Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

March 01, 1951

The Old Black Joe Company asked local farmers to increase the amount of acreage allocated towards the production of green peas and tomatoes. They offered farmers a guaranteed minimum price of $31 per ton for tomatoes and $80 per ton for green peas. Both prices were a significant increase from the previous year. Seeds would also be furnished free to “all tomato growers who wish to raise their own plants.”

A bicycle shattered the window of the Snip Snap Bite café. A child hurriedly jumped off a bicycle to avoid a fast moving vehicle, which sent the bike flying toward the restaurant window. Both the boy and the bike was uninjured.

The American Legion announced that weekly Saturday night dances at the Legion and VFW-owned Memorial Building would resume starting March 3. Charges would be $1.00 per couple with proceeds to be used towards programs that benefitted Lewis County and its veterans.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Waynesboro with a score of 61 to 30 in Sixth District Tournament play which opened here.

Mrs. T. A. James was honored for her 78th birthday with a dinner hosted by her children.

Fred Goodman was honored for his birthday with a surprise “bring a dish” dinner in the Pine View community.

Funeral services were held Pete Amacher, 56; Charlie Patton, 19; and for Andrew Stapp, 78.

T. O. Lewis, owner of Hohenwald Radio & TV Service, advertised that he was now a dealer for Philco radios and television sets.

“Hollywood Barn Dance,” starring Ernest Tubb and Lori Talbott, and “Navajo Trail Raiders,” starring Allan Lane and Eddy Waller, were the Friday and Saturday night double feature at the Strand Theatre.

March 03, 1961

The Lewis County Heart Drive reached its quota of $740 during a house-to-house canvas held on February 26.

The LCHS girls basketball team won two games in 21st District Tournament play, which gained them a berth in the semi-finals. They defeated Collinwood with a score of 45 to 19 and Linden with a score of 41 to 40. Patsy Riley was the top scorer for the team in both games with 24 points in the Collinwood game and 22 points in the Linden game.

Winners in the 4-H Speaking Contest were Myra Churchwell, junior girls; Billy Dyer, junior boys; and William Coble, senior boys.

Billy Dabbs was chosen as “Depot Soldier of the Month” for December.

Dempsey Goodman was scheduled to take part in ceremonies marking the 19th anniversary of the Pacific Fleet Amphibious Force on February 20.

James Estes, Park Ranger at Meriwether Lewis Park, reported that a surplus of rain fell during February 1961. A total of 9.10 inches was recorded, this was 3.36 inches more than the 73-year average for February. The high temperature for the month was 79 degrees on February 18, and the low was 8 degrees on February 4.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Graves announced the birth of their son, Kenny Brian.

Sallie Ricketts was honored for her 86th birthday with a party hosted by her friends and neighbors.

Funeral services were held for Mary Duncan, 80, and Thelma Golden, 52.

“The Unfaithfuls,” starring Gina Lolabrigda, and “Walk Tall” were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Strand Theatre and the Saturday movies at the Highlands Drive-In.

March 04, 1971

The Hohenwald City Council voted to reduce the tax rate by 25 cents which would lower the rate to $1.25 for $100 valuation.

Lewis County’s official population in the 1970 census was 6,761, up 7.8 percent from the 1960 figure of 6,269.

Howard Spears was named chair for the Lewis County Cerebral Palsy Drive in March.

The following births were announced: Deborah Kay, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby McDaniel; and Aaron Joseph, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Curtis.

Sara Darden was honored for her birthday with a dinner at the home of Misses Elizabeth and Hazel Bell.

Funerals services were held for Ralph Talley, 59; and for John Tharpe.

“Castaways,” starring Maurice Chevalier and Haley Mills, and “Darker than Amber,” starring Rod Taylor and Suzy Kendall, were the weekend movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

March 05, 1981

Four lawsuits seeking over $1 million were filed in Chancery Court. The suits were filed by a Hohenwald couple against the State of Tennessee, Lewis County, county officials, county attorneys, the City of Hohenwald, and various other firms and individuals. The suits stemmed from controversy concerning a deed of property, a dispute over property lines dating from 1976, a court order to sell a 93-acre tract of land, and the legality of the appointment of the Superintendent of Schools. The newspaper reported that “These multi-million dollar suits are perhaps the largest ever filed in Lewis County.”

The gas pumps at Jr. Food Mart were destroyed when the brakes apparently failed on an automobile, knocking the two pumps out. Escaping gasoline caught fire and heavily damaged the front of the vehicle.

Police Chief Pat Dabbs was presented a plaque by the National Child Safety Council for cooperation in their program to present literature to young children about the dangers of crime and drugs.

Mr. and Mrs. William Laxton announced the birth of their son, William Harlan.

Funeral services were held for Lillie Hill, 73.

“Any Which Way You Can,” starring Clint Eastwood, was the weekend feature at the Highlands Drive-In Theatre.

February 28, 1991

W. T. Rasbury was honored at a dinner for his tireless dedication to the achievement of goals for John A. Baker Airport. Rasbury was presented a plaque by the City of Hohenwald, City Council, Lewis County Commission, Lewis County Government and employees. Under Rasbury’s leadership, the airport underwent major improvements, including purchasing 51 additional acres of land, extending the runway, and constructing a hangar, offices, and waiting room. The airport was recognized as the “most improved airport in the State of Tennessee” in 1986.

City and county officials were presented capital project proposals for the construction of a new county jail and additional classrooms at LCHS and LCES.

Lillie Mitchell and Ronald Riley were named LCHS Teachers of the Year.

Michael Turnbow was elected to the National Board of Directors for American Society for Nondestructive Testing.

Robbie Carroll was awarded the Apprentice of the Year Award by Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 572.

Ruby Webb was honored upon her retirement from Henry I. Seigel with a retirement dinner. Webb retired after 37 years of service.

William Moore graduated from Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, TX.

James Miller completed Navy basic training at Recruit Training Center, San Diego, CA.

Britni Tenison won $100 in the Captain Crunch Magic Spinner Toy Giveaway. The winning box was purchased at Morrow’s FoodTown. The odds of her winning was one out of 11,000 boxes.

Johnnie Zimmerman won $75 in the Tennessee Credit Union 25th Anniversary Celebration.

The following births were announced: Christopher Lee, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Tackett, III; Allyson Jo, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Averett; Crystal Nichole, daughter of Jeff and Christy Mullins; Kyle Wesley, son of Steve and Alicia Anglin; and Steve Brett, son of John and Kristy Redmon.

Funeral services were held for Way McClearen, 84; and for Bernard Winkley, 27.

March 03, 2001

The LCHS Panthers and Lady Panthers reached regional playoffs. The Panthers defeated Giles County with a score of 57 to 44. Kyle Clayburn was the top scorer with 22 points.

The LCHS Class of 2001 Senior Play, “It Must Be Murder” was scheduled for March 9.

Paul and Lynn Bryant were named to the Freed-Hardeman University Advisory Board.

The following students were named LCHS Students of the Month: Steve Edgerton, Michelle Darnell, Erica Jackson, Brad Page, and Lacey Sharp.

Mark and Mitzi Gosnell announced the birth of their son, Austin Anderson.

Funeral services were held for Kenneth Baker, 82; Lois Crofton, 48; Alfred Godwin, 70; James Hamm, 71; Pauline McClearen, 94; Willis Ross; and Alfred Tharp, 63.