Glimpses of Hohenwalds Past

February 19, 1953

The main headline for the week was “Voters To Decide Bond Issues in Saturday’s Election.” The Herald reported that the upcoming industry bond vote would make “an important day in the history of Lewis County,” where citizens would “vote progress for our community or they will doom it to further loss in population and property for those who choose to remain here.”

The Southern Bell Company reported an increase in the number of telephone directories distributed to phone subscribers. 550 phone books were distributed to area telephone users.

Ishmael Bunch was promoted to the U.S. Navy rating of Aviation Machinist’s mate, third class.

A full page ad urging residents to vote for bond issues on Saturday, February 21 was paid for by 51 firms and individuals supporting the issuance of public building bonds by the city and county.

Willis Motor Company advertised a drawing for several free turkeys. To enter citizens were asked to stop by on February 20, look over the new 1953 Studebaker, and register for the drawing.

Funeral services were held for Commodore Doyle, 81; Henry Gassman, 82; and for Edward Schachte, 77.

“Kid from Texas,” starring Audie Murphy and Gale Storm, and “Gobs and Gals,” starring George and Bert Bernard, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

February 21, 1963

The main headline for the week was “City Votes $25,000 Waterworks Expansion.” The water project would extend fire protection and water lines in different parts of the town, with Blondy residents receiving the biggest share of the expansion project.

Citizens were reminded that an election to vote on the issuance of $2,500,000 in Industrial Revenue Bonds was slated for March 2. The expansion program that was planned at Lewis Products would be made possible by the issuance of these bonds.

The newspaper reported that the LCHS basketball teams ended their season “with poor showing” as the boys had only “won one game during [the] entire season.”

Bar Association members and visiting law enforcement officers were honored with a steak luncheon at the Hohenwald Recreation and Golf Club on February 15.

Ada Fite was honored for her birthday with a dinner at the home of her son, J.D. Fite.

Funeral services were held for Willie Barber.

An ad was placed stating that car washes would cost $2.00, effective February 23, at the following locations: Willis Motor Co., Kelly Used Cars, Kittrell Motor Co., Park Avenue Service Station, Restor Service Station, Sharpe’s Service Center, and Grover’s Esso Service Center.

“The 300 Spartans,” starring Richard Egan and Diane Baker, and “The Firebrand,” starring Kent Taylor and Lisa Montell, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In and Strand Theatre.

February 22, 1973

The main headline for the week was “Labor Survey Friday and Saturday.” The Herald reported that a “large international clothing manufacturer” was considering Hohenwald as a location for one of its plants. The company would conduct a survey on February 23 and 24 to determine employee prospects in the region. Applications of interest for employment could be made at the community rooms of Hohenwald Bank and Trust, First National Bank, and the Lewis County Public Library. Mayor Dol Willis urged everyone of working age to come by and fill out an application.

Tracy Humphreys was selected as FFA Sweetheart at the annual Sweetheart party held by the Future Farmers of America and Future Homemakers of America. She was escorted by Jamey Hamm. Her attendants were Cindy Chandler, escorted by Ray Harris, and Rhonda Reeves, escorted by Freddy Rodgers.

Michael Bunch enlisted in the U. S. Air Force.

Funeral services were held for Nettie Davis, 75.

“Bonnie’s Kids,” starring Ella Thomas and Myra Thomas, and “Cactus in the Snow,” starring Mary Lane, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In.

February 24, 1983

W.T. Rasbury, County Executive, and Philip Griner, City Mayor, signed a proclamation declaring March 1 as Teacher Day in Hohenwald and Lewis County.

David Stovall completed the Advanced First Term Avionics (aviation electronics) course at the Naval Air Technical Training Center, Millington, TN.

Glenn and Lisa Chandler trapped a rare white coyote on their farm.

Terry Street caught a five-pound largemouth bass while fishing in the Buffalo.

Kim Staggs and Tillman Choate caught a mixed string of bass, bream, and crappie while fishing at the Natchez Trace Wilderness Preserve.

An annual card party to benefit the American Heart Association fund drive was held at the Golden Saddle Restaurant.

The following births were announced: Adam Steven, son of Captain and Mrs. Steven Johnson; and Lara Collette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. McCarthy.

