Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

January 7, 1954

The Herald reported that “with the amount of work going on, Hohenwald and Lewis County should be booming for the next few months.” Construction and other improvements underway included extending water and sewage lines in the city; construction on the Industrial Building on Forrest Avenue; pipe being hauled in for a gas line to cross Lewis County; and work was also in progress on Hwy 99.

Carter Logan, Jr. was among a list of 498 men “presumed dead” in Korea by the U.S. Defense Department.

George Curtis, Jr. enlisted for duty with the U.S. Marines.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Waynesboro with a score of 41 to 24.

The new 1954 Ford line was on display at MVA Motor Company.

The Mt. Olivet Home Demonstration Club changed their name to the Oak Grove Home Demonstration Club.

“Savage Mutiny,” starring Johnny Weismuller and Angelia Stevens, and “Sec. of Outlaw Flats,” starring Wild Bill Elliott, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

January 9, 1964

The Sabin Type III polio vaccine was scheduled to be given January 12 at LCHS. Citzens were urged to participate in the vaccination day as three separate vaccines were required to be protected against the three types of polio virus.

The LCHS girls basketball team defeated Linden with a score of 41 to 39. Jane Adcox was the top scorer for the team with 17 points.

W.P. White was honored for his 87th birthday with a party held at his home.

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

Funeral services were held for Nick Arnold, 79; Bessie Hensley, 57; Fate Sharp, 41; and for John Zimmerman, 60.

“The Checkered Flag,” starring Joe Morrison, and “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,” starring Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

January 10, 1974

Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge John Henderson announced that he would retire at the end of his current term as judge.

Sella Creel was named Director of Nursing Service at Lewis County Hospital.

J. Harrel Gray, native of Hohenwald, invented a high-efficiency automatic car wash system. His prototype, called the Garland G-44, was purchased by the Yellow Cab Company of Phoenix and installed at their site. It would dive a double wash operating at the rate of 60 cars per hour.

The Oak Grove Community announced that due to the unexpected volume of waste, it would be necessary to close the Oak Grove Solid Waste Disposal Plant.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Summertown with a score of 41 to 38. Ricky Depriest led the team in scoring with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

The LCHS Pantherettes defeated Summertown with a score 63 to 55. Susie Davis was the top scorer for the team with 29 points.

Mr. and Mrs. Doil Hinson announced the birth of their son, Travis Ray.

Reverend and Mrs. Oscar Barber celebrated their 40th anniversary with a surprise dinner held by members of the Napier Pentecostal Church.

Funeral services were held for Gladys Arnold, 49; John Bumpus, 64; Elvis Harper; and for Nelson Shrader, 69.

“Swingin’ Pussycats” and “Prime Cut,” starring Lee Marvin and Gene Hackman, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

January 12, 1984

The Hohenwald Volunteer Fire Department was called when merchandise being hauled in a tractor trailer belonging to Hohenwald Truck Lines caught fire. The truck was hauling auto parts valued at approximately ¼ million dollars.

Agricultural Extension Agent William Black retired on January 10, having served as the County Agent since May 1975.

William Brian Clinton was the first infant born in 1984 at Lewis County Hospital. He arrived January 9, weighing 9 pounds, 3 ounces. He is the son of Harvey and Annette Clinton.

Mr. and Mrs. Winfred White celebrated their 50th anniversary with an event hosted by their children and grandchildren.

Funeral services were held for Edward Dunavant, 67; and for Frank Greenhaw, 47.

“Sixteen” and “Girls Who Do” were the weekend movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theatre.

January 13, 1994

Former NFL player Willie Franklin visited LCHS to speak “from the heart” to athletes. Mr. Franklin was in town as a guest of the Hohenwald Church of Christ, where he was leading a series of gospel meetings.

The following residents were appointed to serve on the Lewis Community Hospital Board of Trustees: Elmer Adair, Byrne Dunn, Terry Colley, and Bill Lawson.

A break-in was reported at LCES. A maintenance worker discovered that the door to the principal’s office had been kicked in with approximately $54 in cash being taken. The keys to the drink machines were also reported missing. Later in the day, Hohenwald Police located a missing juvenile from the Chattanooga Taft Center in Hohenwald who confessed to breaking into the school.

Mike Taylor won the Kentucky-Tennessee Motocross Association Championship in the 30+ and 35+ divisions.

LCHS Band Director Jeff Beech resigned his position.

Kellie Hurt Hinson was featured in the “Teacher Feature” column.

Amy Tatum was chosen to serve as chair for a holiday fashion show at Memphis State University.

Bill Ashley, Lester Bartley, Luella Carroll, and Ruby Nalmola were named 1993 Lewis County Senior Athletes of the Year.

W.E. Christian, Sr. was honored for his 85th birthday with a surprise birthday party.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Williams celebrated their 50th anniversary with a surprise reception held at the home of John and Lona Edwards.

Funeral services were held for Phillip Chunn, 27; Mertis Guthrie, 71; Mattie Sharp, 93; Carleen Vandiver, 84; and for Jessie Whitehead, 71.

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.