| History of the Mountaineer Antique Auto Club |
| The MOUNTAINEER ANTIQUE AUTO CLUB was the inspiration of founding members Ed Allison and Gil Henry. When asked how the Club got started, 95 year old Ed Allison explained it this way: Well, it all started under my carport in 1967. Gil Henry saw a Model A Ford in a field and we thought we would get it out and restore it. So, about seven people became involved. We called a meeting and got organized. There was a Lawyer, Judge Charles McDarris, and he helped with the paperwork. We fixed up that old Ford and my son sold it to some folks in Florida. That was our first project. When asked about how the Maggie Valley show got started, he replied: Well, actually, the first show was at the Waynesville Junior High School. We had 7 cars, all in different conditions, none of them perfect, but 2 or 3 were finished. I had a Pontiac that you could throw a bale of hay into and it would fall through. Then in 1968 or 1969, we had a show in Maggie Valley where the post office was, then later, down by the old silo in the bottoms. After that, we moved to where we have the show now (not actual current site- speaking about the location on Jonathan Creek in a big field), which is part of my grandmother's old place. I was born and raised in a three-room house right there. We asked what he felt attributed to the success and growth of the car club, and he says, with pride: "Well that's simple, no drinking and good people. Good people can make a good club!" Our 2005 show was dedicated, in loving memory of "Uncle Ed" Allision. **We have our show at the WNC Ag Center at 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher (Asheville), NC-across from the Asheville Airport.** I-26 to Exit 40. |