Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

August 20, 1953

Mayor W.C. Keaton and J.H. Warf, President of the Lewis County Civic Club, announced that negotiations were completed and a contract was signed by H. D. Wynn, Knoxville Industrialist, for the operation of a plant in Hohenwald to manufacture men’s and boy’s suits and slacks. The new plant was estimated to bring jobs to more than 3,000 persons.

Lewis County Schools were scheduled to open for the 1953-1954 school year on August 24.

The following news items were reported on residents serving in the U. S. Armed Forced: Army Corporal Paul Thompson was serving in Korea. Marvin Slate was stationed at Ft. Bliss with the Army. He sent his address to the Herald and stated that he would like to hear from his friends in Lewis County. Clovis Anderson and Thomas Lawson were serving aboard the USS Gurke in Korean waters. Ward Clayton reported to the Marine Corps Air Station after serving 11 months with the First Marine Division in Korea.

The LCHS Band announced that they and the Lawrence County High School Band would hold a free concert on August 21 on the LCHS football field.

Funeral services were held for Elizabeth Brake, 68; Estel Shaw, 60; and for Fannie Stockard, 82.

“Rebel City,” starring Wild Bill Elliot and Marjorie Lord, and “Havana Rose,” starring Hugh Herbert, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

“A Perilous Journey,” starring Vera Ralston and David Brian, and “The Secret Sharer,” starring James Mason, were the Friday and Saturday night movies showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

August 22, 1963

The new Lewis County Hospital opened and patients were moved from the old building on Park Avenue South. The 32 bed hospital was constructed by the county under a $250,000 bond issue, and would be operated by Drs. Akin, Gaines, and Smith under a lease-purchase agreement.

Lewis County Schools were scheduled to open on September 2.

Terry Bunch was presented the Most Valuable Player award by John Tucker after the completion of the City League play.

The yards of Mrs. Millsia Rosson and of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Marbet were selected as Lawns of the Week by the Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up committee.

An Old Maid softball game was planned for August 23 between a group of interested citizen and the Lewis County Jaycees. All proceeds from the game would be donated to the fund for the proposed new baseball field at Memorial Park.

Mamie Odom was honored on her birthday with a get together at the home of Mary Wade.

Julia Maupin was honored for her 72nd birthday with a birthday dinner at her home.

Funeral services were held for Thomas Elmore, 85.

“Summer and Smoke,” starring Laurence Harvey and Geraldine Page, and Walt Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theatre.

August 23, 1973

Arleus Dye won the Magic Valley Invitational Golf Tournament held in Camden, shooting a 145 for the 36-hole event.

Jerry Jackson was promoted in the U.S. Air Force to the rank of sergeant.

Alton Carroll grew a 21 ½ pound muskmelon in his garden in the Little Swan Community.

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Eddins announced the birth of their daughter, Amanda Ginger.

Funeral services were held for Joseph Beatty, 71; Thomas Epley, 83; Lillian Runions, 70; and for Robert Whitehead, 78.

“Ben,” starring Joseph Campanella, and “Willard,” starring Bruce Davidson, were the Friday and Saturday movies shown at the Highlands Drive-In.

August 25, 1983

Lewis County Schools announced that they would dismiss early for the remainder of the week because of extremely hot weather.

Howard Cheatham was appointed postmaster of the Hohenwald Post Office effective August 6, 1983.

Lewis County Flyers, a local pigeon racing club, held their first two races of the Young Bird Series on August 21. Kenneth Smith won both the first and second races.

Mr. and Mrs. Naymond Graves celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a surprise dinner hosted by their children at the Hohenwald Church of Christ annex.

The following births were announced: Daniel Gregory, son of Greg and Renee Floied; and Joshua Tatum, son of Sgt. Jim and Connie Webb.

Funeral services were held for Shawn Branch, 15 months; and for Maggie Chumney, 75.

“My Tutor,” starring Caren Kaye and Matt Lattanzi, and “Classroom Teasers,”starring Warren Stevens and Jillian Kesner, were the weekend movies showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

August 26, 1993

Approximately 50 people attended a meeting of Citizens Against Political Corruption held at the Golden Saddle Restaurant. The meeting was called by Bob Watkins of Grassroots publication.

The request for a new trial was denied in the case of a person being convicted in the murder of a former Lewis County resident in Linden.

Loyce Johns retired from the local Henry I. Siegel plant after 38 years of service.

Army Spec. Kevin Herrin was serving in Somalia as part of Operation Rescue Hope.

Jean Swaw grew an 11-pound Jumbo brand cantaloupe in her garden.

Rodney Fontaine joined the staff of Dorning Realty Company.

Scott Hudson was featured in the “Meet the Driver Behind the Wheel” article.

The following births were announced: Rebecca Renee, daughter of Larry and Diana Lincecum; and Jayme Brooke, daughter of James and Stacy Morris.

Funeral services were held for Faith Johnson, infant; Ray Stovall, 50; Lillie Swank, 89; Jay Whitehead, 60; and for Robert Williams, 76.

August 21, 2003

The main headline for the week was “Routine Traffic Stop Nets Drugs, Gun, Money.” An Alabama resident was arrested and charged with five drug charges along with possession of a firearm with the intent to go armed following a routine traffic stop on Highway 412 West.

Brittney Andrews of Wayne County was crowned Fairest of the Fair.

The Lewis County Commission passed the budget for the FY 2003-2004 after much heated debate. It was pointed out that the Sheriff might file a lawsuit against the county if his department did not receive the approximate $30,000 budget increase requested.

Phyllis Whitehead, Youth Service Officer and judicial commissioner, was featured in the “A Closer Look…” column.

Jenny Tanner was the winner of the $10,000 drawing held at the South Central Area Fair.

The following births were announced: Hayden Alan, son of Mark and Renee Graves; Kynzi Ann, daughter of Randy and Kerri James; and Kailey Nicole and Kara Nicole, twin daughters of Johnny and Amy Mayfield.

Bill and Lillian Keaton celebrated their 70th anniversary with a dinner hosted by the congregation of the Hohenwald United Methodist Church at their Christian Life Center.

Funeral services were held for Russell Gansert, 68; Rubye Hooper, 91; Donald Miller, 65; and for Bessie Pollock, 98.

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.