Built in Henderson, NC from 1899 through 1954, Corbitt trucks stood for quality, dependability and local pride. Today, an association over 100 members strong works together to preserve Corbitt’s name, products and property.
In 2003, nine individuals “with a vision of history and love for these great vehicles” formed the Corbitt Preservation Association. Since this time, membership has expanded to include residents of North Carolina, Virginia, New York, Ohio, Georgia, Missouri, Florida, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
Life-long Vance County resident Ken Stegall, treasurer, archivist and webmaster of the Corbitt Preservation is a long-time collector of Corbitt material. “I became heavily involved with the organization seven years ago and it has been full steam ahead ever since. We have a great group and continue almost weekly to find out new information about our brand.”
Five Corbitt trucks in a row. (Photo courtesy Ken Stegall)
Stegall and Corbitt Preservation Association President Charles E. Powell were more than happy to provide WIZS listeners and WIZS.com viewers with updates concerning Corbitt’s recent and upcoming events.
17th Annual Corbitt Truck Show & Reunion
With the 17th Annual Corbitt Truck Show & Reunion a mere four months away, the Corbitt Preservation Association is gearing up to make this year’s event the most exciting yet. Held in conjunction with the Vance County Tourism Development Authority’s Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, this year’s truck show will be held Saturday, October 20, 2018, on the corner of William and Montgomery Street in Historic Downtown Henderson.
“We are expecting about 20 Corbitt vehicles to be there that day,” Powell said. Stegall reported that many Corbitt family members have expressed their interest in attending this year’s show as well.
Corbitt Museum
The Corbitt museum, named the Bennett L. Perry Museum, is located at 180 Church Street in Henderson. The museum will be open all day on Saturday, October 20, 2018, for the annual truck show; any other time by appointment only. Admission is free.
According to the Corbitt Preservation website, the residence of the former Bennett L. Perry was given to the City of Henderson with the purpose of establishing a museum. Renovation work on the residence begun in April 2015 and was completed in October 2015, one day before that fall’s annual truck show and reunion.
Please contact the museum by email at gjammer35@aol.com with questions regarding the museum or to make an appointment to visit.
(Photo courtesy Ken Stegall)
American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) National Convention
Taking place in Lexington, KY May 31 – June 2, 2018, the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) Convention was an informative trip for several local Corbitt Preservation Association members.
“We had six Corbitt’s there and we met so many nice folks,” said Powell. “I got to spend some time with Richard Johnson Corbitt III and his son Richard Johnson Corbitt IV. Seeing them in the 1920 truck of Jerry Capps was nothing short of amazing. A grandson and great-grandson in a truck that their granddaddy built, wow, can it get any better?”
Powell said many important contacts were made at the event, including an ATHS board member from Australia who agreed to bring a Corbitt Tall Boy model home to be placed in Henderson’s museum as well as the donation from owner Codie Lawery of “the amazing 18-month scratch built model.”
Powell said he is still “pinching myself to believe we are getting these models for the museum.”
Finances
“We have had wonderful success with our shows this year. Between our web sales and show sales we are doing very well with our finances,” said Powell.
“Thanks to Will Corbitt and his family we received a matching amount of $500 to our $500 contribution for a $1000 scholarship that was presented at Senior Night at Northern Vance High School in May.”
The scholarship winner this year was none other than Dustin W. Stainback, Powell’s grandson, who will be entering VGCC this fall. “His plans are to get his first two years of college prep there and then transfer to NC State University for his engineering degree,” said Powell.
The Corbitt Preservation Association was also included in the City of Henderson’s 2018-2019 fiscal year budget for $800 to continue operation of the museum.
This Saturday, June 23, Powell and other members invite you to come see their 1926 Corbitt Fire Truck “run under her own power for the first time in years” at the NC Transportation Museum located in Spencer, NC.
For more information on the Corbitt Preservation or for gift ideas and merchandise, check out the retail page on their website or visit their Facebook page.