Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

March 18, 1954

The paving of a 34-mile stretch of the Natchez Trace in southern Tennessee and northern Alabama was scheduled to begin within 30 days.

The Herald reported that the FFA had received 110 rabies shots with the promise of two or three hundred more; and therefore, planned to resume the rabies vaccination clinic on March 29th. The shortage caught the attention of F.C. Sowell, Radio Newspaper Editor of WLAC in Nashville, who investigated the situation and found that the State Health Department had an ample supply to which he helped the FFA gain access.

Mr. and Mrs. Don Glen announced the birth of their daughter, Donice.

Funeral services were held for Billy Bates, 32; and for Blance Pennington, 84.

Wallace Poore Appliance Company advertised that they would be giving away a 10-piece brush, broom, and mop set valued at $20 with the purchase of a new, easy spindrier clothes drier with power flush-rinse for $149.95.

“The Glass Webb,” starring Edward G. Robinson and John Forsythe, and “Captive of Billy the Kid,” starring Alan Lane and Black Jack, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

March 19, 1964

Mayor W.C. Keaton released a statement in regard to vandals that continue to destroy street lights in Hohenwald stating that a $50 reward would be paid to anyone furnishing information leading to the arrest and conviction of person or persons responsible for the “malicious” destruction of street lights in town.

Joe Griner was elected president of the Lewis County Jaycees.

A lecture sponsored by the United States Atomic Energy Commission titled “This Atomic World” would be presented at LCHS on March 20 by James Bibb of the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies.

Robert Yokely won the second annual Chess Tournament, defeating defending champion Walter Darden.

The following births were announced: Lisa Ann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Kelley; Michael, son of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Spears; and Cheryl Diane, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Ellis.

R.N. Dorning advertised that due to his chicken house being destroyed in the March 5th storm, that he would be selling his 3,000 Hi-Line hens for the price of $0.50 each.

“The Condemned of Altona,” starring Sophia Loren and Maximilian Schell, and “13 West Street,” starring Alan Ladd and Rod Seiger were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

March 21, 1974

A two-hour parking law in the downtown area went into effect on March 20. The completion and opening of a city parking area at the corner of Linden and North Maple Street made possible the passing of this ordinance.

Burglars entered Hohenwald Builders Supply on Mill Street, taking only a small amount of change from the cash register. Entrance was gained by breaking glass in the front door.

Billy Townsend was elected president of the Lewis County Jaycees.

The following births were announced: Kristie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Teddy Lee; and James Robert II, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brewer.

Mrs. Larry Dabbs was honored with a birthday dinner at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Cotton.

Douglas Hensley of Stillwater, OK was honored with a surprise birthday party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rannie Berry. Hensley was reunited with his family the previous summer and this was the first birthday he has celebrated with them in 46 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Whitehead celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary with a surprise supper at their home.

Funeral services were held for George Curtis, Jr., 37; Mrs. Velmar James, 66; and for Lizzie Staggs, 86.

“The Shanghi Killers,” starring James Tien, and “Harry in Your Pocket,” starring James Coburn and Michael Sarrazin, were the weekend movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

March 22, 1984

The 1984 LCMS Raider staff received the Big E award from Josten’s American Yearbook Company in recognition of outstanding achievement in the planning, preparation, and completion of photographic and editorial material for the yearbook. Members of the staff were: Kellie Carroll, Kaye Cottrell, Laura Dicus, Kellie Hurt, Stephanie Jones, John Kilpatrick, Penny Rogers, and Donald Turner.

Mark Jones completed recruit training at the Naval Training Center at Great Lakes, IL.

George Ruff and wife, Glenys Ruff, were both promoted to the rank of captain, and transferred to Fort Rucker, AL, where George would enter helicopter pilot training.

The following births were announced: Rebecca Sue, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Pennington; Zachary Wade, son of Wade and Stacy Sharpe; and Billy Wayne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Haley.

Reverend and Mrs. Morrell Lee celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal ceremony.

“Seven Doors of Death,” starring Katherine MacColl and David Warbeck, was the weekend movie showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

March 24, 1994

Dol Willis was honored upon his retirement from serving as Chair of the Lewis County Senior Citizens Board of Directors with a certificate of appreciation presented to him by Evelyn Tatum, Director of the Center.

A local teenager was shot accidentally while a friend was cleaning a gun.

Kelly Myers was selected by her peers as 1994-95 LCES Teacher of the Year.

The following LCHS students participated in the 13th annual Student Congress on Politics in Education held in Nashville: Shasta Carroll, Jennifer Droke, Amanda Hinson, and Miranda Morrow.

The following LCMS students won the 1994 middle school talent show: Samantha Barnes and Alexandria Blocker, first place; Marissa Anderson, second place; and Lauren Anderson, third place.

The following births were announced: Jillian Faith, daughter of Rusty and Christy Graves; Rebecca Sue, daughter of Jim and Debbie Sprague; Shelby Nicole, daughter of Randy and Karen Skelton; and Heather Mae, daughter of Stanley and Beverly Gray.

Ford Turnbow was honored on his 70th birthday with a surprise party held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards.

Nannie Nichols was honored for her 98th birthday with a celebration attended by friends and relatives at her home.

Funeral services were held for Cindy Anderson, 16; Clyde Holt, 66; Kate Patterson, 83; and for Brandon Turnbow, 7.

March 18, 2004

The main headline for the week was “It’s a Rampant Problem in Lewis County: Commission Hears About It; From Dogs to Drugs.”

The LCHS Senior Class of 2004 announced its production of Tim Kelly’s play “Airline.”

Zimmerman’s Photography was featured in the Chamber Spotlight column.

James Runions, Jr. was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service in Kuwait.

The following births were announced: Daniel Glen, son of Danny and Kelli Burcham; Savannah Carol, daughter of Chris and Bobbi James; Kailee Jade, daughter of Jonah and Tonya Keltner; and Jayden Malcomb-Glenn, son of Daniel and Starla Stewart.

Clarence Caudill was honored for 30 years of continuous service with Eaton Corporation.

Darlene Coop was honored for her 50th birthday with a celebration held by coworkers at Lewis County Manor.

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Edwards celebrated their 50th anniversary with a party held at the Hohenwald Housing Authority Building.

Funeral services were held for: Clyde Bates, 93; Howard Hanberry, 89; Judith Himes, 66; Mary Hudson, 68; Hester Kelsey, 91; and for Jimmie Westbrooks, 89.

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.