Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

December 17, 1953

The Herald reported that 3,000 people attended the Christmas parade held on the afternoon of Saturday, December 12, 1953. After the parade was over, Santa Claus handed out 2,000 nickelstick candies, 1,200 oranges, and 2,000 stickers to children.

Officials from the Natchez Trace Parkway reminded residents that it was illegal to cut Christmas trees and holly from the Trace. “Any person caught cutting trees, holly, other shrubs from the Parkway for use in holiday decorations would be subject to prosecution for violation of State and Federal laws.”

An editorial ran outlining the need to organize an active Parent Teacher Association at Hohenwald Grammar School.

The following residents were inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces: Forrest McClain and James Griner.

J. W. Hankins announced his purchase of the Shell Service Station from Howard DePriest. The station would be operated by Calvin Young.

A surprise house warming was held at Oliver Rasbury’s bachelor quarters on Maple Street.

Funeral services were held for Ralph Bastian, 46; Nettie Black, 66; Rose Brown, 64; and for Ed Holt, 73.

“The Fabulous Senorita,” starring Esteleta, and “Where Buffalo Roam,” starring Charles Starrett, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

December 19, 1963

William Kittrell, owner of Kittrell Chevrolet Company and president of the Hickman County Industrial Corporation, was named as the 1963 Man of the Year by the Centerville Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

The annual Big Brothers paper sale in Hohenwald raised $1,804, $3.00 more than the amount raised in 1962.

Joseph Petway was appointed as assistant to the President of Harding College in Arkansas.

Melba Wallace was presented a silver plaque in recognition of her 25th anniversary as a representative of the Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company. Mrs. Wallace was the owner of Scott A. Jones Agency in Hohenwald.

The Teenagers Against Polio (TAP) committee announced that they would hold a donut sale at M.V.A. Motor Company on December 21 to raise money for the March of Dimes campaign.

Robert Evans graduated form a supply course for field grade officers at the Marine Corps Supply School at Camp Lejune, NC.

Fred Talley graduated from Aviation Mechanical Fundamentals School at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis.

Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Wilsdorf announced the birth of their daughter, Christalee.

J. G. Sharp was honored for his birthday with a dinner held at the home of China Clayton.

Funeral services were held for Shirley Hensley, 21; and for Alma Kittrell, 89.

Quik-Serv Station advertised that they would give away a free bicycle on December 24, 19634.

Whole hams were on sale at Seaton’s Bi-Rite for the price of $0.49 a pound. Turkeys were on sale at Reeves Sausage Company for the price of $0.31 a pound. Duz detergent was on sale at Sanders Market for the price of $0.89; the detergent also came with free Sheelon nylon hose. Cranberry sauce was $0.19 a can at Piggly Wiggly.

“Fancy Pants,” starring Lucille Ball and Bob Hope, and “The Three Stooges Meet Hercules” were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In.

December 20, 1973

An exhibit of paintings by Del Nichols of Hohenwald opened at the Period Gallery in Nashville and would remain open until January 19, 1974.

Lewis County Hospital announced the expansion of its respiratory therapy services by the addition of a consultant and equipment for the department.

Big Brothers collected over $1,347 during their annual paper drive. The money would be used to aide those in need during Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Keeton returned home after a two-month vacation in Germany and other points of interest in Europe.

The following births were announced: Walter Christian, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hine; and Tonia Kay, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Generalle Raymer.

Aaron Duncan was honored for his 85th birthday with a dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Duncan in Nashville.

Funeral services were held for Flora Baker, 86; Julia Gay, 90; and for William Sharp, 88.

Whole smoked hams were on sale at IGA for the price of $0.89 a pound. Butterball turkeys were on sale at Baxter’s Bestway for the price of $0.79 a pound.

“Badge 373,” starring Robert Duvall and Verna Bloom was the Friday and Saturday movie shown at the Highlands Drive-In.

December 22, 1983

Tom McLemore assumed the duties as minister of Lomax Church of Christ.

Melissa Brower, Kimberly Hensley, and Todd Holt were selected to participate in “Operation Heartbeat Science Explorer Day” at Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

The LCHS Panthers were invited to participate in the Pulaski Lion’s Club Invitational Tournament.

The Lady Panthers defeated B.G.A. with a score of 57 to 39. Kathy Dye was the top scorer of the team with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Army Private Brian Goodman completed basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC.

Robert Rawdon, Jr. was commissioned to 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Michael and Joyce Odom announced the birth of their son, Michael Lee.

Funeral services were held for Herman Buchanan, 59; and for Sally Nutt, 97.

December 23, 1993

The Lewis County Education Foundation was formed. Its purpose was to receive, invest, and distribute money to support and improve the educational opportunities for Lewis County students.

The Lewis County Sesquicentennial Committee announced that a time capsule would be laid at the Wilhelm Tellplatz Bandshell on December 23. The capsule would include artifacts from all former towns in the county, along with a copy of the local newspaper, papers from the Sesquicentennial celebration, telephone directory, and various items from local businesses. The capsule was slated to be sealed for at least 50 years before opening.

Army Private Leslie Dupont completed basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC.

Mike O’Guin was promoted to second degree black belt at Hohenwald Karate School.

Funeral services were held for Bill Blackburn, 57; Willie Dixon, 61; Elton Hinson, 81; and for George Qualls, 77.

December 25, 2003

Hatmaker Fence Company announced an expansion of this factory in the Hohenwald Industrial Park.

Santa Claus was featured in the “A Clauser Look…” column.

A one-vehicle accident on Highway 412 sent a Lewis County native by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt Hospital.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Perry County with a score of 52 to 39. Dustin Culberson was the top scorer for the team with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The LCHS Lady Panthers defeated Perry County with a score of 59 to 53. Britni Tenison led the team in scoring with 18 points and 5 rebounds.

Mrs. Joseph Rooker attended the inauguration ball for Kentucky Governor Ernest L. Fletcher in Frankfort, KY.

Jimmy Tanner was recognized for 5 years of continuous service with the City of Hohenwald.

Robert Frazier was honored for 35 years of continuous service with Eaton Corporation.

Terry and April Kelly announced the birth of their son, Leyton Spencer.

Funeral services were held for Joe Duncan, 82; Celbert Haley, 73; Ruby Johnson, 75; Melba McClain, 80; and for Jack Sisco, 77.

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.