Classic auto show was a dream come true for Jackson's Bob Smith
By Evan Carden SA Editor

Bob Smith stands beside his 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air shortly after purchasing it in the mid-1970s.

The late Bob Smith of Jackson had not just one, but two dreams- -to purchase and restore a 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air and to begin an annual antique automobile show in Jackson.

Both of those dreams came true, and although Smith passed away some years ago, his family has not only kept his dream alive, but cultivated it into one of the area's most anticipated annual events.

Bob's son, Kenny Smith, is the driving force behind the Bob Smith Memorial Antique Auto Show, which is one of the anchors of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Fall Festival. This Saturday, Nov. 3, those attending the event can expect to see classic and unique automobiles from all over the southeastern United States.

"When we first started at the first Forestry Festival, we had between 40-60 cars," said Smith. "At our peak we have had 170 entries."

Bob's wife, Sara, said her husband always had an interest in classic automobiles. One type caught his eye--a 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air. "He had his heart set on finding one and restoring it to its original condition," she said.

Smith's car needed some serious work done to the body, as evidenced by the amount of rust covering its exterior.

Bob's dream came true around the mid-1970s when he bought his "dream car" from a man named Glen Wimberly in Silas. When he pulled the car home it was obvious that he had his work cut out for him. The exterior of the automobile had some rust and a dent on the driver's side rear fender, where a tail light was also missing.

The interior of the old Chevy was in pretty rough shape as well and the motor was in need of an overhaul. "Amazingly all the chrome was still there," said Kenny. "We just had to bring it back to life. We fixed the dent and replaced the missing tail light, then went to work on making the car appear as it did when it was new."

It took Smith almost a year to fully restore the car. Kenny was a willing participant in the task and helped his dad as much as a young boy could.

The results were astounding. Looking at old photographs of the Chevy before it was restored and the finished product, one would never know it was the same car.

Kenny Smith has continued to keep his father's dream alive by conducting the antique auto show during every Annual Fall Festival since Bob Smith's death. He still displays his dad's pride and joy, the 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air he worked so hard to restore, which won him many trophies. (SA photo by Evan Carden)

After the restoration was complete, the Smiths began entering their "new" automobile in antique auto shows all over the country, and it paid off. They won numerous trophies for their efforts throughout the years.

As a member and four-time president of the Old South Antique Auto Club in Mobile, Smith's involvement in entering classic automobile competitions led to his second dream, to bring an antique auto show to Jackson. "There weren't many auto shows in our area at that time," said Kenny. "He asked for and was given the club's blessing on starting one in Jackson."

The decision was made to make the show part of the new Forestry Festival. The first Bob Smith Antique Auto Show coincided with the first festival and got a great response. "We were so tired after that first show," said Sara Smith. "With the way it has grown since then, I don't know how we manage to keep pulling it off."

The old Chevy's interior needed almost as much work as the exterior.

If it was not for the event being a family affair, it would be a lot tougher to put on the car show, according to Kenny. "It's basically a family reunion for us," he said. "Members of the family come from Indiana and Florida to help out. My two brothers, Bobby and Tommy, who live here, also contribute a great deal." Kenny's sister Belinda Holley and her husband Phillip, of Mobile, lend a hand as well.

Sara Smith has what some might consider one of the most important jobs. She prepares a meal for the participants after the show is over. "We have them over for chili every year," she said. "Feeding that many people is a task in itself, but I enjoy it."

Kenny is still involved with the Old South Antique Auto Club and just like his dad, has also served as president four times. "When he got involved so did I," he said. "I was about 7 or 8 years old when this all began, so I guess I've been involved for about 30 years now."

Automobiles from various eras will line College Avenue in front of Jackson Middle School this Saturday.

Although it is a lot of work, Kenny said he enjoys every minute of it. "Sometimes I ask myself why I keep doing this, but then I think about how much I really enjoy it," he said. He recently sent out 200-plus mailouts to potential participants. "When I talk about quitting, I get a lot of bad looks from people," he laughed.

Each year, the Smiths give out trophies in a number of categories. Those include first, second and third place, best of show pre-war, best of show post-war, kid's choice, the Bob Smith Memorial Trophy, chosen by Sara Smith, the chairman's choice and worst of show. This year's show will feature a new award, the mayor's choice.

"We try to give recognition to everyone who participates," Kenny said. "We want this to be a fun, family event for everybody."

Kenny pointed out that there are some people who have helped nearly every year with the show. One imparticularly, who has been there every year is Jimmy Neese, of Mobile, who is a member of the same car club as Kenny and serves as head judge for the event. "He (Jimmy) has been a great help," he said. "I want him to know how much we appreciate his participation for all these years."

The show has seen its share of unusual entries, with automobiles and other motor-driven vehicles dating from 1901 to 2008. Sara Smith recalled a chain-driven 1909 model Sears automobile. "Yes, believe it or not, Sears even built cars at one time," she chuckled.

The show is not limited to just automobiles. For several years, a lawnmower has also been entered. "We don't exclude any type of vehicle if someone wants to enter it," said Kenny. "That's part of the fun."

The Bob Smith Memorial Antique Auto Show will be located on College Avenue in front of Jackson Middle School for this year's festival.

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