Glimpses of Hohenwalds Past

December 4, 1952

The Hohenwald Fire Department asked residents to donate old toys that could be re-gifted to an underprivileged girl or boy for Christmas. The Fire Department would mend and repaint toys before giving them to other children.

R. K. Roney, Jr. was elected Worshipful Master of the Hohenwald Masonic Lodge.

Mrs. Era Williams was named chair for the local March of Dimes campaign.

Hulon Dickey was reassigned to Amarillo Air Force Base, TX for aircraft maintenance training.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carroll announced the birth of their son, John Douglas.

Funeral services were held for Paul Nelson.

“Ivory Hunters,” starring Rod Cameron and Gale Storm, and “Road Agent,” starring Tim Holt and Richard Martin, were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Strand Theatre.

In area news: A representative of the Bible Presbyterian church of Shelbybille announced plans to hold a burning ceremony for the Revised Standard Version of the Bible on December 13 as the translation had been denounced by the American Council of Christian. Similar burning meetings were planned in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Bristol, Carthage, and throughout the South.

December 6, 1962

The first major fire in the business disctrict of Hohenwald since 1927 occurred on Sunday, December 02, resulting in between $50,000 and $100,000 in damages. The fire, which started in the apartment of Lucyle Floyd and Rosemary Clay, gutted the top of the Floyd’s Café building and caused heavy smoke and water damage to Alice Plummer’s Dress Shop. Buildings on each side of the fire area received only slight damage due to fire walls. These buildings were owned by Cecil Floyd.

The American Legion announced that a turkey shoot would be held December 20 at Memorial Park to help raise funds for the Big Brothers Christmas program for needy families.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Roney, Sr. celebrated their 50th anniversary with a celebration attended by family and friends at their home.

Funeral services were held for Laura Davis, 85; Jack Hayes, 63; John Hensley, 87; Bill Simmons, 51; and for Buford Scott, 35.

“Too Late Blues,” starring Stella Stevens, and “Blast of Silence,” starring Allen Baron, were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Highlands Drive-In.

December 7, 1972

The owner of the Belly Stretcher Café and another Lewis County man were charged and arrested in connection with a fire that destroyed the Belly Stretcher Café and caused extensive damage to Defoe’s Jewelry Store next door. Hohenwald Bargain Center, Western Auto, and H & S Sporting Goods suffered smoke damage.

Cordell Hull retired from the U. S. Postal Service after 24 years. Hull, who began his postal carrier in November 1948, estimated that he had driven half a million miles on his rural rout of 70 to 80 miles a day.

LCHS Panthers Ricky Clayton and Kenneth Mash were named to the Tennessee Valley Football Conference championship team.

The Lewis County Civic Club announced their sponsorship of a Home Lighting Contest to be judged on December 21. Three prizes of $15, three of $10, and five of $5 would be presented.

Hulon Dunn, Sr. was elected Worshipful Master of the Hohenwald Masonic Lodge.

The LCHS Pantherettes defeated Holladay with a score of 65 to 14. Sheri Peppers was the top scorer for the team with 31 points and 7 rebounds.

The following births were announced: Douglas Michael, son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Brewer.

Funeral services were held for Maggie Grimes, 82; Virgil Grimes, 78; Charles Hensley, 67; and for Commodore Hensley, 73.

“The Other Side of Bonnie & Clyde,” starring Lucky Mosely, and “Minnesota Clay,” starring Cameron Mitchell, were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Highlands Drive-In.

December 2, 1982

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to open new physical therapy rooms at Lewis County Hospital. This new service would be offered five days a week for both in- and out-patient treatment.

Lois Curl was named the Grand Marshall for the 1982 Christmas Parade. Curl was the first woman to serve as a Grand Marshall of the Christmas parade.

Dennis Skelton graduated from Navy basic training at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, CA.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Richland with a score of 61 to 50. Chet Darden led the team in scoring with 19 points.

Ethel Holt was honored for her 90th birthday with a dinner at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ernest Hensley.

Florence Rasbury was honored for her 81st birthday with a dinner held at the home of her daughter, Florine Gossett.

Funeral services were held for Clarence McNabb, 65.

“E. T.,” starring Drew Barrymore, was the moving showing every night through December 05 at the Highlands Drive-In.

December 3, 1992

Mayor Guy Nicholson signed a proclamation declaring the week of November 29 through December 6 as National Home Care Week in Lewis County.

The Lewis County Children’s Fund was established to provide up to $250 per year in assistance for medical and dental bills for local children aged 18 or younger.

A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Subway sandwich shop on November 27.

Lewis Community Hospital honored the following operating room staff during O. R. Nurses Week: Rita Beasley, Marlene Holt, Judy Mercer, Connie Webb, and Kathy Wilson.

Dennis Hensley participated in Korean Incremental Training in Pohang, Korea with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines.

Jill Anderson, Stephanie Hinson, and Jon Spitzer were selected as LCMS People of the Week.

Jan Mayes was featured in the Lewis County Schools “Teacher Feature” column.

Larry Hickerson was selected to be a judge in the world’s grand championship duck calling championship in Stuttgart, AR.

Charles and Lillian Fite were honored for their 90th and 83rd birthdays, respectively, with a surprise celebration held by family.

Funeral services were held for Mary Cotham, 52; Douglas Harrington, 78; Hubert Milam, 69; Christine Quillen, 66; and for J. D. Turnbow, 68.

December 6, 2002

U. S. Congressman Lincoln Davis held a Town Hall meeting in Hohenwald.

Boy Scout Troop 322 were guests at the December meeting of the City Council. The group asked which services provided by the City were funded out of tax money paid by their parents. They were given a list of appropriations paid by local taxes and were presented a ball cap and lapel pin featuring the city logo.

The Lady Panthers defeated Loretto with a score of 67 to 61. Delicia Brugmann was the top scorer for the game with 25 points.

The following births were announced: Brandon Dalton, son of Chris and Michelle Galloway; and Bradley James, son of Kevin and Colleen Nickell.

Mary Blair Fielder was honored for her 92nd birthday with a party hosted by Charlotte Zimmerman.

James Zimmermann was honored for his 72nd birthday with a celebration attended by family on Thanksgiving Day.

Ronnie Gilbert was honored for his 40th birthday with a surprise party held during the monthly meeting of the Hohenwald Family and Community Education Club.

Angela Floyd was honored for her birthday with a surprise dinner held at The Farmhouse in Hickman County.

Funeral services were held for Floyd Baker, 74; Leonard Smith, 75; and for Mable Tibbs, 81.

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.