This year’s AFCA Fan Fair 2025 was more than just an event—it was a remarkable journey through the past, present, and future of ceiling fan craftsmanship. We were honored to open the doors of our Memphis headquarters to over 100 members of the Antique Fan Collectors Association (AFCA), along with Hunter family members—Jim Hunter, great-grandson of our founder John Hunter, and his family: Jayce, Tom, Teri, Rob, and Ally. Together, we celebrated a day of history, innovation, and shared passion for the enduring craft of ceiling fans. 

Tom Blackwell, President of Hunter Fan Company.

 The day began with warm remarks from Tom Blackwell, President of Hunter Fan Company, who shared how Hunter’s legacy has been built on a foundation of quality, community, and innovation for almost 140 years. His words set the tone for a celebration that was as much about honoring our history as it was about looking forward to the future.

Harold Collins, Chief Administrative Officer for Shelby County, Reginald Boyce, Community Affairs Director with the City of Memphis, and Lisa Lovell, Memphis Chamber Member, reflected on Hunter’s strong ties to the local community. They spoke about the brand’s long-standing role in driving progress and bringing people together through thoughtful design and trusted performance. 

Reginald Boyce, Community Affairs Director with the City of Memphis

One of the most inspiring moments came when John Andrews, owner of Texas Ceiling Fans and Mike Devereaux took the stage together. They are visionaries behind the Hunter History Book and Museum. Together they documented Hunter’s history dating back to its early roots. Captivating the audience, their storytelling painted a vivid picture of how Hunter’s craftsmanship has endured, evolving with time yet never losing its heart. Tom Blackwell, President of Hunter Fan Company, closed out the presentation with the with the latest cutting-edge innovations we released in the last decade and shared his optimism about the things to come.

As the day unfolded, guests were treated to a rare glimpse of Hunter’s heritage through a special screening of the film “Production of the Comfort Breeze 1981.” This captivating footage, paired with classic Hunter advertisements, sparked nostalgia and lively conversations among collectors and fans alike. The passion for restoration was palpable, especially when we showcased the meticulous restoration of a vintage Comfort Breeze fan—a true symbol of Hunter’s enduring quality.

The excitement continued as attendees toured our state-of-the-art testing lab, where every fan we produce is rigorously evaluated to meet the highest standards. The Hunter History Museum, lovingly curated by John Andrews, was another highlight. From vintage fan displays to rare historical documents, the museum offered a deep dive into the milestones that shaped Hunter into the iconic brand it is today.

AFCA at Hunter Fan Company

Over lunch, members of the AFCA connected with our team, sharing stories of their favorite models and their personal collections. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and shared passion—proof that the love for fans extends far beyond function; it’s about artistry, history, and community. 

Tom Blackwell (President of Hunter Fan Company), Jace Hunter, Ally Hunter, Lisa Lovell (Memphis Chamber Member), Jim Hunter (great-grandson of John Hunter, founder of Hunter Fan Company), Teri Hunter, Rob Hunter, Scott Ayers (CFO of Hunter Fan Company), and Patrick Burke (Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Hunter Fan Company). 

The presence of Hunter family members made the event even more special, reminding us of the personal legacy and dedication that have fueled our company’s success for over a century. Their stories and memories connected us even more deeply to our roots, while also inspiring us to continue pushing forward. 

See what you missed — or relive every moment!