For John Jenkinson, restoring antique semi trucks is about more than bringing old vehicles back to life. It's about preserving an important part of agriculture's history.
Jenkinson, farm director for the KSN Television Network, recently took his fourth restored truck to the American Truck Historical Society National Convention & Truck Show in Springfield, Missouri. The event brought together hundreds of antique trucks from across North America, ranging from fully restored showpieces to well-preserved working trucks.
Jenkinson's interest in antique trucks began long before he started restoring them.
"I learned to drive semis when I was a freshman in college," he said. "I've always had an interest in semis since the movies 'Smokey and the Bandit' and the TV show 'Movin' On' came out."
About 20 years ago, Jenkinson discovered the American Truck Historical Society and decided to restore his first antique truck.
"I found my first antique semi and restored it," he said. "Then I had an opportunity to sell it and buy a different one and restore it, and that's when I got into the hobby pretty deep."
Today, the truck he recently displayed in Springfield is the fourth antique semi he has restored.
For Jenkinson, preserving trucking history goes hand in hand with preserving agricultural history.
"Trucking has been an industry in the United States since trucks came out in the 1900s," he said. "It's what provides and bridges the gap between farm and consumer."
He believes antique trucks tell the story of the people who transported grain, livestock, milk and other agricultural products across the country for generations.
"We owe a lot to the trucking industry, both producers and consumers," Jenkinson said. "They're able to transport all of those goods and keep us all fed, clothed and fueled."
While in Springfield, Jenkinson also enjoyed driving a portion of historic Route 66, experiencing firsthand the roadway traveled by countless truck drivers throughout the highway's history.
"Route 66 has such a deep, deep history and heritage," he said. "It was quite a treat to be able to drive part of Route 66 and see some of the scenery that so many of the historical trucks from years and years ago were able to see."
Jenkinson plans to keep restoring and preserving antique equipment for future generations.
"It's kind of fun to see other people keeping the history of trucking alive and preserved," he said.
