ATHS marks 35 years

Many hobbyists forget that, in bygone days, classic cars shared the roads with trucks, both heavy and light duty.

One group that has not forgotten this is the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS). From May 25-27, beautiful Carroll Park in historic downtown Baltimore, Md., was filled with more than 500 historic vehicles celebrating the ATHS' 35th annual convention. This event, hosted by the Baltimore-Washington Chapter of ATHS, marked the 27th consecutive year a truck show has coincided with the convention date.

Though threatened by storms, attendees were pleasantly treated to mild weather throughout most of the three-day event. In addition to the big rigs and six-wheelers on display, vendors were present to provide buffs with those always-needed, but often elusive, parts. A truck corral was also established, aiding those who wish to expand, or reduce, their collection.

Many notable speakers entertained and informed attendees on Thursday and Friday, including author Fred Crismon, Mack truck historian Paul Ritter, GMC historian Donald Meyer, and Robert E. Prouse, formerly with the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Trucks, from the brass-era to big rigs of a generation ago, most painstakingly restored, were driven in, some literally coast to coast. Unlike the old car hobby, it is unusual to find any "trailer queens" at these events, if for no other reason than many of these vehicles are simply too large to be reasonably transported, other than by their own power. Service vehicles were evident as well, with a handful of historic military vehicles on show, as well as over a dozen pieces of antique motor fire apparatus.

The members of the Baltimore-Washington chapter should be commended for putting together an event that was nothing short of spectacular.

For more information about the American Truck Historical Society, contact info@aths.org, or call 816-891-9900. The 36th annual convention will be held June 7-9, 2007, in Colorado Springs, Co.