Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

July 17, 1952

Mayor W.C. Keaton proclaimed July 14-19 at “Tennessee Constitution Revision Week” and urged residents to inform themselves on the question of the Limited Constitutional Convention that would appear on the general election ballot on August 7, 1952; and that all groups holding meetings before the election should schedule at least one program about the convention so that all residents could vote intelligently.

An editorial was reprinted from the Nashville Tennessean that compared Lewis County’s voter turnout rate to that of Macon County, noting that seven out of 10 registered voters in Lewis County participated in elections. Despite Macon County having a much larger population, Lewis County had 30 percent more voter turnout.

The Lewis County Quarterly Court voted to purchase right-of-way for Hwy 99 up to the Maury County line. In addition, the County Magistrates (now called Commissioners) voted to place all county employees under Social Security, and to cooperate with the City of Hohenwald in the construction of a sidewalk around the east side of the Courthouse square towards the General Shoe plant.

The Hohenwald Genesco factory was presented a National Safety Council Award for having a perfect safety record from June 1949 through December 1951.

Annie Harris was named a Genesco Five Star General (their version of Employee of the Month) for the month of July.

The local American Legion Post announced they would give away a new 1952 Chevrolet to the holder of the lucky ticket at a drawing to be held on July 19 at their Memorial Building at 10 pm.

Claude Bates, Jr. and Paul Wiss were both serving aboard the USS Wisconsin.

Betty Davis caught a 27-inch, 7-pound jack salmon while fishing in the Buffalo River.

Funeral services were held for Elmer Roden, 20.

“Fort Osage” starring Rod Cameron and Jane Nigh; and “Humphrey Takes a Chance” starring Joe Palooka were the Friday and Saturday night movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theater. “Kansas Territory” starring Will Bill Elliot; and “Autry & the Mounties” starring Gene Autry were the Friday and Saturday double feature shown at the Strand Theatre.

July 19, 1962

The Lewis County Civic Club was scheduled to show the film, “The Social Security Story,” at its regular meeting on July 23.

Gubernatorial candidate Frank Clement was scheduled to speak at the LCHS athletic Field on July 25, as part of his campaign tour. Ernest Tubb and the Wilburn Brothers were advertised as guest stars scheduled to perform prior to Clement’s speech.

Seaton’s Grocery moved to their new store on North Court Street. The business had previously been located on East Main Street.

William Robertson was serving at the Naval Ship Repair Facility in Yokosuka, Japan.

A group of 76 Henry I. Seigel Company executives, factory managers, department heads, and supervisors (along with their families) returned from a week’s vacation at Miami Beach, FL.

Sally Brown was honored for her 82nd birthday with a dinner given by her daughter, Mrs. Howard Cook.

Funeral services were held for Mary Henderson, 89; and for Fannie Jackson, 73.

“Last Woman on Earth,” starring Anthony Carbone and Betsy Jones, “Shadow of the Cat,” starring Andre Morell and Barbara Shelly, and “Desert Patrol,” starring Richard Attenborough were the Friday and Saturday-night triple feature at both the Highlands Drive-In and Strand Theatre.

July 20, 1972

Construction began on a downtown parking area in order to relieve the parking situation in the trade area. The City of Hohenwald and Lewis County Government worked on this project as a joint effort with the cost being shared equally. Two lots were purchased and a building located on the corner of Linden Avenue and North Maple Street was torn down to create what is now known as the City Parking Lot.

Kenny Graves was named as Director of the LCHS Band.

Reverend Ben Wakefield was named the new pastor of Hohenwald United Methodist Church.

Nell Thompson of Columbia was the winner of the Ladies Invitational Tournament held at the Hohenwald Recreation and Golf Club.

Myra Johns and Cathy Riddle were scheduled to appear on the television program Young Country on WSM-TV on July 29. The ladies would sing on the program.

Heavy rainfall over the weekend resulted in 3.03 inches of rain being recorded at Meriwether Lewis National Park.

Funeral services were held for Albert Skelton, 84; and for John Schwendimann.

