Glimpses of Hohenwalds Past

February 26, 1953

City and county residents voted overwhelmingly for the issuance of by the city and county bonds in the amount of $200,000. In the city, 675 voted for and 11 against; the county voted 1,711 for and 46 against. The Herald added that they felt “this fairly well shows just how bad we need more industry.”

Representative V.A. “Buddy” Brownlow, State Game Department, reported that he had turned 1,200 largemouth bass loose in the Buffalo River. The fish ranged from fingerlings to three-quarters of a pound and were placed from Texas bottom to the Browning Bridge.

The following men reported for induction in the armed forces: Robert Baker, Jr., Curtis Devore, Jerry Fite, Charles Hinson, and Floyd Hunter.

Funeral services were held for John Harris, 66; Della Horner, 75; and for Lorena Powers, 79.

A three-pound can of swifting was on sale at McClearen’s Grocery for $0.76; three packs of five cent gum cost $0.10. One pound of Keeco coffee was on sale for $0.78 at U-Tote ‘Em Super Market; two loaves of bread cost $0.27.

“Don’t Bother to Knock,” starring Richard Widemark and Marilyn Monroe, and “Border Saddlemates,” starring Rex Allen, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

February 28, 1963

A rally was planned for March 1 at the court house to get people out to vote for the Industrial Revenue Bond election to be held on March 2.

Mr. and Mrs. Hassell Spears, and son, spent several days in Florida and attended the Daytona 500 race at Daytona Beach.

Funeral services were held for Effie Cotham, 72; Gladys Kelly, 52; and for Henry Qualls, 85.

An ad was placed in the paper telling residents to be watching for the “Coleman Mystery Woman.” She would be in town for one week, and would be knocking on doors. Residents were informed that if she knocked at their door and they could show her a label or reasonable facsimile from a package of Coleman’s Sausage, she would give them one dollar for a one-pound label or three dollars for a two-pound label.

Rex Grimes advertised that “due to ill health,” he was selling all stock, fixtures, a pickup truck, and his 34-year old Hardware business.

“Five Weeks in a Balloon,” starring Red Buttons, Fabian, and Barbara Eden; and “World by Night,” starring Cheri Bibi and Jacky Corn, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In and Strand Theatre.

March 1, 1973

Mayor Dol Willis reported that 2,269 people registered in the Labor Survey that was conducted one week prior by an unnamed international clothing manufacturer. Mayor Willis stated that the company was analyzing the figures and he hoped to have a commitment from them soon.

Peggy Cothran was one of the first three women allowed to enroll in the formerly all-male military science department at UT Martin as part of the Army ROTC cadet program.

Bryant’s Grocery, located on Linden Hwy near the Drive-In, burned early on February 28th. The store and contents were reported a total loss.

The LCHS Pantherettes defeated two opponents in tournament play: Prospect with a core of 72 to 27 and Beech Hill with a score of 57 to 40. Susie Davis was the top scorer in the game against Prospect with 28 points. Diane Fite led the team in scoring in the Beech Hill game with 16 points.

James Lynch returned home from Karishrue, Germany where he had been stationed with the Army since July 1971.

Dr. Jerry Turner was named coach of the Mercer University, Macon, GA tennis team.

The following births were announced: Jennifer Viola, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Peery; John Cordell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Hull; and Robert Arthur, son of Dr. and Mrs. Tim Gowder.

Mr. and Mrs. O.D. McClearen celebrated their 60th anniversary with a reception at Bethel Methodist Church.

Funeral services were held for John R. Carroll, 83.

H.I.S. Sportswear advertised that they had job openings for 50 to 75 machine operators. Genesco advertised that they needed 50 to 60 machine operators.

“Female Response,” starring Raina Barrett and Michela Hope, and “Medicine Ball Caravan,” starring Tim Barnes, John Blakeley and Bonnie Bramlett, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In.

March 3, 1983

Dwight Staggs was appointed assistant director of computer science at Columbia State Community College.

Willamette Industries announced the giving away of tree seedlings on a first come, first served basis. Seedlings would be given away in bundles of 1,000. Those interested were told to either call or write the Centerville office.

Chad Clayton was the first place winner in the Pinewood Derby held by Cub Scout Pack 322. Other winners were Scott Talley, second place; Stacy Woods, best design; Jason Grimes, most original; and Alan Moore, funniest car.

The following Dee Cee Apparel employees were recognized for their perfect attendance record in 1982: Lorene Griffin, Billy Hudson, and Joe Shipp.

Waymer Staggs and Marty Spears caught 14 large-mouth bass while fishing at Dogwood Lake.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Garrison celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception at the Lewis County Senior Citizens Building.

Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Whitehead were honored for their birthdays with a dinner held by their daughter.

Funeral services were held for Rachel Brown, 95; and for William Hyatt, 67.

Hohenwald Dollar General advertised that they had Panama Jack shirts.

“Honky Tonk Man,” starring Clint Eastwood, was the weekend movie showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

March 4, 1993

Patsy Griner was selected by her peers as the 1993-94 Teacher of the Year at LCES.

The 1993 Sesquicentennial Committee announced that a celebratory dinner would be held on March 5th at LCHS. Tickets were $50 a person, with proceeds being used to build a band shelter at the Wilhelm Tellplatz Park on South Maple Street.

Tommye Williams received the Distinguished Sales and Marketing Award for her work as a marketing counselor for American Floral Services.

Local resident Feel Thomas co-wrote a song with Hal Newman of Franklin that was recorded on George Strait’s album, “Pure Country.” The title of the song is “Baby, Your Baby.”

The following Southwest Apparel employees were recognized for holding the top five percentages for production in February 1993: Debbie Frazier, Gaytha Oakes, Diane Reeves, Rosy Staggs, and Betty Tatum.

Lisa Amacher was featured in the “Teacher Feature” column.

The LCHS Lady Panthers defeated Mt. Pleasant with a score of 49 to 23 in tournament play. Heather Amacher and Loretta Webster tied for top scorer with 10 points each.

Funeral services were held for Edith Curtis, 79; Mamie Keeton, 68; and for Lou Jackson, 80.

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.