Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Regardless of one’s age, everyone enjoys admiring the older generations’ vehicles, especially when they are in prime show condition.
This year marks the 37th year of the Marshall Reynolds Antique Automobile Show. In 1983, Reynolds became a founding member the Craig County Historical Society.
“He loved antique cars and went to many car shows during his years,” his daughter, Jackie Scruggs Taylor, said. “It was his desire to have a show for the Craig County Historical Society Fall Festival to add to the event’s amenities.”
Reynolds was born July 12, 1912, on Sinking Creek at The Reynolds’ Homeplace and lived in Craig County the majority of his life.
“He worked for The Wrought Iron Range Company before World War II,” Taylor explained. “The plant was taken by the Federal Government when the war began to make ammunition.” Marshall and his wife, Virginia Lipes Reynolds, came back to Fairlawn where he worked at the Radford Arsenal until the war was over.
Taylor noted that they then went back to traveling for The Wrought Iron Range Company until he purchased Reynolds’ Motors in 1949 and returned to Craig County until he passed on October 6, 1997.
Reynolds was actually mowing the yard so that he could reserve the rest of the week to prep for the Fall Festival. Taylor said her dad left too soon. “He was shooting for 100,” she said.
Taylor now hosts the annual event where the side streets are lined with beautiful antique and current show vehicles. Last year was a great turnout as 69 vehicles were registered.
To enter the car show, one may pick up a flyer at The Old Hotel, check on the Craig County website or call 540-520-5555. Taylor said she would be happy to send out the entry form if needed.
The cost is $15 per entry, and the deadline is October 1. “All of the money raised will be donated to The Old Hotel for its continued upkeep and care for our County to keep our history alive for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” Taylor added.
All recipients will receive a goody bag from local merchants and other businesses as well as a commemorative participation plaque for the first 65 vehicles.
Added Taylor, “This is currently not a judged show, but we are hoping for antique cars, newer cars, trucks, tractors and anything people are working on for antique automobiles, including the Mud Boggers.”
Marshall’s 1951 Ford Victoria which was sold to his mother, Kate Sizer Reynolds, will be at the Festival this year. Upon her death, he bought it and restored it. “He and Billy Carper, who purchased a ’56 Victoria from him, enjoyed going to car shows, and they traveled all over Southwest Virginia over the years,” Taylor said.
These two cars and any others he sold locally are part of the car show each year in New Castle for the Festival.
Duncan Automotive in Rocky Mount, Virginia, will serve as this year’s sponsor. “They have been very kind to work with us,” Taylor said. “This was where my Father went after Reynolds’ Motors closed in 1978 serving Craig County as a salesman with Mr. Paul Duncan.”
All vehicle owners are encouraged to enter and enjoy a day of relaxation with other car enthusiasts. “We are honored to continue the tradition I honor of our Father, Marshall Reynolds,” Taylor said. “He loved Craig County, and was very proud to live and have a business in New Castle.”
