Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

September 30, 1954

The expansion of the industrial building on Forrest Avenue was approved by local voters. Residents of Lewis County voted in favor of issuing $60,000 in industrial revenue bonds with a tally of 1,891 to 12. Additionally, city voters approved the issuance of $40,000 in municipal bonds, with a vote count of 659 to 2.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Waynesboro with a score of 33 to 0. Touchdowns were made by Walter Grover, Wayne Clay, Bobby Grinder, and Billy Skelton.

Chandler Cab Company advertised that they had relocated behind the Snip, Snap and Bite Café, and that they were the new ticket office for the bus company.

Funeral services were held for R.Y. Blanks, 86; Paul Davis, 73; Obed Pickard, 75; and for Martha Turnbow.

“Paris Playboys,” starring The Bowery Boys, and “Canyon Raiders,” starring Whip Wilson, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

October 1, 1964

The LCHS Panthers defeated the Dickson Dragons with a score of 12 to 7. Two long passes from Quarterback Tommy Mann to Bobby Harwood made the difference in the score.

Jimmie Kay Johnston received the Grand Championship in the District Dress Revue held at the Tennessee State Fair.

Mrs. William Robertson of Hohenwald was appointed Chair of the Kinnick School health room in the American Red Cross program in Yokohama, Japan.

Kenneth Claude of Centerville was the winner of the Fall Invitational Tournament held at the Hohenwald Recreation and Golf Club.

Lyman Collier, County Court Clerk, published an announcement to inform county merchants that, due to an increase in workload in his office and a rise in the number of merchants within the county, he was unable to personally reach out to each merchant for the collection of Privilege License fees. Consequently, he requested that merchants visit his office to complete their license fee payments.

Dr. and Mrs. Cloyd Peery announced the birth of their son, Patrick Allen.

William Kittrell was honored for his 80th birthday with a full page ad placed by the employees of Kittrell Motor Company, Inc.

Funeral services were held for C. R. “Cap” Baker, 60; and for O. T. Craig, 80.

“The Carpetbaggers,” starring George Peppard, Alan Ladd, and Bob Cummings, was advertised to be shown for six nights at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

October 3, 1974

City offices officially relocated to the new City Hall at the corner of West Linden Avenue and Oak Street on September 26. The building, which spans 7,600 square feet, was characterized as “modern and spacious.” Mayor Dol Willis indicated that while some work on the building remained unfinished, it was expected to be completed shortly. Landscaping and paving of the parking areas were also anticipated to be finalized within a few weeks. The construction of City Hall was completed at a cost of approximately $125,000. Notably, all contractor bids were rejected by the City Council, and the building was ultimately constructed with Mayor Willis serving as the coordinator for several subcontractors, resulting in a savings of about $100,000 for the City of Hohenwald.

The LCHS Panthers were victorious over Waynesboro by a score of 20 to 6. Bobby Sharp led the team in rushing yardage with 88 yards in 17 carries. Freddy Rogers led the team in tackles with 19, bringing his total for four games to 59.Sallie Hensley grew two sweet potatoes that weighed approximately 6.5 pounds each in her garden on Cane Creek.

Gene Melton was honored for safe driving by the McLean Trucking Company of Winston Salem, NC, for whom he worked.

Nell Barber was elected president of the local chapter of the Lost Arts and Crafts club.

The following births were announced: James Chadwick, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Gaddes; Charlotte Annette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Witherington; and Aimee Karlyn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Adair.

Funeral services were held for Franklin Duncan, 82; Leamon Durham, 50; and for Joe Lomax, 65.

“The Bunny Caper” starring Christina Hart and James Anthony, and “Hope to Die,” starring Jean-Louis Trintignat and Robert Ryan, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

October 4, 1984

The Hohenwald Steering Committee for Homecoming ’86 selected Janet Turner as the local chair for the community project.

Members of the Hohenwald Hee Haw cast were filming a promotional video on Main Street. This video would be shown on cable television to promote the annual American Cancer Society benefit.

