Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

October 11, 1951

Hollywood actor Ward Bond, along with MGM starlet and singer Eileen Christy and screen writer Cap Palmer, visited Hohenwald on October 11 from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Hohenwald was one of 15 cities in Western Tennessee visited by Bond and company as part of the nationwide celebration of “Movietime, U.S.A.”

It was reported that the 1951 Lewis County Fair, which had been held in September, had a loss of $700.

Cousins Austin Dabbs and Malcolm Baxter volunteered for service in the U. S. Air Force.

Lloyd Clayton, Robert Ghist, Jr. and Garvis Hensley, Jr. were called by the Draft Board and went to Nashville for their regular physical examination.

It was reported to the newspaper that no squirrels had been sighted by hunters since October The initial report came in by “guys who were like Ikey” and couldn’t wait for the season to begin. The report was later verified by several hunters following the opening of the season.

Kittrell Motor Company advertised that they had coal available with prices set “as close as small profit will allow.” Free flour and meal was given away to customers who visited Piggly Wiggly on Saturday, October 13, 1951; in addition, the store advertised regular size Oxydol and Tide for $0.29.

“Operation Disaster,” starring John Mills, and “Fort Dodge Stampede,” starring Allan Lane and Chubby Johnson were the Friday and Saturday night films showing at the Strand Theatre.

October 12, 1961

The LCHS Panthers won their sixth game with a score of 14 to 7 against Pulaski. Barry Estes carried the ball across for both touchdowns in the game.

F.A. Goodman, Chair of the Lewis County Savings Bonds committee, was presented with a Treasury Department award by U.S. Savings Bond Area Division Manager R.L. Burnside for his services to the bond program.

The first annual Lewis County Rook Tournament was underway with 20 individuals registered and assigned teams for the tournament play.

Joe Van Dyke, minister of the Hohenwald Church of Christ, announced his resignation, effective October 29, to accept a position at a church in Bowling Green, KY.

Animals from the “Pigmy Herd of Arizona,” including a small pony and cow, were to be shown in front of the Piggly Wiggly Store on Friday and Saturday, October 20 and 21. Admission would be free with a cash register receipt from the store.

The following births were announced: Anna Marie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Barber; and Richie Lane, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clovis Anderson.

Funeral services were held for Mack Wisdom, 54; and for Joe Horner, 36.

“Atlantis the Lost Continent,” starring Sal Ponti and Joyce Taylor, and “Hound Dog Man,” starring Fabian were the Saturday night double feature shown at both the Highlands Drive-In and Strand Theatre.

October 14, 1971

County Judge A. B. Nicholson signed a proclamation declaring October 16, 1971, as Lions Whuite Cane Days and urged residents to support ot he Lewis County Lions Club in their efforts to raise funds for sight conservation to help the blind.

The Lewis County Court met October 11, 1971 and voted to appropriate $2,700 to light the airport. Funds were to be equally matched by the Tennessee Aeronautical Commission.

Walter Mayer was named Supervisory Park Ranger Assistant for the Meriwether Lewis Subdistrict of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The Lewis County Hospital Auxiliary met for a reorganization meeting. The group had become inactive when the local hospital closed in October 1970.

Steven Cross was chosen as the state winner of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s essay contest.

A resident was convicted on a charge of burglary and grand larceny and was sentenced to three years in connection with the theft of guns taken from Ray Grimes Hardware in November 1970.

Jackie Wix completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base.

Grover and Judy McDonald announced the birth of their son, Wilburn Adley Cleveland.

Estalee Graves was honored for her birthday with a dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Deason Loveless in Columbia.

Funeral services were held for Kate Brewer, 72; Charles C. Garner, Sr., 53; and for Ben Robertson, 90.

Walt Disney’s “The Aristocats” and “Simon King of the Witches,” starring Andrew Prine and Joe Solomon, were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Highlands Drive-In.

October 15, 1981

City Mayor Philip Griner signed a proclamation to honor October 19, 1981, as the 200th anniversary of the Victory at Yorktown that effectively ended the Revolutionary War.

The Lewis County Court met on October 12, 1981 and passed a resolution reapportioning Lewis County to consist of eight districts instead of nine, with eighteen magistrates.

Mark Zarle was assigned to Chanute Air Force Base (AFB) following completion of Air Force basic training.

Stacy Lawson was selected as LCHS Homecoming Queen. Her court included Jennifer Geithe, Crystal Hensley, Karen Hinson, and Lisa Kelley. The LCHS Homecoming parade was scheduled for October 22, 1981.

LCHS Panthers won their sixth undefeated game in a row with a score of 28 to 0 against Richland. Their stats for the season so far was Panthers 168, Opponents 0.

Terry Buie and Gary Staggs were selected as LCHS players of the week.

Bertha and Hubert Floyd were honored with a reception to celebrate their 50th anniversary by friends at the Buffalo Valley United Methodist Church.

Mrs. D.M. McClearen grew an 11’5” tomato plant in her yard. The plant had 21 large tomatoes.

The following births were announced: Emily Raye, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Wayland; Samantha Joe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Barnes; Amanda Denise, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Brewer; Zachary Allen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Staggs; and Melissa Renee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kinnard.

Funeral services were held for Bessie Skelton, 83; and for Lena Talley, 73.

“Endless Love,” starring Brooke Shields was the weekend movie at the Highlands Drive-In Theatre.

October 10, 1991

A full schedule of activities had been planned for the annual Oktoberfest scheduled for October 12 and 13. Bud Williams of Dickson would set up a grist mill demonstration. The Highlander Restaurant was serving German fare. The American Legion 40 & 8 train from Columbia would be giving children train rides. The Lewis County Chamber of Commerce and Hohenwald Business and Retail Association announced that no beer would be sold as part of the Oktoberfest activities.

Shelia Carroll was promoted to Office Coordinator at Laredo/Code West.

Crystal Mayberry was named 1991 LCHS Homecoming Queen. Members of her court were Mickey Cagle, Amanda Hinson, Clasha Hinson, and Amy Williams.

Kathy Douglas grew a 10-pound sweet potato in her garden.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Wayne County with a score of 27 to 0. Leading the team in rushing yardage was Marshall Webster with 203 yards on 23 plays.

The following births were announced: Amie Marie, daughter of Jim and Sharon Grinder; Zachary Hunter, son of Rodney and Wanda Hinson; Kyle Matthew, son of James and Tammy Hudgins; Tia Marie Faith, daughter of Byron and Terri Brown; and Nakeskia Rashae’, daughter of Darrel Papajeski and Darla McCarthy.

Mr. and Mrs. Elton Hinson celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at Flatrock Church of Christ.

Vada Curtis was honored for her 78th birthday with a party at the home of her daughter, Linda Devore.

Glenda Atkinson was honored for her birthday with a surprise party held at the Lewis County Herald Office.

Funeral services were held for Alfred Kelley, 66.

John’s Tire Service advertised that “contrary to rumors, we are still in the used tire business.”

October 11, 2001

The Lewis County School Board commemorated the late Tommy Joe Skelton with a resolution honoring his service to the board.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Perry County with a score of 34 to 8. Kip Kelsey won the WMLR/Pizza Hut Player of the Game and the Nashville Tennessean Coach’s Gameball. Tommy Cagle was named Lewis County Herald Lineman of the Week.

David Michael graduated from Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base.

Jerry Scott was honored for 40 years continuous service with Dana Corporation.

Mark and Marion Kenyon announced the birth of their daughter, Sharon Miracle Lynn.

Funeral services were held for Doy Eddings, 19; Clyde Hinson, 88; and for Spurgeon Taylor, 85.

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.