Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

December 20, 1951

The main headline of the Herald read, “This issue of the Herald is dedicated to Lewis County boys and girls in service.” Included the 24-page issue were reprinted photographs of those in service, and special Christmas greetings to the troops written by Reverend R.G. Jackson; Mayor Bill Keaton; and J.H. Warf, Lewis County Red Cross Chairman.

The Lewis County Herald announced that there would be no issue of the newspaper next week “since the force designs to take a week off for a little recreation.”

The American Legion Post 127 held a turkey shoot at the Hohenwald Speedway on December 20. Targets sold for $1 each with net proceeds of the shoot going to the Legion’s Big Brothers program for needy.

Funeral services were held for Dr. W.R. Plummer, 79; and for Jim Quillen, 46.

A Speed Queen cabinet iron (rotary mangle) cost $89.95 T.T. Wolstenholme. A 20” Admiral Television console cost $339.35 at Wallace Poore Appliance Company. All $0.05 candy bars were on sale at Piggly Wiggly for the price of 6 bars for a $0.25.

“Yellow Fin,” starring Wayne Morris and Adrian Booth, and “Lawless Cowboy,” starring Whip Wilson, were the Friday and Saturday night films showing at the Strand Theatre.

December 21, 1961

A four-barrel still located on Allen’s Creek was destroyed by local law enforcement on December 19 along with approximately 150 gallons of mash. According to law enforcement, the still appeared to have been in operation for a long time.

Bobby Bryant, formerly of Columbia, was named Personnel Manager of the local Genesco plant.

Leo Greengrass won first prize in the first annual Home Lighting Contest sponsored by the Lewis County Civic Club.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Hampshire with a score of 44 to 42. Don Schwendimann led the team in scoring with 10 points.

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Clay announced the birth of their son, Charles Todd.

Funeral services were held for Charles Brown, Jr., infant; E.W. McAnnaly, 84; Lenora Mathis, 66; and for Maye Starbuck, 69.

“Claudelle Inglish and the Big Gamble,” starring Diane McBain, was the Saturday-night feature shown at both the Highlands Drive-In and Strand Theatre. The Drive-In also announced that they would be closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the winter months.

In area news: the Tennessee Game and Fish Commission announced that 91,000 bluegills had been placed in the Buffalo River at 20 different access points from the Natchez Trace to Topsy.

December 23, 1971

An N.L.R.B. conducted election was held at Lewis Products on December 17, 1971, at which time the union was defeated with a total of 247 votes being cast against the union. Teamsters Local 327 received only 100 votes.

The Lewis County Jaycees sponsored a Christmas party for elementary and pre-school children on December 20. The event was held at the skating rink at Memorial Park with approximately 75 elementary students and 15 preschoolers attending.

Mrs. C. W. Nestor was re-elected president of the Lewis County Hospital Auxiliary.

The Lewis County High School Ecology Club met December 21 for an hour work to begin the job of cleaning Memorial Park. The group of 30 students picked up trash.

The following births were announced: William Bradley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Naymond Skelton; and Linda Michelle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Boyle.

Funeral services were held for Charles Hardy, 68; and for Zula Morrow, 60.

“Little Fauss and Big Halsy,” starring Robert Midford and Michael J. Pollard, and “Witchcraft ‘70,” starring Alberto Bevilacqua, were the Friday and Saturday night double feature at the Highlands Drive-In.

December 24, 1981

Harrell Davidson resigned his position as minister of Lomax Crossroads Church of Christ in order to accept a position with the Obion Church of Christ in West Tennessee. Davidson had worked with the Lomax Church since December 1978, moving from Hohenwald to Adamsville, AL.

A Humphreys County man was indicted on two counts of assault against Revenue Officer Jack Turner while Turner was engaged in official duties.

Brown Troop 3 visited the Lewis County Manor on December 14 to give ornaments and gifts to residents of the facility. Scouts participating were: Caroline Brown, Chris Cagle, Nicky Cagle, Tina Franks, Kristi Gilbert, Laura Herrin, Renee Mayfield, Kathy Nelson, Kathy Sharp, Zina Shultz, Tammy Skelton, Ronda Tiller, and Meredith Williams.

The Lewis County Pantherettes defeated Perry County with a score of 48 to 44. Kathy Dye led the team in scoring with 18 points. The girls basketball team also defeated Columbia Academy with a score of 67 to 29. Kenda Lawson was the top scorer for the team with 16 points.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Columbia Academy with a score of 74 to 29. Rusty Graves led the team in scoring with 13 points.

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Hensley announced the birth of their daughter, Kristin Gail.

Nettie Nutt was honored for her 93rd birthday with a dinner held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Rasbury.

Funeral services were held for Gracie Bridges, 64; Horace Brown, 78; Blanche Cole, 71; Aaron Dabbs, 63; Thomas Dabbs, 83; and for Henry Grinder, 94.

“Don’t Go Near the Park,” starring Aldo Ray, was the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night movie showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theatre.

December 19, 1991

Former resident Lawrence Bromley was shot in the line of duty as a Dallas police detective during a drug bust that went awry. Officers stated that quick action by Bromley in deflecting the gun saved his partner’s life. An honor guard of 12 Dallas police officers accompanied Bromley’s return to Hohenwald and 170 Dallas police officers attended the funeral.

Lewis County Commissioners approved a $15 wheel tax increase to fund the construction of a new jail. It was reported that the increase would generate $100,000 in new tax money annually.

Genesco-owned Laredo Western Boots and Code West Footwear announced that they would open a second footwear manufacturing plant in Hohenwald at the end of January 1992.

Lewis County was awarded a $5,000 grant for the purpose of installing dry hydrants for rural fire protection.

The Lewis County Chamber of Commerce and Lewis County Historical Society announced a photo contest for images that feature an aspect of Lewis County that made it a good place to live.

The Lewis County Jaycees held their annual children’s Christmas party on December 12.

Evelyn Pigg was presented a clock and certificate for a dinner by Charlie Vaughn in recognition of 30 years of service with Laredo/Code West.

Donald and Jennifer Johns announced the birth of their daughter, Mallory Alise.

Funeral services were held for Lawrence Bromley, 32; Annie Cabbage, 74; and Sylvia Henderson, 52.

December 20, 2001

The Hohenwald City Council proclaimed December 16 through December 22 as Lewis County Football Week to honor the LCHS Panthers who went undefeated in season play and won the Region-5 Championship.

Redistricting plans were approved by the Lewis County Commission. The redistricting plan was necessitated by Census 2000 which indicated a shift in population among the nine districts.

LCES received accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Vic Reeves graduated from the Nashville Fire Academy.

Several students in grades 3 through 6 had their Meriwether Lewis and Natchez Trace-themed art work selected to be displayed at the Meriwether Lewis Monument. Students whose art work was selected were Brandon Anthony, Lucas Clayton, Matt Gicking, Kaitlyn Huckaby, Meghan Squire, Daniel Thomas, and Sealy Vizzina.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Perry County with a score of 73 to 64. Kyle Clayburn was the top scorer for the team with 39 points. The Panthers also defeated Fairview with a score of 68 to 31. Clayburn was the top scorer again with 22 points.

The Lady Panthers defeated Perry County with a score of 54 to 43. Britni Tenison led the team in scoring with 20 points.

Jared and Erica Long announced the birth of their daughter, Jerika Ryleigh.

Mattie Skelton was honored for her 90th birthday with a celebration held at the Lewis County Senior Citizens Center.

Funeral services were held for William Clark, 78; Hazel Duncan, 77; Pat Henderson, 54; Gary Skelton, 52; and for J. B. Skelton, 74.

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.