The downtown merchants of Hohenwald announced their participation in a “Fall Festival of Savings” October 5 and 6. The celebration included savings for shoppers at the downtown stores, a trio of clowns to entertain children, and a balloon drop for prizes.

Alberta Armstrong grew an 11-inch ear of corn in the Swiss Colony area.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Page with a score of 21 to 14. Jeff Davis made 28 tackles in the game, breaking a school record. The previous record held by Gary Skelton was set in 1966.

Alaina Carroll won National Pro-Am Queen, National Princess, National Photogenic, Most Beautiful, and National Talent at the National Southern Charm Beauty Pageant held in Jackson.

Britni Woodall was crowned Miss Tennessee Charm and won Best Party Dress and Best Sportswear at a preliminary beauty pageant held in Lawrenceburg.

Michael Odom was promoted in the U.S. Air Force to the rank of senior airman.

Brian Owens graduated from U.S. Air Force basic training.

The following births were announced: Charles Stephen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Self; and Ashlei Brooke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Brown.

David Duncan was honored for his birthday with a surprise party given by the employees of Duncan Handle company, and Duncan’s friends and family.

Jessie Whitehead was honored for his 90th birthday with a party held by family at while he was a patient at the Lewis County Hospital.

Funeral services were held for Dr. James Clay, 56; Renee Dabbs, 17; and for Lois Floied, 68.

“Indiana Jones,” starring Harrison Ford, was the weekend movie showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

September 29, 1994

The annual Oktober Heritage Festival was scheduled for October 8 and 9 with a variety of country and western singing, arts and crafts, food vendors, and other events.

The Lewis County JTPA Career Training Center was awarded the JTPA Service Delivery Area 11 Silver Award for outstanding performance.

Mark McDougal was hired as the new industrial electronics instructor at the Tennessee Technology Center at Hohenwald.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Spring Hill with a score of 30 to 16. Benji Rainey led the team in rushing with 14 carries for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Bubba Hall had the most tackles with eight and one fumble recovery.

The Lewis County Bridle and Saddle Club held a horse show on September 24 with 153 entries in 27 classes.

The following births were announced: Allison Marie, daughter of Bob and Margaret Szostek; Caroline Manning, daughter of Craig and Cathy Green; and Sarah Wesleigh, daughter of Van and Shawn Campbell.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Mack Brown would celebrate their 25th anniversary on October 9 at the Haley’s Chapel Methodist Church.

Funeral services were held for John Armstrong, 95; John Bates, 83; Dorothy Breece, 74; Joseph Lasics, Jr., 87; Trish Masico, 17; and for Charles Owen, Jr., 74.

September 30, 2004

Lewis County Government was among 25 counties involved in a lawsuit regarding the non-compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Although none of the six plaintiffs had previously visited Lewis County, it was reported that the lawsuit could necessitate an estimated expenditure of $25,000 for modifications to the Court House, ensuring compliance with ADA regulations. Proposed changes included the installation of an elevator on the north side of the facility.

The City of Hohenwald received a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant for the Hohenwald Sewer System Rehabilitation project. Lewis County Government also received $500,000 for a waterline extension project.

The Oktoberfest committee announced that the 2004 festival would be held as a tribute to the return of the 771st Maintenance Company.

Following a stockholder meeting on September 23, Lewis Farmers Co-Op announced it would be closing on October 8 after 57 years of operation.

S. E. International, Inc. was featured in the Chamber Spotlight column.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Hickman County with a score of 21 to 0 during their Homecoming Game. Brett Dodson was the leading tackler with 11 stops. Chris Hatton led the team in rushing with 22 rushes for 130 yards.

Joshua Crews was featured as the LCMS Student of the Week.

The following births were announced: Calla Shannen, daughter of Michael and Tiffany Ayers; and Richard Lee, son of Richard and Mary Malbon.

Funeral services were held for Ronald Graves, 57; and for J. D. McCann, 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.