The American Truck Historical Society held its annual show and convention earlier this month in Springfield, Illinois.
This year's gathering at the Illinois State Fairgrounds is said to have attracted more than 700 vintage trucks and 6,500 spectators.
“With more than a dozen Learning Sessions and informational meetings that drew hundreds of audience members, this was one of the most popular conventions ever, said Laurence Gration, ATHS executive director.
Presentations such as 'Livestock Trailers, 'Early History of the Oshkosh Truck,' and “'ntroduction to the Wire Harness' attracted large audiences. Off-site, historical tours of President Abraham Lincoln’s home and Springfield were also offered.
One of the highlights of the convention was the annual awards banquet at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. The individuals and companies honored during the banquet for their involvement with the association and consecutive years of service to the trucking industry:
- 75 Year Company Award: Gully Transportation of Quincy, Illinois. Accepted by ATHS member and past president Michael Gully, president of Gully Transportation.
- Golden Achievement Awards: Dan Calverly of Ben Wheeler, Texas and Larry Dryfhout of Mokem, Illinois
“ATHS thanks all its volunteers and sponsors for helping make the National Convention & Truck Show a success," said Gration. "There was an array of historic trucks of different sizes, models, restored, and original to explore. We didn’t know what to expect with COVID still looming and fuel prices high, but overall, we’re very pleased with the number of trucks and spectators. We now look ahead to being in the ‘biggest little city in the world’ next year."
Next year's gathering will be in Reno, Nevada, June 8-10.
Sponsors for this year's convention and show were Cummins, Iowa 80, CAT Scale, Truckomat, Vander Haag’s Inc., Truck Centers Inc., Hagerty, Sercombe Family, and Reiselt’s Machine Works.
