Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

May 7, 1953

The main headline for the week was “Fifty-One Seniors Will Receive Diplomas Here Friday Night.”

Merle Whitehead was announced as first place winner in the MLEC essay contest; Raymond Grinder was the second place winner.

A & B Hardware advertised that they had plenty of baseball bats made by the Hohenwald Bat Company in stock, adding that the locally-made bats were “as good as any bats to be had anywhere.”

Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Beasley announced the birth of their daughter, Patricia Ann.

Funeral services were held for Reverend T.N. Hays, 69; and for Mrs. T.N. Hays, 63.

Fat back bacon was on sale at U-Tote ‘Em Super Market for $0.19 a pound, Hershey’s cocoa cost $0.49 a pound, and bread was on sale for the price of two loaves for $0.25.

“Hangman’s Knot,” starring Randolph Scott and Donna Reed, and “Turning Point,” starring William Holden and Alexis Smith, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

“Blue Blood,” starring Bill Williams and Jane Nigh, and “Crazy over Horses,” starring Leo Gorcey and the Bowery Boys were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theater.

May 9, 1963

Paula Williams was named valedictorian of the 1963 LCHS senior class; Don Schwendimann was named salutatorian.

Robert Gafford, of Nashville, purchased an interest in the Hohenwald Truck Line, and would be associated with J.M. Adcox in the business, serving as manager of the company.

Mr. and Mrs. Vergie Grimes celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house at their home.

Airman 3rd Class Donald Hensley was reassigned to England Air Force Base, LA.

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Hinson announced the birth of their son, Vince Waymer.

Mr. and Mrs. Vergie Grimes celebrated their 50th anniversary with an open house held at their home.

Funeral services were held for Herman Nichols, 61.

Beef was three pounds for $1.00 at Piggly Wiggly. Fresh corn was $0.05 an ear at Seaton’s Bi-Rite.

“Crazy for Love,” starring Brigitte Bardot; “Stagecoach to Dancers’ Rock,” starring Warren Stevens and Martin Landau; and “Hot Rod Road Burners” were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In and Strand Theatre.

May 10, 1973

Mayor Dol Willis signed a proclamation naming May 1973 as Senior Citizens Month.

WSM-TV newscaster, Huell Howser, visited the LCHS Science Fair and signed autographs for students.

Evonne Adkins, Fred Britton, Cindi Choate, Janet James, Bryant Rodgers, and Nancy Sharpe were named overall winners in the LCHS Science Fair held May 3.

The following piano students competed for membership and ratings in the National Fraternity of Student Musicians by performing in National Piano Playing Auditions held at CSCC: Susie Davis, Tara Dobbins, Angela LaRue, Donna LeRue, and Darla Sisco.

William Watson and William Grimes graduated from recruit training at the Naval Training Center in Orlando, FL.

The following births were announced: Rodger Eric, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Holt; Jerry Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Adair; Christopher Kevin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bell; and Kimberly Dawn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Greg Herring.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pace celebrated their 50th anniversary with an open house held at the community room at Hohenwald Bank.

Funeral services were held for Emma Blanton, 82; and for Elmer Downey, 78.

Tennessee Pride sausage was on sale at Baxter’s Bestway for $0.89 a pound. Donald Duck grapefruit juice was $0.41 a can at McClearen’s IGA. Yellow onions were $0.19 a pound at Piggly Wiggly.

“Where Does It Hurt,” starring Peter Sellers, and “Tales from the Crypt,” starring Joan Collins and Peter Cushing, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In.

May 12, 1983

Guy Nicholson was sworn in as Mayor of Hohenwald in a ceremony held at City Hall. Nicholson defeated incumbent Philip Griner by a vote of 650 to 492.

Maryland “Yogie” Spears was appointed to the Board of trustees of the Magnolia Bible College in Mississippi.

Jean Kurty, owner of Airport Industrial Park, announced that the first of its seven buildings were completed and ready for occupancy. The building was leased to Certified Industries Corporation, a local research and development company.

Boston Industrial Products placed a full-page ad in the paper listing every employee of the local plant and thanking them for their dedication, loyalty, and creativity.

Funeral services were held for Anna Hinson, 85; George Smith, 75; and for Willie Hooks, 79.

“Curtains,” starring John Vernon and Samantha Eggar, and “Toolbox Murders,” starring Cameron Mitchell and Pamelyn Ferdin, were the weekend movies showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

May 13, 1993

Mayor Guy Nicholson proclaimed the week of May 9-15, 1993, as National Nursing Home Week in Lewis County.

A four-county solid waste committee with representatives from Lewis, Humphreys, Perry, and Hickman counties met in an effort to meet deadlines set for counties by the 1991 Solid Waste Act.

Harvil Peters retired from Boston Industrial Division of Dana after 20 years of service.

Bobby Smith retired from Dana after 21 years of service.

Amanda Hyatt, Josh McGee, and Roxanne Podesta won trophies at the Volunteer Classic karate tournament held in Mt. Juliet.

James Norton graduated from Army basic training at Fort Sill, OK.

Brandon Mash caught an 11-pound white catfish while fishing in the ponds between Linden and Hohenwald.

Jim Weage attended, as an observer, the balloting in the Nashville area for the referendum on Eritrea’s political future.

A local industry day was planned for May 18th at Memorial Park. Residents were invited to visit industry exhibits, see products manufactured in Lewis County, and learn more about service organizations in the community.

Ronald Riley was named Outstanding Teacher by the 1992 freshman class at the University of Tennessee.

Earl Howell was honored for his 94th birthday with a celebration attended by family and friends.

Joe Thomas was honored for his birthday with a surprise party at the Hohenwald Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Funeral services were held for Doctor Harvey Anderson, 68; Ward Clayton, 62; Janice Earnhart, 68; Jack Loveless, 69; Billy Mayberry, 63; Lillie Bell Mitchell, 71; and for Clara Wright, 77.

May 8, 2003

The main headline for the week was “Raging Storms Hit Lewis Co.” Heavy rain and high winds bought 5.7 inches of rain over a three-day period. Law enforcement and firemen were called to several areas to help with people who were stranded or marooned by high water. The West Fork area received much damage to roads and homes. The bridge over Chief Creek was impassible.

Robert (Bob) Burklow was elected Mayor of Hohenwald in the Municipal Election held May 1.

Retired Hohenwald Mayor Guy Nicholson was honored for his 20 years of service rendered as Mayor with a reception held May 2 at City Hall.

A total of 117 people participated in the first annual 5K Run/Walk to benefit Lewis County Education Foundation on May 3.

Faye McElhone retired the Eaton Corporation after 25 years of continuous service.

The following births were announced: Halle Jane, daughter of Russ and Jenny Adcox; Robert Ross, son of Robert and Tina Prosser; and Lance Council, son of Jeremy and Amanda Odom.

Funeral services were held for Susan Cameron, 46; and for Rodney Shepard, 54.

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.