In the 1930’s a group
of Haywood and Fayette County sportsmen formed the West Tennessee Field Trial Club. Names
prominent in the development of the club were Robert Acrhibald of Dancyville, Dr. Roy M.
Lanier and W T Currie III of Brownsville TN.
In 1939 the civic leaders and Junior Chamber of Commerce of Brownsville invited the 35th
American Field Futurity to run at the grounds near Dancyville. Following was the All
American All Age Stake under the direction of Dr. T. Benton King of Brownsville. Robert
Archibald served as field marshal and the fine citizens of Dancyville contributed to the
success of the trials. Whether WTFTC ran trials prior to this year is unknown.
After some years of field trialing the club became inactive in the early fifties and
remained so for 10 or 12 years. When activity was again reestablished the headquarters was
on the property of Mrs. W. T. Currie, III near Dancyville. Many prominent Fayette County
landowners have been most obliging and cooperative in allowing the trials to run on their
property.
Another tremendous boost to the rebirth of the WTFTA was the untiring effort of the
gracious ladies of Dancyville in their willingness to prepare the noon feasts that were
served for a period of 19 years. Progressing from a tent, through a tomato house, and a
farm shop building and finally the old school house in Dancyville these meals were a huge
attraction. Field trialers and non field trialers from far and near enjoyed these
bountiful and delicious meals. Ladies in this group included; Mrs. Ray (Gladys) Smith.
Mrs. James (Liz) Campbell, Mrs. James ( Francis) Dancy, Mrs. D. C. (Martha) Crawford, Mrs.
Roe ( Peggy) Perry, Mrs. D. H. (Margaret) Beard, Mrs. David (Lola) Beard and others. Later
the meals were served at the headquarters club house on the Currie farm. An addition was
added to the clubhouse in 1990 through donations from field trialers and local supporters.
This facility has served the field trials very adequately as well as several social events
throughout the year.
Major field trials continue today with both open and amateur competition thanks to the
generous offer by land owners allowing the use of their holdings to be enjoyed by field
trialers from across the country. Youth field trials have taken place on these grounds and
been well attended. |