Glimpses of Hohenwalds Past

February 12, 1953

Dog owners and “city dog rustlers” were cooperating to reduce the number of dogs roaming the city, and to ensure that wanted dogs were tagged and kept at home. The Herald commented that “the familiar sight of seeing large bunches of dogs roaming our streets day and night, just isn’t anymore.”

The Snow White Café and Pool Room was under new management; V.C. Grimes having purchased the business from Frankie Lawson who volunteered into the U.S. Air Force.

Betty Jo Ray was the runner-up in the 1953 “Miss Nashville High School” beauty pageant.

Pfc. Shermon Bunch returned to the United States from Korea.

The following young men left for their physical examination for the United States Armed Forces: Walter Devault, Billy Griner, Jimmie Hensley, James Himes, Charles Hinson, Billy Sharp, Edward Simmons, and James Staggs.

Mr. and Mrs. W. E. McDonald announced the birth of their son, William Boling.

Funeral services were held for John James, 83; and for Alva Tripp, 48.

“Here Come the Marines,” starring Leo Gorcey and the Bowery Boys, and “Lawless Cowboys,” starring Whip Wilson, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

February 14, 1963

The Lewis County Industrial Commission, composed of J.H. Warf, E.M. Adcox, and A.B. Nicolson, urged all qualified voters to vote on the upcoming bond issue. The commission emphasized that the Industrial Revenue Bonds would not be an obligation of Lewis County and could not cause an increase in the county tax rate.

Joan Lynch was initiated into the Del Square Psi sorority at Austin Peay State College.

Mrs. J. W. Duckworth entertained with a coffee honoring Mrs. Clell Morton and Mrs. John Tidwell, who had recently moved to Hohenwald.

Savannah Skelton was honored for her 85th birthday with a dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Zebedee Skelton.

Funeral services were held for Georgia Bates; and for Floyd Norton, 60.

“Reptilicus,” starring Carl Ottosen and Anny Smyrner, and “Go Naked in the World,” starring Gina Lollobrigida and Ernest Borgnine, were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

In statewide news: Tennessee’s construction on the vast Interstate System of highways was going along on schedule and officials in the Department of Highways predicted that the 1,047-mile system would be completed on time by the 1972 deadline. A total of 163 miles of Interstate was already open.

February 15, 1973

The City of Hohenwald was planning to conduct an Employment Survey in Hohenwald and Lewis County to establish employee potential for a clothing manufacturer that wished to locate here.

W.C. Keeton, Jr. was appointed to the Advisory Board of Directors for Genesco, Inc.

A manslaughter charge was dropped against a prominent member of the Lewis County commune.

Carole Ward was among nearly 150 students at Tennessee Tech participating in the student teaching program in order to complete teaching certification requirements.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Summertown with a score of 61 to 54. Dwight Cotham led the team in scoring with 30 points.

The Lady Panthers defeated Summertown with a score of 52 to 39. Susie Davis was the top scorer for the team with 32 points.

Funeral services were held for David Bradley, 14; Myrtle Holt, 78.

Hickerson’s Cash Grocery advertised that they could now provide live, Maine lobsters to customers who called in their order one week in advance; a 50-pound bag of potatoes cost $3.00.

“Carry on Doctor,” starring Shirley James and Joan Sims, and “Return of Sabata,” starring Lee Van Cleef, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In.

February 17, 1983

A Miss Sweetheart, Master Sweetheart, Queen of Hearts and King of Hearts contest was announced for boys and girls 0-3 years of age. The event would take place at the Lewis County Manor on February 26.

Kara Jo Long won the 5-7 age group of the Little Miss Lewis County pageant sponsored by the Lewis County Jaycees and Jaycettes, and Alaina Carroll won the 2-4 age group. Donald Barber won the 5-7 age group of Little Mister Lewis County. Jonah Russell won in the Little Mister Lewis County 2-4 age group.

The following births were announced: Shanna Lynn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mike McClendon; and Eric John, son of John and Carol Watson.

Arzell Willis was honored for her birthday with a surprise dinner hosted by her husband and children.

Funeral services were held for Grady Baker, 79.

Advertised specials at the Hohenwald Save-A-Lot Grand Opening sale included a gallon of Wellesley 2% milk for $1.69, two loves of white bread for $1.09, and a package of Seitz jumbo franks for $0.99.

“Mausoleum,” starring Marjoe Gortner and Bobbie Bresee, was the weekend movie showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

February 18, 1993

Landis Turner was reappointed Chairman of the Tennessee Lawyers Fund for Client Protection.

Three males escaped from American Counseling Systems and were picked up by police at Wal-Mart.

A Lewis County EMS Explorers, Post 274 captured second place in the Medical/EMS competition for the southeastern United States while attending the 1993 Explorer Conference in Gatlinburg. Members of the team included: Richie Carroll, Dennis Hennessy, Barry Hensley, and Dale James.

Andrew Norris and Jane Rodriguez, members of the LCHS band, were named to the All-State Wind Ensemble.

Eugene Jernigan and Eunie Adams were chosen as King and Queen during a Valentine competition at Lewis County Manor.

Stephen Webb won the Mighty Mini Donut Man coloring contest held at E.W. James and Sons. He was awarded donuts for his winning picture.

Darren Clayburn, Leslie Harris, Robert Klein, and Dustin Whitehead were named as LCMS People of the Week.

Geraldine Crowell was featured in the Lewis County Schools “Staff Feature” column.

John Skarda was presented the Outstanding Achievement Award by Reserve National Insurance Company.

Robert E. Taylor enlisted in the United States Army.

The LCHS Lady Panthers defeated Hampshire with a score of 52 to 45 points. Heather Amacher and Jessica Russell both led the team in scoring with 15 points each.

The following births were announced: Mashaya Brooke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hinson; Shelly NaKay, daughter of Todd and Denise Webb; and Jaqueline Lacy, daughter of Jimmy and Fran Pruitt.

Ada Fite was honored for her 89th birthday with a dinner attended by family and friends.

Evelyn Barnett was honored for her birthday with a surprise party held for by members of the Older Adult Ministries at the Hohenwald United Methodist Church.

Funeral services were held for Hildred Atkin; Lisa Boshers; Eleanor Brasfield, 82; Oilye Brown, 78; Lisa Boshers; Billy Lovell, 36; Verner McClearen, 79; Annette Skelton, 33; Larry Skelton, 41; and for Mary Staggs, 64.

February 13, 2003

Bill Parsons was the keynote speaker at the Professional Development Day held by Lewis County Schools. Parsons was the principal of Troup County Comprehensive High School in La Grange, GA. He spoke on the topic of character education.

Air Force Airman Philip Andrews deployed to South Korea.

Kenny Durham, who had previously appeared in the film, Blackbirds and Blazers, was offered a major role in film being negotiated with Warner Brothers Studios.

Former resident Crystal Parker was scheduled to perform February 15 and 16 at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the National Honors Choir. The concerts would air nationally on PBS.

The LCHS Panthers Junior Varsity team defeated Summertown with a score of 64 to 58. Michael Creasy led the team in scoring with 16 points and 5 rebounds. The Panthers basketball team defeated Summertown with a score of 71 to 47. Luke Curfman was the top scorer for the team with 15 points and 7 rebounds.

Graves Realty earned the United Country Diamond Award for outstanding real estate sales volume in 2002.

April Nash announced the birth of her son, Daniel Preston.

Funeral services were held for Michael Ayers, Jr., 14; James Carroll, 63; David Brown, 62; Mary Fielder, 91; and for Eddie Williams, 82.

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.