THE WORLD’S ONLY MUSEUM FOR TOWING AND RECOVERY


A VITAL, BUT PERHAPS UNDERAPPRECIATED INDUSTRY HAS A PLACE TO RECOGNIZE ITS BEST WORK.


BY: BOB GLENN, EDITOR


Anyone who has ever ventured toward Chattanooga, Tennessee by automobile can probably name several well-known and heavily promoted attractions in the area. In fact, the iconic barns with red sides, black roofs, and big white letters imploring travelers to “SEE ROCK CITY” date all the way back to 1935. And it’s hard to make a case that nearby Ruby Falls is any less well known.


And anyone who has spent enough time driving a car has probably also had need of a tow-truck. Be it a breakdown or an accident, there are 35,000 towing companies in North America, with hundreds of thousands of employees standing ready to serve in what can be urgent and sometimes dangerous situations. And what do these things have to do with one another? In Chattanooga, you will also find Te International


Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum. Established by a group of industry professionals known as the “Friends of Towing”, the museum began as an exhibit housed in a semi-trailer which could be transported to industry events or trade shows wherever they might be held.


28 MARCH–APRIL 2019 WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE In 1995, Chattanooga became its permanent home.


Apart from its convenience and scenic appeal, the city was a logical choice to locate the museum, having been home to Ernest Holmes. Holmes invented the tow-truck here and together with his son built the Ernest Holmes Company into a major towing equipment manufacturer. To be clear, this facility serves a much larger purpose than its more famous neighbors. Te mission statement for the organization reflects a wide-ranging effort to promote knowledge and understanding of the industry, from documenting and displaying its history to honoring those who have made unselfish and significant contributions to


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