Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

September 13, 1951

Fred A. Pollock, Mabry McNabb, and James Simmons were reported wounded in Korea.

The Lewis County Public Library was scheduled to open to the public for the first time on Friday, September 14. The library was located on the ground floor of the Court House opposite the Welfare office. The hours of operation were announced as Tuesdays and Fridays, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mrs. W.B. Sublett was chosen to be the County Librarian.

Charles Sims was promoted to Sgt. First Class while serving with the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in Korea.

Fire Chief Claude Ricketts publicly asked the residents of Hohenwald to not drive their cars to the scene of fires as the practice of everybody rushing to a fire prevented the fire department from easily reaching the fire. Ricketts illustrated his point by mentioning a fire that occurred one week earlier on North Oak Street when a fireman “was forced to leave his car at the shoe plant and walk several blocks to reach the scene.” Residents were notified that they may be summoned before the City Recorder and asked to pay a fine if the practice continued.

Funeral services were held for Molly Chessor, 89; and for Rack Clayton, 63.

An Easy Spindrier washing machine could be purchased at Wallace Poore Appliance Company for $178.45 (with trade-in). A 10 7/10 cu. ft. Frigidaire was on sale at Kittrell Motor Company for $382.75.

“Everybody’s Dancing,” starring Spade Cooley, and “Rogues of Golden Lodge” were the Friday and Saturday night double feature at the Strand Theatre.

September 14, 1961

Local Genesco employees rejected union representation with a plant-wide vote of 169 against the union and 72 for the union. Of the 248 employees voting, 2 ballots were void and 5 were challenged. Five employees were absent and did not vote.

Mayor W.C. Keaton was elected to a two-year term on the executive committee of the American Municipal Association. The Herald noted that Hohenwald was probably the smallest city ever represented at the association. Mayor Keeton was also named Vice Chairman of the TN Board of Tax Equalization.

Mayor Keeton announced that street resurfacing was nearing completion with only two days work remaining to finish putting down the hot mix asphalt. The work was scheduled to be completed in two weeks when the company installing the hot mix would return. The shoulders along the streets would also be built up with either crushed stone and asphalt or chert.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Charlotte with a score of 26 to 6. Tommy Mann threw a 25-yard pass to Glen Hinson in the end zone for the final score of the game.

Services were held for Mrs. Clovis Duncan, 60; and for Sadie Tatum, 58.

“Gorgo,” starring Bill Travers and William Sylvester; “The Canadians,” starring Robert Ryan; and Walt Disney’s “Sign of Zorro,” starring Guy Williams were the Saturday night features the Strand Theatre and Friday and Saturday night movies at the Highlands Drive-In.

September 16, 1971

Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Seiber received a posthumous Military Merit medal and the Gallantry Cross with palm in honor of their son, P.F.C. David A. Seiber, who was killed in Vietnam on March 3, 1969.

Thieves broke into Kittrell Oil Company and hammered into the company’s safe. Taken in the pre-dawn robbery were a check, $14.05 in money, and business papers. Entrance to the building was gained by breaking out a rear window and then breaking into the office where the safe was kept. All stolen items were found in a weed field near the oil company. Damage was estimated at $600.

Donnie Pollock caught an 8-pound, 2 ounce and a 4-pound, 6-ounce yellow catfish while fishing at D. D. Humphreys, Jr.’s lake.

Mr. and Mrs. Coy Lancaster, Sr. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their home with a tea held in their honor.

Funeral services were held for Barbara Carroll, 34; Smith Dabbs, 72; Edgar Graves, 56; and for Ralph Hinson, 54.

“Evil Knievel”, starring George Hamilton and Sue Lyon, and “the Traveling Executioner,” starring Stacy Keach and Mariana Hill were the Friday and Saturday night double feature at the Highlands Drive-In.

September 17, 1981

John Brown, Jr.; Tim Hickerson; Donald Hull; Terry Jones; and Robert Taylor were selected for inclusion in the 1981 edition of “Outstanding Young Men of America.”

Tommy Staggs and Ronald Webster were named LCHS Players of the Week.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Mt. Pleasant with a score of 14 to 0. Tommy Staggs led the defense with 18 tackles and Ronald Webster led the team in yardage with 120.

Mr. and Mrs. Everett Bates were honored with a surprise dinner at the Golden Saddle Restaurant in honor of their 48th wedding anniversary.

Funeral services were held for Carl Alexander, 75; and for Telina Paz, 15.

“Stripes,” starring Bill Murray, was the weekend movie shown at the Highlands Drive-In.

September 12, 1991

Carol Hickerson was selected as the 1991 Fairest of the Fair at the South Central Tennessee Area Fair.

Charlie Vaughan was presented a watch by Randy Johnson, Laredo/Code West Plant Manager, in recognition of Vaughan’s 25 years of service.

Joseph Morton completed training at Recruit Training Command in Orlando, FL.

The local band XXX-Tremely Loud won the $1,000 prize at the Battle of the Bands contest held at the South Central Area Fair. Members of the band were “Wild Bill” Farrington, guitars and vocals; Tim Lawson, drums; Jeff Simpson, drums; Jesse Stacy, rhythm and lead guitar; and Jeff Witherington, bass and vocals.

Devin Johns won first place in the Derby division of the retriever field trials held by the Middle TN Amateur Retriever Club, and Gary Craig took first place in the puppy stakes.

Roger Simbeck won the Dairy Queen Radio Flyer Wagon Sweepstakes that was held in conjunction with the Columbia Pictures movie release of Radio Flyer.

The first annual Hootenanny was scheduled to be held at Hardee’s on September 14. All proceeds were to the Little Swan Hunting Club’s underprivileged children project.

Carmen Whiteside was honored for his 70th birthday with a surprise supper at the Golden Saddle Restaurant.

Funeral services were held for James Coble, 23.

September 13, 2001

Photos and information about the 9/11 terrorist attack at the Twin Towers and the Pentagon was featured along with the main headline “Death and Destruction Bring Nation to Grips.”

Sarah Thomas was named 2001 LCHS Homecoming Queen. Members of her court were Nasha Barnes, freshman; Lacey Sharp, sophomore; Ashley Bosheers, junior; Sara Turner, junior; Christa Webb, senior; and Carrier Patterson, senior attendant.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Parsons with a score of 27 to 6. Tommy Cagle led the team in tackles with 14, and David Sharp led in rushing with 11 (92).

Dana Corporation honored the following employees with continuous service awards: Dalton Crowell, 35 years; John Spears, 30 years; Pat Johns, 30 years; Clovis Carroll, 25 years; Robert Lay, 25 years; and Larry Tatum, 25 years.

James Poore won $100 in a giveaway held by Coin Laundromat.

Mr. and Mrs. Jessie McNeely announced the birth of their son, Logan Jackson.

Funeral services were held for William Clay, 91; Lorraine Snively, 81; Arlan Talley, 65; and for Tamberly Underhill, 39.

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.