Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

July 12, 1951

The main headline for the week was “Court Vote Funds For County Library: 10c Cut From County Rate.” The Lewis County Quarterly Court (now called County Commission) voted to establish a public library for the use of residents, appropriated $150 toward the $500 required for operation, and appointed a library board to oversee the initiation of service in Lewis County. The Lewis County Herald reported that “this is a progressive move and we hope to see our people begin to take advantage of the Library at the earliest time that books become available…”

The Quarterly Court also reduced the tax rate by 10 cents, with the newspaper adding that “this being out of line with a majority of counties in the state as most of them have hiked their rates.”

Napier Lake had a large crowd and traffic jam on July 4th. The paper reported that this occurred “supposedly because there was no other place to go, there being no observance of the Fourth here or elsewhere in the county, and the only entertainment at the lake was Grand Old Opry Stars including Rod Brasfield with his staff and hot air.”

Prizes were awarded by the Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up committee. Mrs. Clyde Odil won first prize and $15. Second place went to Mrs. W. A. Flowers, and J. P. Hume won third.

Eddie Duncan enlisted in the Air Corps as a volunteer.

Ada Brown and Walter Fite, Jr. were presented 10-year service pins by General Shoe Corporation.

“Hoedown,” starring Eddy Arnold, and “Bandits of El Dorado,” starring Charles Street and Smiley Burnette, were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Strand Theatre.

July 13, 1961

Work was progressing on the factory being built by the county for use by the Boston Woven Hose and Rubber Company. Although machinery was being installed, no definite date had been set for employment to begin.

The Lewis County Soil Conservation District announced they would sponsor a farm tour on July 15. Included on this tour would be stops at the following farms: Riley D. Moore, C. L. Andrews, K. G. Sickler, Finley Brown, and Hassell Kelley.

Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Estes celebrated their 50th anniversary with a family gathering.

Funeral services were held for John Galloway, 86; David Langham, 88; and for James Petrey, 21.

“Cartoon Carnival,” “Freckles,” and “Picnic,” starring William Holden and Kim Novac, were the Friday and Saturday triple feature at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

In area news: Three Lawrence County residents were arrested for illegally fishing in the Little Buffalo River.

July 15, 1971

The Lewis County Quarterly Court lowered the tax rate from $3.00 to $2.80.

The Lewis County Hospital re-opened on July 12, giving residents local hospital service for the first time since the hospital closed October 1970.

The Hohenwald Recreation and Golf Club would be closed August 19. During that day, the facilities would be leased to a Nashville group for their use. Use of the golf club was being leased in order to raise money to defray expenses encountered during the year.

Richie Brewer was promoted to the rank of Sergeant while serving at Kunsan Air Force Base, Korea.

Harold Sublett won a blue ribbon at a photographic exhibition held in conjunction with the Tennessee Professional Photographers Convention in Gatlinburg.

James Coble caught a five-pound smallmouth bass in the Buffalo River.

W. G. Darden grew a tomato in his garden that weighed 2 pounds, 9 ounces.

Bob Weeks, Kenneth Kistler, and John Lambert delivered a camper to Mr. and Mrs. Tony Pedelwski in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Funeral services were held for Philip Brewer, 47; Lester Bowen, 50; Sammy Sharpe; Jenny Talley, 78; Pearl Talley, 72; and for William Tuttle.

“When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth,” starring Victoria Vetri, and “Rio Bravo,” starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, and Ricky Nelson, were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Strand Theatre.

July 16, 1981

American Biltrite, Inc. and Dana Corporation have announced the signing of an agreement to acquire substantially all of the new assets of the Boston Industrial Products Division of American Biltrite, including the plant in Hohenwald which would be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dana Corporation.

The Hohenwald Police Department confiscated 25 marijuana plants at the home of a resident. The resident was arrested and pled guilty.

Beth Canady was elected president of the Matthew Fontaine, Maury Society, Children of the American Revolution.

The construction of cable television lines throughout Hohenwald neared completion. In celebration, Tennessee Valley Cablecom, Inc. hosted a “turning on” party at the Golden Saddle Restaurant. Brenda Horner was the first customer to sign up for Cable Television service in Lewis County.

Larry W. Davis won $1,100 in the bankroll drawing held at Holt’s IGA.

Benny Lay enlisted in the U. S. Air Force.

Burton Graham won first place in a coon hunt sponsored by the Buffalo River Coon Hunters Club.

The following births were announced: Andrew Sidney, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Dye; and Sacha Mache, daughter of James and Alisa Noble.

Pearlie Hinson was honored for her 81st birthday with a gathering of family and friends at her home. Mrs. Hinson also received a letter of congratulations from President Ronald Reagan.

“Take the Job and Shove It” was the Friday and Saturday feature at the Highlands Drive- In.

In area news: South Central Tennessee Railroad constructed a repair and maintenance shop at Watson on the line. The Railroad also leased three locomotives for use.

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