A five-pound bag of Martha White self-rising meal was on sale at Piggly Wiggly for $0.49. Cabbage was $0.10 a pound, and a 22-ounce jar of dill hamburger pickles cost $0.50 at McClearen’s IGA

“Mark of the Devil,” starring Herbert Lom and Olivera Vuco; and “ZPG,” starring Oliver Reed and Geraldine Chaplin, were the Friday and Saturday night movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In.

July 22, 1982

Members of the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission and the Commissioner of Transportation visited the John A. Baker Airport to inspect the facility and discuss the needs of the airport with local city and county officials.

A Friends of the Library group was being organized to help increase public support for Lewis County Public Library.

Annexed property at Memorial Park was being prepped for the construction of ball fields.

B. & O. Pharmacy was entered by burglars sometime during the night of July 18. Drugs wholesale valued at $1,048, three pistols and a shot gun valued at $657, and $465 in cash were taken from the store.

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department confiscated five marijuana plants that were found growing in a fence row on Vine Street.

The South Central Area Fair announced that a microwave oven would be awarded to the most outstanding homemaker at the 1982 fair. Selection would be based on the number of blue ribbons earned in the Homemaking Departments of the fair.

Leonard Coker, James Frazier, and Jerry Marshall caught a string of catfish while fishing in the Buffalo River Perry County.

E.L. Hinson grew a 13.25 pound flat Dutch cabbage in his vegetable garden.

Mr. and Mrs. Dois Garrison grew a potato plant that had small potatoes on its roots and tomatoes on top.

Joan and Willard Peters grew a 3.25-pound tomato in their garden.

Funeral services were held for Marshel Gilchrist, 75; and for Sidney Collins, 71.

“In Paradise” and “Super Fuzz” were the weekend double feature at the Highlands Drive-In Theatre.

July 23, 1992

Three prisoners escaped from the Lewis County Jail around 2:30 a.m. on July 17. The men had came to the door of the jail claiming that one had a cut on his head. When the jailer came to unlock the cell, the prisoners jumped him, tied him up, and threw the jailer in the bathroom. One man was apprehended at the courthouse; the other two were apprehended in Lauderdale County, AL.

A night jailer at Lewis County Jail was suspended on suspicion of drug sales to prisoners. Action was taken after the Sheriff listed to a voice tape recorded in the jail.

A Lewis County man was charged with attempted murder after a shooting incident in western Perry County.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the Hohenwald Housing Authority an $849,684 grant to make basic renovations to 115 units, including making them more accessible to handicapped persons.

A grand opening and ribbon cutting was held at High Forest Archery and Blackpowder Shop at 35 East Main.

Mt. Zion Church conducted an outdoor gospel singing next to Lewis County Bank on July 18. Crowds numbered in excess of 300.

Father J. A. Rudisill was named the new priest at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Major Stephen Johnson completed the Army Command and General Staff College regular course at Ft. Leavenworth, KS.

SFC Gerald Carl completed his third tour of duty in Germany.

Tim Knipp and Wayne Smith opened a music studio in Lewis County.

Songfest 92 was scheduled for July 24 at Memorial Park. This event would feature a variety of musical and singing groups. Proceeds from concessions sales would be donated to the LCHS Band.

Gerald Carl completed his third tour of duty in Germany.

Bessie Tatum grew a 2.28-pound German Pink Tomato in her garden.

Larry and Cheryl Patton announced the birth of their son, Justin Wayne.

Funeral services were held for Ollie Davis, 92; Robert Landers, 92; and for Ollis White, 82.

July 18, 2002

The Tennessee Commissioner of Transportation was in Lewis County on July 16 to discuss the completion of the Highway 412 Construction Project.

The Lewis County Commission received six bids to relocate the Lewis County Health Department from their office on North Court Street to the former Genesco Building.

The FOP Roughstock Rodeo was planned for July 27.

Former resident Chad Griner was named Mr. Teen Indiana in the NPC Indiana Bodybuilding Teen Championship.

Jerry Smith returned to the U. S. following a six-month tour of duty overseas where he was stationed with the Marines in Okinawa.

The following births were announced: Victoria Brooke, daughter of Troy and Becki Walton; and Chloe Grace, daughter of Richard and Staci Lay.

Funeral services were held for Willie Ashley, 78; Alice Bowman, 63; John Henderson, 55; and for Edna Overby, 93.

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.