"Historical" isn't normally a word people associate with skateboards. However, eleven-year-old Nathaniel Miller of Sevierville has a collection of vintage boards and skate-related memorabilia that spans five decades and three continents. Nathaniel will display about thirty of his boards and other items at the 2007 Knoxville Antiques, Bottles & Collectibles Show & Sale on June 1st & 2nd.

This is the 16th year for the Knoxville event, which has garnered international recognition and draws thousands of visitors annually. "We will have about 75 vendor tables with a tremendous variety of antiques and collectibles for sale," said registrar Gary Lawson.

Knoxville-area dealers will be joined by sellers from the Tri-Cities, Chattanooga, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. "There will be something for nearly every collector's interest and price range," Lawson noted.

Like many young people, Nathaniel Miller has been collecting for most of his life. As his interests progressed from toddler toys through juvenile collectibles, Nathaniel has always had a fascination with motion. "If it rolls, flies, or floats, he's interested," observed Ed Miller, Nathaniel's dad. "It's got to be genetic, because I've got dozens of collections."

Miller, who dreams of opening a museum one day, believes collecting is a great way for kids and adults to develop a common bond. "Nathaniel isn't interested in the artistry of old bottles or old tools like I am," Ed observed, "but he shares my love of 'the hunt.' It's a modern-day quest we can enjoy together."

Nathaniel is not the only young member of the 20-year-old East Tennessee Antique Bottle & Collectibles Society that sponsors the June Show & Sale. From the club's beginning, families have played an integral part.

Adults keep an eye out for younger members' interests as they search for their own collection additions. "There were times I had a tough decision at auctions –- whether to stop bidding or keep on -– when my primary opponent was a twelve-year-old," recalls Cindy Proteau.

Now grown, club member Laurel Wyatt, of New Market, has a penchant for Victorian trade (advertising) cards thanks to her dad. Charter ETABCS members Cindy and Mark Proteau focus on Knoxville-related advertising items, and sometimes the collectors' interests overlapped.

"It all comes down to pocketbook and perseverance," quipped Laurel's dad, Pete Wyatt, known regionally as the "Lost Creek Bottle Farmer."

The Proteau family shares recognition with the Parmalee family as three-generation ETABCS members. David Parmalee is a co-owner of South Knoxville Collectibles Mall, a favorite haunt of East Tennessee collectors.

At this year's Show & Sale, the Proteaus' granddaughters, Samantha and Avery Cantrell, will help their mom with her display of collectibles from the world of animation, ranging from early cartoons to modern-day animé.

Other informational displays will include rare bottles, Southern Railway and the New Market Train Wreck, Civil War, tombstones and Victorian mourning customs, Knoxville's Appalachian Exposition, Fountain City memorabilia, and old maps, books, photos, and postcards from East Tennessee. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites.

Food and drink concessions will be available both days. Proceeds will benefit Knoxville's Inner-City Churches' ministries.

Hours for the Show & Sale are 10-5 Friday and 9-5 Saturday. For more information, visit the club's Web site or call Gary Lawson at (865) 933-6137.