Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

August 02, 1951

Douglas D. Humphreys was appointed U.S. Commissioner for Lewis, Lawrence, and Wayne Counties to have jurisdiction in all minor violations of Federal statues in the three counties.

It was reported that a statewide change in the procedure for licenses plates would cause a problem for many. The new legislation required a notarized bill of sale to establish proof of ownership before license plates could be acquired. The newspaper article added, “The rub is that most car owners can’t produce the bill of sale [having been] misplaced by many drivers, while others may never have been provided with a bill of sale.”

The Old Black Joe Company was busy canning tomato crop. The cannery was paying Williamson County farmers $31 per ton, the same priced offered to Lewis County farmers. The Lewis County Herald added, “Some several thousand dollars will go out of county, which rightfully belongs here. More than sixty-five people are on their payroll this week, which helps the merchants of our city considerably, at a time when employment in our community is much needed.”

Lewis County residents were asked to contribute at least $150 through the local Red Cross chapter for emergency and long-term rehabilitation assistance to families who suffered severe losses in disastrous floods in four Midwestern states.

Claude Anderson announced his purchase of Tom Pollock’s half interest in Pollock Market and was now the sole owner of the business.

“One Way Street,” starring James Mason and Dan Duryea, and “Roaring Westwards,” starring Jimmy Wakely and Cannonball Taylor, were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Strand Theatre.

August 03, 1961

Improvements were being made at the Fairgrounds in preparation for the annual fair. A new concrete floor was being poured in the Fair Building, new seats were being installed in old bleachers, and new bleachers were being built to better accommodate for activities.

William Austin enlisted in the U. S. Air Force.

William Gay and James Grinder enlisted in the U. S. Navy. Both were graduates of the LCHS Class of 1961.

Patsy Goodman, Linda McClain, and Jo Lynn Thomas were attending the 6th Annual Summer Music Camp at Austin Peay State College.

A Grand Opening for Baker’s Department Store, on Main Street, was announced for August 4 and 5. Door prizes would be given away both days.

Mrs. Ellis Poore was honored for her birthday with a surprise dinner party at General Café.

Funeral services were held for Joe Bell, 72; Lillian Clayton, 63; Edward Skelton, 51; and for Nora Lawson, 60.

M.R. Dobbins, T.C. Edwards, and N.D. Graves advertised that Rolling Hills Estates, located on South Fifth Street at Oak and Pine, was now open for inspection with 55 home sites approved for F.H.A., V.A., and conventional loans.

Seaton’s advertised that their grocery store was now associated with Bi-Rite and would be now known as Seaton’s Bi-Rite Market.

“Roar of the Crowd,” and “Thunder Over Hawaii,” and “Dark at the Top of the Stairs” were the Friday and Saturday triple feature at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

August 05, 1971

The Lewis County Hospital announced its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Tilman Knox of Columbia won the Invitational Golf Tournament held at the Hohenwald Recreation and Golf Club.

The Lewis County Jaycees announced their sponsorship of a skeet shoot on August 8. Cash prizes would be presented.

A number of gardening triumphs were reported. Cindy and Tina Wix were photographed holding a 3-pound 1-ounce cucumber measuring 12.5 inches long that was grown in their garden at home. Bessie Leister was pictured with a twin squash grown in her parents’ garden.

Mary Anderson and Wesley Grimes were honored for their birthdays with a celebration held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Barber.

“The Abominable Dr. Phibes,” starring Vincent Price and Joseph Cotton, and “Panic in the City,” starring Howard Duff, Linda Cristal, and Stephen McNally, were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Strand Theatre.

August 06, 1981

Larry Johnson won first place in the 23rd annual Invitational Tournament held at the Hohenwald Recreation and Golf Club.

Lewis County Schools would open for the 1981-82 school year on Thursday, August 13.

Jerry Hensley was named Outstanding Airman of the Month at Lowry Air Force Base, CO.

The local National Guard unit won the Best Mess Award for 30th armored brigade for the third straight year. The trophy would be kept in Hohenwald for six months and in Millington for six months.

C. R. Baker and Louis Smith were honored with a surprise birthday given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Pollock.

Funeral services were held for A.O. Ramey, 58; Nina Ray, 58; and for Noah Wiss.

“Nice Dreams,” starring Cheech and Chong, was the Friday and Saturday feature at the Highlands Drive- In.

August 01, 1991

Andy Baker was elected president of the Kentucky Association of Hospice.

Cheryl Whittenberg, of New Johnsonville, was awarded the “Humphreys County Proud” award by County Executive Jesse Stephenson in recognition of earning the American VICA degree.

Ron Lindsey was assigned as the Army National Guard Recruiter for Lewis County.

Lester Bartley and Louella Carroll were among ten area residents who competed in the Tennessee Senior Games held in Clarksville.

Misty Loudermilk and Jason Sims caught 105 pounds of white catfish while jug fishing in the Tennessee River.

The following births were announced: Cassidy Lynn, daughter of Greg and Carol Lyell; Sabrina Shay, daughter of Gary Don and Ronda Turner; and Haley Nicole, daughter of Dale and Sabrina Baker.

Funeral services were held for William Black, 72; Whitney Duncan, 92; James Gray, 71; Carlos Gunter, 86; Juanita Gunter, 67; and for Nora Inman, 78.

In statewide news: the Chancery Court of Davidson County ruled in favor of small school systems in a landmark decision finding that the current method of funding education K-12 in Tennessee was unconstitutional. The decision came after the close of a grueling session in which the two houses of the Legislation could not resolve their difference on how to fund education reform.

August 02, 2001

Lewis County Schools would open on Thursday, August 9 for the new school year.

The project to install an elevator in the Court House was completed. Joan Cothran, W. C. Keaton, and County Executive Terry Bunch took the first official ride in the elevator on July 27.

Elliott Barber qualified for Loretto Lynn’s Moto Cross National Championship for his age division and classes.

Lewis County hosted the Tennessee Dixie Youth AAA State Tournament for 9-10 year old division July 27 through August 1.

NPS was seeking input from residents concerning the development of the Meriwether Lewis site at the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Tim Rogers was named Youth Pastor at the Blondy Church of God.

Billy Seiber retired from Dana Corporation after 36 years of continuous service.

Shanta Dhingra was honored for her 80th birthday with a celebration at the home of her daughter, Dr. Veena Anand.

Funeral services were held for Lorene Cowen, 81; Hattie Nichols; Vernon Nichols; and for Willodean Staggs, 90.

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 communities unique past.