The American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) recently held its annual National Convention and Truck Show in York, Pennsylvania. A stunning collection of 875 trucks and trailers were on display, drawing a large crowd of truck enthusiasts.
The York Expo Center proved to be an ideal venue, offering ample space for truck exhibitions, vendor stalls, and informative sessions. “The York Expo Center provided an ideal venue for our event, allowing us to display a wide array of trucks, host vendor booths, and offer educational sessions, all within a convenient location,” remarked Courtney Cesar, ATHS Convention Manager.
A key highlight of the event was the reunion component, as highlighted by ATHS Executive Director John Gravley. “While the diverse display of trucks is a major highlight, the true magic lies in the ATHS reunion, where old friends reconnect and new friendships blossom, creating an irresistible pull for everyone to return year after year. We eagerly anticipate our return in 2028,” Gravley commented.
The event culminated in the ATHS Awards Banquet, celebrating individuals and companies for their significant contributions to the trucking industry. Among the awardees were:
- Golden Achievement Award (50+ years of dedication):
- Charles Oliver Brown of Westminster, S.C.
- Jim Eisenhard of Macungie, Penn.
- Mark Henderson of Weedsport, N.Y.
- Paul Kauffman of Belleville, Penn.
- Maxwell Keough of Logan, Utah; formerly Sydney, Australia.
- Larry Martin of Reinholds, Penn.
- Dan Melone of Andover, Mass.
- Billy Parker of Norwood, N.C.
- Lenny Wild of Newton, Kan.
- ATHS Historian Award:
- Don Arnauckas of Oakville, Conn.
- Dick Callaway of Tryon, N.C.
- ATHS Distinguished Service Award:
- Henry Fowler of Mechanicsville, Md.
- Carolyn Vannatta of Leonardtown, Md.
- Museum Recognition:
- George Kirkham, Kirkham International Truck Museum of Alberta, Canada.
- Company Awards:
- 50-Year Company Award: Parker’s Garage of Gig Harbor, Wash.
- 75-Year Company Award: Makovsky Brothers of Whitehill, Penn.
The event also spotlighted the 2024 ATHS scholarship winners, honoring students who have made notable contributions to their schools and communities:
- George Schroyer Memorial Scholarships: Cash McCord (Tipton, IN), son of ATHS member Shaun McCord.
- Deo Read IV (Red Hook, NY), son of ATHS member Deo Wilson Read III.
- The Cummins Scholarship: John Goodfellow (Lyman, S.C.), grandson of ATHS lifetime member Marty Glomb.
- The Lewis Semple Clarke Educational Fund: Anna Rhodus, of Shawnee, Kan., granddaughter of ATHS member Leo Rieke.
Furthermore, the American Trucking and Industry Hall of Fame announced its 2024 inductees, who will be honored at an induction ceremony on October 23, 2024, at the ATHS office in Kansas City, Mo. The inductees include Robert Young (ABF), John Ruan (Ruan Transportation), Marvin Rush (Rush Enterprises), and Fred Jones, ThermoKing.
Source: The Trucker
Photo: DARIN BURT, ATHS
