Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

May 05, 1960

Park and recreation facilities at the Lewis County Fairgrounds (Memorial Park) were available for family use. The park now had two tennis courts, barbecue pits, shuffle board, playground equipment, croquet, badminton, and boxes to meet the needs of children of all ages. The Lewis County Agriculture Workers Association sponsored the improvements at the park which was accomplished with the work and donations of other clubs and county non-profits.

The Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up campaign was in full swing in Hohenwald. The City of Hohenwald was cooperating in this campaign and would pick up rubbish, trash, etc. if it was placed where it would be accessible to the truck.

Henry Harris and E. H. Wright caught about 20 gar and carp weighing approximately 50 pounds while fishing with bows and arrows at Tom’s Creek.

The following births were announced: Linda Kay, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Meredith; Lawrence, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ezell Webster; Tayna Denise, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Parker; Katrina Leigh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Roden; Hazel Lynn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Grady Brewer; Kerry Lee, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Burlison; Curtis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Frazier; Robin Gayle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Jones, Jr.

Funeral services were held for John Fite, 76; Betty Pennington, 12.

“Miracle of the Hills,” starring Rex Reason, and “Action of the Tiger” were the Friday and Saturday double features at the Highlands Drive-In. “Pillow Talk,” starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson was the Friday through Monday movie at the Strand Theatre.

May 7, 1970

Mayor and Mrs. Dol Willis were among members of the 1970 Tennessee Agricultural People-to-People Goodwill Delegation who took a three-week tour of Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

The Bible Quiz Team of the First Pentecostal Church was crowned state champions at the Bible Quiz Tournament held in Perryville.

G. W. Stephens was elected president of the Lewis County Jaycees.

A surplus of rain was recorded for April 1970 at 9.75 inches which was 4.98 inches over the long-term average. The high temperature was 87 degrees on April 29 with a low of 30 degrees on April 3.

Brown Hankins caught a large string of black perch while fishing with friends on the Buffalo River.

Funeral services were held for B. E. Duncan, 66; Essie Qualls, 69; Otto Marbet, 75; Frances Rittenberry, 54; and for E. F. Turnbow.

“Marlowe,” starring James Garner and Gayle Hunnicutt, and “A Stranger in Town,” Tony Anthony, were the Friday and Saturday movie at the Highlands Drive-In.

May 8, 1980

Construction of the new wing at Lewis County Hospital was nearing completion. A tentative date for opening the facility was set for early June.

The Lewis County Courthouse announced that offices changed their hours to better serve the needs of residents effective May 1. All offices would be open each week day until 4:30 p.m. and would close at noon on Saturday.

Blake Keathley and Rhonda French were declared King and Queen of the annual Spring Fling Festival for grades 5 through 8. Stephanie Hensley and Steven Horner were declared King and Queen for grades K through 4. This event was sponsored by the Lewis County Parent Teachers Association.

Newly-elected officers for the Lewis County Jaycees were installed at the annual banquet held May 3. Bobby Johnson would serve as president for the Jaycees.

Helen Dickey was elected president of the Thursday Night Ladies Bowling League.

A human interest story titled, “‘Wild Man’ Always Believed In ‘Pressing On’ was published. The article featured Gurtis Bailey as Hohenwald’s “self-proclaimed ‘wild man.”

The following births were announced: Leslie Anne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hensley; and Jonathan Lee, son of Jerry and Angela Kilburn.

Funeral services were held for Ura Durham, 71; Eunice Morris; and for Wilburn Poag, 50.

Janie Cogdill and Shirley Barnes advertised their purchase of the General Café from Mr. and Mrs. Gene Russell.

Jack Carter announced his purchase and management of the Park Avenue South Motel (formerly the South Side Motel).

“Coal Miner’s Daughter,” starring Cissy Spacek, was held over for four seven additional days at the Highlands Drive-In Theater. “Airport ‘79” was the weekend bonus feature which would be shown along with “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

May 17, 1990

Governor Ned McWhorter spoke at a gathering of teachers, parents, county and city officials in a meeting held at the LCMS auditorium. Governor McWhorter presented his programs for the 21st Century Classroom which included distance education by way of satellite television, telephone, etc.

Strong winds and afternoon rain dampened several outdoor activities planned for the first annual Maifest; however, indoor activities were very successful.

The City of Hohenwald received a $20,000 grant for making improvements to Memorial Park.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 11 at Buffalo Valley, Inc. for a new 33-bed alcohol/drug treatment center.

Robert Griffin was featured in an article entitled “The Boys That Made Roosevelt Famous” which was published in the May/June 1990 issue of the Tennessee Conservationist. This article was published in recognition of the 57th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Harry Runions caught a 30-pound catfish while fishing on the Tennessee River.

Greg Carroll was the fourth $100 winner in the First Citizens Bank Annie ATM drawing.

Dustin Skelton was crowned king in his age category in a pageant held in Lexington.

The following births were announced: William Gerald, son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Strawbridge; and Morgan Charlee, daughter of Robert and Debbie Conner.

Funeral services were held for Barbara Bonville, 58; and for William Owen, Sr., 91.

May 18, 2000

The Tennessee Alcohol Beverage Commission, with assistance from local law enforcement, raided the Pit Stop on May 13. Undercover agents were able to determine that liquor was being sold illegally, and a search warrant was issued. Four employees were taken into custody.

Two teenagers involved in a May 1999 shooting of a Shoffner Industries truck entered guilty pleas and were sentenced.

The Making Strides for Cancer walk was held May 13. Approximately $12,000 was collected for the American Cancer Society.

Super D Drugs was featured in the Chamber Spotlight column.

Brandon Dye won the Mississippi High School Golf Championship. Dye was the grandson of Arelus and Ernestine Dye.

The LCHS Lady Panthers finished third in District 11AA with a 4 to 1 victory over Loretto. Millie Lomax led the hit for the team.

Joan Carroll retired from the State of Tennessee General Services Purchasing Department after 20 years of service.

Robert and Lisa Fransen announced the birth of their son, Logan Chase.

Kate Thompson was honored for her 88th birthday with a lunch with her family at the General Café.

Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Humphreys celebrated their 50th anniversary with a reception at the fellowship hall of the First Baptist Church of Hohenwald.

Mr. and Mrs. Dol Willis celebrated their 70th anniversary with a reaffirmation of their wedding vows followed by a reception hosted by their children at the Memorial Park Community Building. They were presented a certificate of congratulations by State Representative John White.

Funeral services were held for Donald Lambert, 65; and for Ruby Willingham, 80.