Glimpses of Hohenwalds Past

January 22, 1953

A mass meeting of all citizens and taxpayers of Lewis County was called for January 16 to explain in detail the construction of a city-county owned factory building. Notice was also given that an election would be held on February 21 to vote on Resolution No. 1, approved and adopted by the Quarterly Court of Lewis County which would authorize the issuance of $120,000 in public bonds and provide for the levy of a tax to fund bonds for the purchase, construction, and maintenance of a county-city public building.

Roy H. Milton, Extension Tobacco Specialist, announced his retirement effective January after 30 years of service with the Extension office.

An open house was held at the home of Brother and Mrs. W.C. Neal.

Sgt. J.O. Yokley and Cpl. Fred Pollock arrived in Hohenwald on January 16 from Camp Breckenridge, KY, where they were released from the U.S. Army.

Ray Brewer was serving in the U.S. Navy in the Far East.

Pvt. William Turner, Jr., completed basic training at the Quartermaster Replacement Training Center, Ft. Lee, VA.

Funeral services were held for Blanche Davis, 67; Hunt Hickerson; and for Odie Qualls, 47.

“African Treasure,” starring Johnny Sheffield, and “Whistling Hills,” starring Johnny Mack Brown, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

January 24, 1963

A reorganizational meeting of the Cub Scouts was planned for January 24 at LCHS for all boys interested in Cub Scouting.

The Lewis County Public Library, located in the basement of the Court House, announced that it would be closed January 28 through February 1 so that an inventory of the books in the library would be taken. County Librarian Mrs. Jesse Cothran, Jr. reassured the community that all books due during this period would be accepted the following week without an overdue charge.

Dot Beck, former resident, released her first record with United Southern Recording of Hot Springs.

The Herald reported that “winless Lewis County High School Panthers pulled the upset of the year” when they defeated the previously unbeaten Lobelville, winning by one point and scoring 40 points during the game. Lynn Brown was the top scorer for the team with 16 points.

Grady Weatherspoon was honored for his birthday with a dinner held at his home.

Seaton’s Bi-Rite advertised a special buy on hit tune records: two for $0.25.

“Hippodrome,” starring Gerhard Reidmann, Willy Birgel, and Margit Nunke; and “Loves of Salammbo,” starring Edmund Purdom and Jeanne Valeri, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In.

January 25, 1973

Four bandits robbed the Bank of Hampshire of approximately $1,600 on January 18 and slipped through a police net thrown up around the area within minutes of the hold up.

Joyce Beard was honored with a surprise party at the Golden Saddle Restaurant in celebration of her birthday.

Boy Scout Explorer Post 330 explored a cave on the bank of Buffalo River. Member and guests making the trip were Randy Bullion, Bobby Goodman, Lawrence Johnston, Brent Landers, Ronnie Smith, Ricky Spears and Joe Stinnet. They were accompanied by Ronnie Baker and Tommy Rasbury.

The newspaper reported that “the staff of Lewis County Hospital has been busy this week as there were five boy babies born in four days.” The following births were announced: Michael Lee, son of Howard and Wilma Hensley; Scott Allen, son of Gary and Gerri Meislohn; Timothy Edwin, son of Thomas and Blanche Lawson; Bobbie Jo, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Williams; and Terry Lee, son of Joe and Shirley Shipp.

Joyce Beard was honored for her birthday with a surprise party held at the Golden Saddle Restaurant.

Funeral services were held for Mrs. Ross Chappel, 64; Annie Harris, 82; Raymond Humphreys, Sr., 69; and for Lewis Tanner, 72.

“You Only Live Twice,” starring Sean Connery, and “Dirtiest Girl I Ever Met,” starring Janet Lynn and Robin Askwith, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In.

January 27, 1983

James Hamm, Sr. was awarded the 1982 Conservation, Soil, Wildlife and Forestry Award by Woodmen of the World, Lodge 215.

Dr. Stephen Jeff announced the opening of his family practice in the Anand Summertown Clinic.

The American Red Cross announced that Lewis County was the first chapter in the state to reach and exceed its fundraising goal for 1982-1983. The Lewis County Chapter’s goal was $3,000 with funds derived from a Hee Haw & Howdy Show held in the fall.

Jeffery Miller completed Army basic training at Ft. Benning, GA.

Ronnie Francis, Jr. graduated from the U.S. Air Force electronic warfare officer course at Mather Air Force Base, CA.

Gale Brackeen caught a forty-pound bob cat while trapping on Indian Creek.

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Edwards announced the birth of their daughter, Melissa Marie.

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lynch celebrated 50th anniversary with a dinner hosted by their son at Bonanza Steak House in Columbia.

Funeral services were held for Maude Adair, 89; Annie Bell, 81; Harlon Hinson, 53; Rebecca James, infant; Joseph McClearen, 54; and for Amanda Wooten, infant.

“One Dark Night,” starring Meg Tilly and Melissa Newman, was the weekend movie showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

January 28, 1993

Two 17-year-old male juveniles were taken into custody at LCHS January 21 following a bomb threat called in on the 911 phone line at Hohenwald City Hall. The caller stated the bomb would go off at 9 a.m. at LCHS.

Palmcorder video cameras were installed in Lewis County school buses.

A resident was charged on eight counts of forgery, having endorsed and cashed Social Security checks sent to his mother at his address while his mother was living in a nursing home in Alabama.

A dinner was being planned for March 6 to kick-off the Sesquicentennial Celebration of the creation of Lewis County.

Hobart T. Carroll was presented a plaque by David Mills, American Legion Post Commander in recognition of 50 years of continuous membership in the local post.

Mylie McKissack was featured in the “Teacher Feature” column.

Dustin Davis, Yulonda Moon, Bobby Runions, and Christy Stiltner were chosen as LCMS People of the Week.

The Two Rivers Athletic Conference All-District team was selected with five players from Lewis County making the squad. Chosen from the LCMS Raider basketball team were John Risner, Jamie Spears, and J.R. Smith. Two Lady Raiders, Tabitha Morton and Bambi Thompson were chosen for the girls team.

Mary A. Webster was selected as employee of the month at American Counseling Systems for January.

The following births were announced: Kaylee Lauren, daughter of Devin and Angie Pickard; Lucas Dale, son of Tommy and Sandra Clayton; and Cameron Scott, son of Eric and Annie Hardison.

Funeral services were held for Tommy Brown, 65; Hollis Ashworth, 60; Edna Carl, 67; Stella Jones, 60; Florence Rasbury, 91; and for Jimmie Sharp.

January 23, 2003

Heavy snowfall fell on January 16, accumulating to approximately three inches.

Tim Webb was reappointed Director of Lewis County Schools.

Nancy Pollock scored a hole-in-one while playing the 110 yard 18th hole at the Canyon Mesa Country Club in Sedona, AZ.

The LCMS Lady Raiders won the Three Rivers Championship by defeating the Centerville Lady Bulldogs with a score of 36 to 29. Micah Anderson was the top scorer for the team with 9 points and 9 rebounds.

Jim Graves was promoted to Region Vice President for United Country Real Estate.

The LCHS Junior Varsity team defeated Lawrence County with a score of 48 to 47 in overtime play. Michael Creasy was the top scorer for the team with 17 points and 2 rebounds.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Lawrence County with a score of 26 to 12. Jon Lavett led the team in scoring with 15 points and 7 rebounds.

Jonathan Wix completed a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf.

Mr. and Mrs. Leon Hunter celebrated their 50th anniversary with their family during a trip to the Great Smokey Mountains.

Funeral services were held for Edward McDonald, 75; and for Charlotte Swaw, 51.

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.