Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

Lewis County residents were reminded to vote in the bond election scheduled for Saturday, September 25. “The larger the vote cast the better impression will we make on manufacturers who may later desire to locate in our county.”

The LCHS Panthers football team defeated Tribble with a score of 31 to 0.

Curtiss L. Devore was promoted to the rank of Sergeant while serving in Korea with the 7th Infantry Division.

Bobby Collier arrived home, having finished his term of enlistment with the Navy.

A square dance was advertised to take place on September 25 at Memorial Hall. Music would be performed by the Midnight Ramblers, a group of local musicians. Admission for couples was $1.00 and $0.50 for stags.

Funeral services were held for Frank Carroll, 64; Joe Coble, 30; and for Elonzo Tatum, 69.

“Highway Dragnet,” starring Richard Conte and Joan Bennett, and “On the Old Spanish Trail,” starring Roy Rogers, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

September 24, 1964

Ruth’s Kindergarten, managed by Ruth Grimes with the assistance of Mrs. Wilson West, officially opened at the Grimes House on Swan Avenue. Ten children were enrolled in Hohenwald’s first kindergarten, which operated from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Seaton’s Bi-Rite Store experienced a break-in when intruders gained access through the front door. Fortunately, the safe was found to be empty, and it appeared that no other items were taken.

LCHS Panthers won their second game of the season and second TVC game when they defeated Waynesboro with a score of 26 to 0.

The Hohenwald Junior High football team defeated Lexington with a score of 20 to 14.

Airman Henry Sims completed the first phase of this Air Force basic military training at Lackland, AFB.

Mrs. Sam Bates caught a five-pound largemouth bass while fishing with her son Sam Jr. and family in Paris, TN. Mrs. Bates stated that she landed the fish all alone and that it gave her quite a fit.

The following births were announced: Charles Edward, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Morton; Steven Charles, son of Mrs. Anne Dobbins; and Lesley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Lynch.

Mrs. Bud Graves was honored for her birthday with a dinner held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Billy Grimes.

Funeral services were held for Mrs. D.C. Grimes; Elizabeth Martin, 69; Florence Napier, 83; and for James Stutts, 48.

“Advance to the Rear,” starring Glen Ford and Shelia Stevens, and “Flaming Star,” starring Elvis Presley, were the weekend movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

September 26, 1974

The Tennessee Valley Authority requested that MLEC join with other power suppliers in the region to achieve a 20 percent reduction in electric power consumption. TVA was using 20 percent more coal than the amount received from their suppliers, and requested the voluntary power cutback to preserve existing stockpiles for emergency situations. Residents in the area were strongly encouraged to focus on minimizing their use of heating and air conditioning, lighting, and water heating. By coincidence an electrical guide wire was accidentally cut by a telephone maintenance crew, resulting in a power outage for approximately 50 minutes for some MLEC customers.

Rodney Walker enlisted in the U.S. Navy for three years.

Barbara Hinson was the winner of the Ladies Club Tournament at the Hohenwald Recreation and Golf Club.

Reverend and Mrs. Walter Duncan were honored on their 41st wedding anniversary with a reception held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Gandy.

Funeral services were held for Estelle Brown; and for Michael Hinson, Jr., infant.

Weekend specials advertised for the Southside Café included spaghetti, salad, and rolls for $2.00; and Tennessee River catfish with French fries, slaw, and hush puppies for $2.25.

“Policewomen,” starring Sondra Currie and Tony Young, and “Vampire Circus,” Adrienne Corri and Laurence Payne, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

September 27, 1984

A federal grand jury re-indicted Jerry Yokley, ex-president of the defunct Hohenwald Bank and Trust Company, and Atlanta businessman John H. Candler, Jr. on charges of bank and mail fraud that triggered the bank’s collapse two years earlier.

The Lewis County Ambulance Service came under criticism in an article published in the September 22 issue of the Nashville Banner, regarding the handling of a call made to the service.

A contract for the construction of a hangar at the John A. Baker Airport was signed. The bid was awarded to Universal Builders, Inc. of Dickson for the amount of $132,839.

