award
• Rick Phillips, Lexington, N.C. – Golden Achievement Award
• Hailey Peters, University of Akron – George Schroyer Memorial
• Scholarship
• Caroline Sabo, Kent State University – George Schroyer Memorial
• LL