Hundreds of visitors descended upon the Carroll County Civic Center on Saturday, August 30, to take part in Carroll County’s first-ever artifact show.
The event was held in honor of the late Jimmy French of Hollow Rock, a well-respected collector of Native American relics whose passion for history inspired many in the region.
Around the Civic Center
Outside the Civic Center, Clarksville’s Jeremy Milam demonstrated traditional flint knapping. He shaped stone into points and blades as visitors gathered to watch.
In the foyer, guests were greeted by photos of French and display cases of arrowheads he had made for his daughters, Elizabeth Reeves and Angie Vaughan.
Behind the Civic Center, Archie Parker of Buena Vista served his famous BBQ, and L & J’s Icebox offered various lemonades and other drinks.
Collectors Fill the Main Floor
The main floor was packed with collectors from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and other areas.
In total, 107 tables were reserved.
Tables brimmed with display cases of arrowheads, tools, pottery, and fossilized pieces that drew steady crowds throughout the day.
Exhibitors Share Their Finds
Jacob Tucker of Mississippi, Vice President of the Magnolia State Archaeological Society, was among the exhibitors.
He showcased an array of pieces from the creeks and fields of his home state, along with fossilized bones, that he has collected over the last 18 years.
Carroll County native Jason Jeffries brought his daughter Lilly along to help with his display.
“All of these are Carroll County finds,” he said.
Lilly was Huntingdon Primary School’s Student of the Month for August.
“She’s getting her daily history lesson here,” Jeffries said, as she pointed out artifacts collected close to home.
Authentication
Collectors also benefited from the expertise of professional authenticator Jerry Dickey, who inspected artifacts on site.
“I’ve been interested in this stuff since I was five years old, ever since my brother took me hunting for the first time,” Dickey said.
That early spark led him to pursue archaeology at the University of Tennessee. He began authenticating artifacts full-time in the late 1990s.
Dickey has since inspected pieces from across the country.
“Every piece is unique,” he explained. “Point shapes vary from region to region.”
“Natives used the materials that were around them, wherever they were at,” he added.
Tim Coble of Grand Rivers, Kentucky, was one of those who turned to Dickey to examine artifacts.
“If Jerry Dickey puts his name on it, you know you’ve got something,” Coble said.
A Display in Honor of a Friend
The day’s winning display belonged to Jeff Wilkes of Savannah, who has been collecting for more than 50 years.
His table featured several large and rare items, including a spade that earned “Find of the Year” honors back in 1984.
Wilkes said he came in honor of his friend Jimmy French.
“I haven’t done a display nearly this large in a long, long time,” Wilkes said. “But I wanted to do this for Jimmy.”
Awards
At the close of the event, awards were presented to several collectors.
Todd Alexander earned first place in Best Featured Point Type, followed by John Beasley in second.
Beasley also claimed first place in Best Recent Find, with Jeff Barnett taking second.
Jeff Wilkes received the award for Best Display.
Chris Binkley won Best Stone/Bone.
Cuba Rogers took home Best Personal Find.
Well Received
During the event, collectors frequently commented about the size of the show, and the number of people in attendance.
“This is one of the best shows I’ve been to in a long time,” commented one attendee in line for BBQ.
Carol Sue French, Jimmy’s widow, said it was a very good show, as well.
“I hope they can do it again next year,” she said.
Luckily, plans were already in the works for a second show before the first one wrapped up.
Organizers said that they have more than 30 tables reserved already for next year, and are discussing plans to make it even bigger.
