Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

May 10, 1951

The main headline for the week was “Keaton Defeats Richardson in Mayor’s Race.” Keaton won by a vote of 557 to 385.

A. B. Sisco announced that commencement week activities would begin with a baccalaureate sermon delivered on Sunday, May 13 by Dr. Charles Norton, Secretary of the Baptist State Training Union in Nashville. Commencement exercises would be held Thursday, May 17.

The Tennessee State Game and Fish Commission released 78 mature quail in Lewis County. The commission also promised to send two quail brooders to the Future Farmers of America capable of handling 166 quail chicks. After being raised to maturity, these additional quail would be released by the FFA at their Bi-Color Lespedeza plantings.

Mr. and Mrs. Leslie LaRue announced the birth of their daughter, Janice Malinda.

Funeral services were held for Ida Bishop, 62, and Eula Sanford, 70.

“Daughter of the Jungle” and “Silver Raiders,” starring Whip Wilson and Andy Clyde, were the Friday and Saturday night double feature at the Strand Theatre.

May 11, 1961

Dr. David Rutledge purchased the Boyce Clinic from Dr. W. E. Boyce and would operate the clinic and hospital. Dr. Boyce would remain associated in the practice with Dr. Rutledge for a while.

A construction worker died in an accident on the Natchez Trace while laying pipe for the Boyer-Johnson Construction Company.

Recreational facilities at Memorial Park would open for the season on May 18 under the direction of Carl Tatum.

An organizational meeting for a Young Farmers and Homemakers Club would be held on May 15 at the Hohenwald Golf Club. The group would be co-sponsored by Tennessee Farm Bureau and the UT Agricultural Extension Service.

Mrs. Bob Kilpatrick was honored for her 73rd birthday with a dinner.

Funeral services were held for Harry Mitchell, 58; Lorene Russell, 50; and for Johnny Webb, 34.

Seaton’s Super Market advertised “free orchids to the first 100 mothers who visit our store Friday and Saturday.” Other specials that week included Sweet Sue fryers at the price of $0.29 a pound, a half-gallon of sweet milk for $0.42, Armstrong fresh baked cakes for $0.49, and “late hit” records for $0.39 each or three records for $1.00.

“Where the Hot Wind Blows,” starring Gina Lolabrigda and “Please Turn Over” were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Highlands Drive-In.

May 13, 1971

A “hippie clan” was living on a Lewis County farm on Drake Lane. The newspaper reported that a group of 200 “religious hippies” from California leased the land from Nashville resident Rose Martin, who was quoted as saying, “They’re leasing the farm until they can find a place of their own. They’ve traveled a long way and deserve a rest.”

Nearly 1,600 city voters cast ballots in the municipal election held. Dol Willis was re-elected to a second term as Mayor having received 1,022 votes to the 575 votes for his opponent N.T. Plummer.

Postmaster Aileen Warf announced that effective May 16, the price of First Class mail would increase to eight cents per ounce and postcards would increase to six cents each.

I.L. Hooks was hired as a city policeman to replace Lester Gray who had retired because of health.

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Pollock announced the birth of their son, Philip Edward.

Funeral services were held for Julia Goodman, 77; Henry Johns, 83; and for Alma Kittrell, 78.

“Bloody Mama,” starring Shelly Winters, and “A Bullet for Pretty Boy,” starring Fabian Forte and Jocelyn Lane, were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

May 14, 1981

Approximately 350 people attended a meeting held at Brushy Church of Christ to oppose the development of an industrial waste disposal site in Hickman County.

Jerry Crowell announced his resignation as administrator of Lewis County Hospital after over 18 years of service in order to devote his time toward the development of a newly-formed health care company. Ricky Wallace was named Hospital Administrator to succeed Crowell.

The Sheriff’s Department discovered 131 marijuana plants growing in three beds south of the drive-in theatre.

The Lewis County School Board held a called meeting to hear the appeal of a LCHS senior who was under suspension. After considering the situation, the school board declined to re-admit the student.

The LCHS Panthers baseball team won the District 10A tournament with a 6 to 1 win over Summertown.

Airman Timothy Cogdill was assigned to Chanute Air Force Base following his graduation from Air Force basic training.

Shelia Runions and Jeff Whitwell were named Spring Fling King and Queen in grades 5-8.

Grand Champion winners of the Lewis County School Music Festival held May 2 were Rodney Hensley, Tammy Holt, Rheatta Kelley, Andrea Loveless, Patricia Pollock, Amy Staggs, and Lee Williams.

Judy O’Guin won first place in singles play at the City Bowling Tournament.

Leonard Mercer had a chicken lay an unusual egg with a ridged, rough shell.

The following births were announced: Juli Deann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Powers; and Chanda Nicole, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joey Hinson.

Funeral services were held for Claude Peters, 70; and for William Reeves, 84.

“Smokey Bites the Dust” and “Young Cycle Girls” were the weekend double feature at the Highlands Drive-In Theatre.

May 09, 1991

Guy Nicholson was re-elected for a third term, having received over 60 percent of the 1,195 votes cast in the election held May 2. Others seeking the office of Mayor were Dolene Rogers and Ricky Hensley.

Operation Fourth of July plans were underway in Hohenwald as a welcoming home celebration for those who served in Operation Desert Storm.

A Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $329,000 was approved to assist in water line extension in the county.

Jethro Barger, a LCHS senior selected as a Youth Science Ambassador by People to People International, was honored by the Governor and the Tennessee General Assembly for his outstanding achievement.

Mike Webb, along with his First Class Band, began working on an album in Nashville, titled “Before I’m Over With You.” The band consisted of Keith Franklin, Kevin Gallian, Barry Hensley, and Scotty Hensley.

Debbie Kelsey won first place in the annual Walk America event held April 28 to raise money for the March of Dimes.

W. T. Rasbury and Dol Willis were presented a plaque to recognize their work to restore and set up displays in the railroad box car belonging to the Lewis County Historical Society.

The following births were announced: Shane Elliott, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rob Greve; Myles Wayne, son of Ronnie and Lisa Brewer; and Kelsey Jo, daughter of Joe and Debbie King.

Mr. and Mrs. Paul James celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception held at the Flatrock Church of Christ community room.

Funeral services were held for Ruth Sawyer, 97; and for George Thomas, 75.

May 10, 2001

The Devil’s Backbone State Natural Area would officially open on May 12 along the Natchez Trace in Lewis County on the western highland rim.

The Lewis County Commission approved plans for the renovation of the old Genesco building on Smith Street. The $725,000 project would include cosmetic improvements for the exterior of the building, as well as office space for the inside. This project was funded by a capital outlay note which also included the installation of an elevator in the courthouse.

A total of $11,771.54 was raised at the annual Making Strides for Cancer Walk. The City of Hohenwald won the number one position in team fundraising efforts to benefit cancer victims by raising $2,341.05.

Carol Buckley, co-founder of the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, was named guest of honor at the 15th annual Genesis awards presented by the Ark Trust, Inc.

Mike Rawdon caught a 63-pound yellow catfish in the Tennessee River on May 4.

Body Pro Gym held an Open House at their facility at 33B East Main Street.

Anthony Staggs graduated from Marine Corps basic training at Parris Island, SC.

Melissa Staggs was named a United States National Award Winner in Leadership and Service.

David and Jennifer Mathis announced the birth of their daughter, Hannah Nicole.

Funeral services were held for Laura Dreyfus, 39; and for Grace Gladden, 83.

This article was written using local history resources available at Lewis County Public Library and Archives. Libraries serve as guardians of history. Visit the library and archives to learn more about our community’s unique past.