Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

November 26, 1953

Melvin Mathis, USN hospital corpsman third class, was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wound received in action against Chinese Communist forces in Korea.

Representatives from L & M Construction Company reported that excavation for the new Industrial Building would begin within a week, weather permitting.

Burglars entered Kittrell Motor Company through a rear window, emptying the cash register of $26.50. They also knocked the combination off the large safe in the company office, and punched the safe with some instrument hard enough to ruin the fire wall in the door. Locksmiths out of Nashville were called to Hohenwald, and after several hours, successfully opened the damaged safe.

Dol Willis had a letter entitled “We Should Be Thankful Every Day” published on the front page of the paper. The letter was addressed to “To my friends of the City of Hohenwald and Lewis County” and listed new industry as “something of very much importance” for which local residents could be thankful for.

Kenneth Sublett, Navy storekeeper second class, arrived home from Korean Duty.

The “Swan Creek News” column reported several people visiting Mr. and Mrs. William King to see their television.

The following births were announced: Judith Louise, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Edwards; and daughter of Jimmie Kay, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Baker.

“Taxi,” starring Dan Daily and Constance Smith, and “South Pacific Trails,” starring Rex Allen, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

November 28, 1963

Hohenwald won the second place award for the best overall program in its population group in the 1963 Community Progress Program. The five basic areas of the program were Economic Development, Better Business, Improved Living Conditions, Better Environment/Paint Up, Clean Up, Fix Up, and Coordinated Community Planning.

A representative from the State Vocational Educational Department visited Hohenwald to make a survey of Lewis County Hospital with the possibilities of opening a Licensed Practical Nursing school at the hospital.

Reverend and Mrs. Barker were honored with a bon voyage reception at Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Funeral services were held for James Fraley, 66.

“Yellow Canary,” starring Pat Boone and Barbara Eden, and “Of Love and Desire,” starring Merle Oberon and Steve Cochran, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In.

November 29, 1973

Superintendent C.W. Ogie announced that effective November 16, a 50 mph speed limit would be posted and enforced on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The speed limit was reduced from 60 mph in compliance with directives from Ronald H. Walker, National Park Service Director.

Waymer Staggs was elected president of the Lewis County Civic Club.

Terry Willis was promoted to Army Private First Class.

The following births were announced: Barry Allison, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Carroll; Lee Ann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. LeLand Dabbs; and Evan David, son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Lawson.

Funeral services were held for Maude Goodman, 83; Atha Hensley, 73; Frieda Staggs, 57; and for Wayne Hensley, 31.

An eight-track tape deck was on sale at Western Auto for $46.88; a 25-inch color television cost $499.88; and a four-speed, portable record player was on sale for $21.99.

“Sounder,” starring Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield, and “Kid Blue,” starring Dennis Hopper and Warren Oates, were the Friday and Saturday movies shown at the Highlands Drive-In.

December 1, 1983

LCHS Panther football players Tyler Bell, Bret Hankins, and Paul Rawdon were named as All-District players.

Larry Williams was promoted to plant manager of Dana Corporation’s Mt. Pleasant, MI facility.

William Adkins placed first at the Buffalo River Coon Hunters Club monthly hunt.

The Lady Panthers defeated Page with a score of 34 to 23. Shalene Grinder led the team in scoring with 15 points and 3 recoveries.

The following births were announced: Laurel Ann and Amy Marie, twin daughters of Jack and Doris Markovich; and Dustin DeWayne Reeves, son of DeWayne and Judy Runions.

Mr. and Mrs. Oakley Bartholomew celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception held at the Lewis County Senior Citizens Center.

Funeral services were held for Etta Brown, 86; Clovis Hinson, 35; and for Sheri Peters, 29.

“Feelin’ Up” and “Waitress” were the weekend movies showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

December 2, 1993

“Celebrating 150 Years of Christmas in Lewis County” was the theme for the 1993 Christmas parade. Catherine Davis served as Grand Marshall.

The Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 127 was chartered by the state.

Mt. Zion United Pentecostal Church announced that they would hold anniversary and dedication services December 2 through December 5.

The local Sonic Drive-In announced its partnership with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) for a Project Red Ribbon campaign. The restaurant would distribute red ribbons for motorists to tie to their vehicle the week of December 5 through 11 as a symbol of sober driving.

Naval Air Force Lieutenant Junior Robert Johnson received his wings at a ceremony held in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Mike Grimes requested stories, pictures, letters, and other information of interest from residents for a book he was compiling regarding the Civil War and participation by Lewis Countians.

Debbie Frazier won a GE microwave during the Match & Win contest at Cee Bee Food Express.

Shayna Bowman received first runner up in the America’s Cover Miss USA pageant held in Columbia, Tennessee.

Randall Clay placed an ad to share heartfelt memories of his grandfather, Alton McLemore, Sr.

Blake and Neci Webb announced the birth of their daughter, Karley Patrice.

Funeral services were held for Mavis Huggins, 66; Cabe O’Neal, Jr., 82; and for Martha Whitehead, 93.

December 4, 2003

“We’re Having A Parade” was the main headline for the week. The theme for the 2003 Christmas parade was “Please Come Home for Christmas.” Howard Moore was the Grand Marshall.

The City of Hohenwald announced that they were collecting items to send in care packages to soldiers deployed to Iraq.

The Hohenwald City Council voted to establish a Historic Preservation Commission to oversee design guidelines for the historic preservation district.

The Tennessee Technology Center at Hohenwald was featured in the “A Closer Look…” column.

An escaped youth who had been missing from the Hobbs Home in Jackson for several months was apprehended following a hit and run near the First Baptist Church.

An article about former LCHS football coach John Tucker was reprinted from the Milan Mirror-Exchange. Tucker would be inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

Gary Clifton was honored for 15 years’ continuous service at Eaton Corporation.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Loretto with a score of 66 to 42. Jeff Sparkman led the team in scoring with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and five blocked shots.

The following births were announced: Deanna Nicole, daughter of David and Valerie Kilpatrick; and Wesley Jameson, son of Andy and Renee Reels.

Funeral services were held for Thressa Carroll, 65; and for Loren Kilpatrick, 78.

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.