Hazel Hinson was honored for her birthday with a dinner at Natural Bridge. Cake and ice cream was also served later in the evening at the home of her daughter, Barbara Hinson.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Quillen celebrated their 46th anniversary with a surprise dinner held at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Marion Brackeen.

Funeral services were held for Jake Grimes, 95; and for Jack Ingram, 76.

“Alone in the Dark,” starring Jack Palance, Donald Pleasence and Martin Landau, was the weekend movie showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

February 25, 1993

Benjamin “Benny” Pace was named LCHS 1993 Teacher of the Year.

Army Pvt. 1st Class Christopher Hensley was deployed to Sinai as part of a multinational peacekeeping force and observers.

Kelsey McDonald was crowned Queen in the 12 to 23-month old division of the Perry County Valentine Sweetheart Pageant.

Rob Inman and Angel Wilbrett were chosen as LCMS People of the Week.

The American Legion Fred E. Lomax Post 127 was seeking donations of military artifacts, photographs, flags, etc. to be displayed in the American Legion Building.

Peggy Dye was the winner of a birthday cake at E.W. James and Sons for the week of February 19.

The following births were announced: Alan Cord, son of Doug and Connie Vineyard; and Chase Duke, son of Gary and Duchess Parker.

Carla McElhone was honored for 18th birthday with a party at Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church.

Hazel Hinson was honored for her 84th birthday with a luncheon held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Willie McDonald in Donelson, TN.

Ara Skelton was honored on her birthday with a celebration at her home.

Funeral services were held for Oilye Bates, 87; Jones Staggs, 79; Tilton Vogel, 49; and for James Woolridge, 57.

February 20, 2003

The main headline was “Bad Boys, Bad Boys: Youth on Crime Spree.” Two youths went on a crime spree which spanned at least three counties and resulted in the exchange of gunfire. They were apprehended in Hickman County and faced charges in Lewis, Hickman, and Dickson counties for grand theft auto, burglary of a vehicle in connection with theft, attempted first degree murder, and theft of a gun. One of the two youth had escaped from New Hope Center in Hohenwald prior to the spree.

The 771st Maintenance Company of the Tennessee Army National Guard, located in Columbia and Hohenwald, were put on alert effective February 14.

City Mayor Guy Nicholson signed a proclamation declaring February 18 as Read Across America Day.

Erica Jackson was named valedictorian of the LCHS Class of 2003; Brittany Galloway was named salutatorian.

LCHS was scheduled to host the District 9 AA Basketball Tournament on February 24 through 28.

Woodrow Adair was presented a certificate for 50 years of continued service in the American Legion Post 127.

Hair Etc. was featured in the Chamber Spotlight column.

Jack Turner raised funds to install plastic pipe on the football fence at LCHS and LCMS after seeing pipe installed on a fence at Richland High School.

Seven inches of rain fell in Lewis County over the weekend, causing approximately $150,000 in damages to county roads.

The LCHS Panthers defeated the Lawrence County Wildcats with a score of 64 to 63. Jon Lavett led the team in scoring with 19 points and 7 rebounds.

The Lady Panthers Junior Varsity team defeated Santa Fe with a score of 60 to 17. Courtney Sheets was the top scorer for the team with double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The Lady Panthers defeated Santa Fe with a score of 72 to 52. During this game Britni Tenison broke the girls scoring record of 1,336 points set by Kathy Dye in 1985, making Tenison the all-time leading scorer in Lewis County basketball since the adoption of the five on five girls basketball. Tenison finished the night with a total of 1,353 points for her record.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Santa Fe with a score of 56 to 47. Johnny Mendez led the team in scoring with 16 points, 5 rebounds. LCHS also defeated Perry County with a score of 58 to 49. Johnny Mendez was the top scorer for the team with 18 points and 1 rebound.

The following births were announced: Eleanor Rose, daughter of Bill and Melody Basinger; and Preston Dakota, son of Michael and Kimberly Powell.

Funeral services were held for Lula Hughes, 97; Harold Maag, Jr., 73; Reba O’Guin, 84; Billie Jo Skelton, 61; and for Buddy York, 60.

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.