The Ray Brewer Sawmill on Roney Street caught fire. Although the sawmill was not in use, it was believed the fire started from an electrical short.

Geneva Grover was awarded the Frank Powell Award as the “maker of the best fried apple pies in America” after setting up a booth at Horse Pens 40 in Steele, AL.

Suger Money Miss, a three-year-old filly owned by Raymond Lomax, won the Palomino Horse Breeders of America World Championship at Indianapolis, Indiana.

B. A. Conner successfully cultivated 6 bushels of Kentucky Wonder pole beans in his garden located on Grinders Creek, without Mr. Conner having to water the crops.

The Lewis County Truckers Association advertised that they would hold a cake walk on September 29 at LCES with proceeds being used for the needy children’s Christmas fund.

Hattie Foster was honored for her 87th birthday with a picnic dinner at Memorial Park.

Funeral services were held for Sam Churchwell, 76.

“Exterminator II,” starring Robert Ginty and Mario Van Peebles, was the weekend movie showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

September 22, 1994

The Lewis County Commission passed a resolution to enact a yearly $84 solid waste fee from owners of each dwelling in the county. A fee to be charged for businesses and industry would later be determined by the Solid Waste Committee.

Lewis County Assessor of Property Bob Johnston was chosen as the Middle Tennessee Assessor of the Year for 1993-94 by the Tennessee Assessor Association.

Circuit Court Judge Creed McGinley sentenced a man to spend 62 years in prison for child molestation of three children.

Rickey Spears was named Angler of the Year by the Lewis County Bass Club.

Donna Coles was promoted to vice-president, pricing services, for Dobbs International Services, Inc. in Memphis.

Reverend Jerry Britton was recognized for 50 years of service in the ministry with a plaque presented to him by Jerry James, pastor of Piney Baptist Church.

James Waylan retired from the Tennessee Technology Center at Hohenwald after 20 years of service as an industrial electronics instructor.

The LCHS Panthers football team defeated Lawrence County with a score of 27 to 6. The Wildcats were overpowered by a strong Panther defense led by Bubba Hall who completed 17 tackles.

Ree A. Lee grew a 70-pound watermelon and a 16.5-pound cantaloupe in his garden.

Gary Morgan was installed as president of the Hohenwald Lions Club.

The following births were announced: Victoria, daughter of Joe and Arlene Taylor; and Skye Anna, daughter of Gary and Duchess Parker.

Estalee Graves was honored for her 94th birthday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Baker in Columbia.

Larry Grimes was honored for his birthday with a surprise party held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alton McLemore, Jr.

Funeral services were held for Tillman Choate, 35; Billy Hooper, 61; and for Lester Odom, 49.

September 23, 2004

Nasha Barnes was named 2004 LCHS Homecoming Queen. Member of her court included Brook Fletcher, Stephanie Warren; Nicole Duncan, and Morgan Harper. Barnes would be crowned in pre-game ceremonies on September 24.

LCES second grade classes honored Gold Star Mothers in Lewis County with a special program on September 20. Gold Star Mothers are those who have lost a loved one serving in the United States Military. Those honored were Nina Bennett, Mary Hinson Brewer, Gail Bumgarner, Cynthia Miller, and Betty Nunnery.

Paul Rawdon was won the 2004 Champion’s Flight at the Hohenwald Municipal Golf Course Club Championship. This tournament has been held annually since 1959.

Leigh Wallace graducated from the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and was commissioned as an officer in the U. S. Marine Corps.

Oakely Carroll was featured as the LCMS Student of the Week.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Giles County with a score of 41 to 20. Chris Hatton led the team in rushing with 212 yards on 20 carries. Brett Dodson led the team in tackles with 12.

Donald King grew a five-pound sweet potato in his garden on Big Swan Creek Road.

Dorsey Adair and Kaye Tatum were both honored for 20 years of service at Lewis County Schools.

Jeremiah Helms graduated from Navy basic training at Great Lakes, IL.

Chris and Suzy Baker announced the birth of their daughter, Regan Elizabeth.

Funeral services were held for Ida Hinson, 91; Jackie Hinson, 48; Robert Jones, III, 57; and for Dorothy Turnbow, 75.

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.