Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

October 21, 1954

Mayor W.C. Keeton signed a proclamation naming the week of October 17-24 as United Nations Week in Hohenwald.

The first murder trial in over a decade in Lewis County began on October 21, with 150 local residents subpoenaed to serve on the jury. The defendant faced charges for allegedly shooting his wife at their home on October 9. He was apprehended just two blocks from the crime scene after a three-hour manhunt. The Herald reported that large crowds were anticipated at the courthouse.

The Lewis County Agricultural Workers Association was organized. A. O. Ramay was named president of the new organization.

A child was bitten on the foot by a rattlesnake at school. Her principal transported her to Dr. Boyce for treatment.

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Bunch announced the birth of their son, Michael Eugene.

Funeral services held for Myrtle Breece, 71; and for Robert C. Kistler, 77.

Mrs. N. T. Plummer advertised that she moved her “Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio” from her residents to the back of Ray Grimes Sundries store.

“Murder Without Tears,” starring Craig Stephens and Joyce Holden, and “Trail of San Antone,” starring Gene Autry, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

October 22, 1964

The LCHS Panthers defeated Loretto with a score of 28 to 24, winning the Tennessee Valley Championship for their third consecutive year.

Six teenagers were hospitalized as a result of an automobile accident near Anderson’s Market on Court Street.

Private Johnny Pitts completed a five-week finance procedures course at the Army Finance School at Fort Benjamin, IN.

Mr. and Mrs. Walton Thompson announced the birth of their daughter, Sherrie Denese.

Funeral services were held for Freda Higgins, 57; Lee Holt, 87; and for the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Cordell Hull.

Leslie Bell advertised that he needed 500 dogs, any size, any kind.

Advertised specials this week at Piggly Wiggly included smoked picnic hams for $0.29 a pound, a pound of fresh turnips for $0.10, a pound of Turley Winesap apples for $0.10, and ten pounds of white potatoes for $0.49.

“The New Interns,” starring Michael Callan and Dean Jones, and “The Pirates of Blood River,” starring Kerwin Mathews, were the Friday and Saturday night movies shown at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

October 24, 1974

Ethel Burns grew beans in her garden that measured 2.5 feet long.

The following births were announced: Mark Andrew, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Stowe; Jennifer Lynn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richie Brewer; and Kelly Fawn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roland Murray.

Funeral services were held for James Hickerson, 52; and for Walter Reed, 82.

Hassell Kelley Motor Company advertised a close out sale on all 1974 model cars and trucks with prices starting at $2,670.

The Democratic Women and Youth for the Election of Ray Blanton advertised that they would be holding a bake sale with locations along both sides of Main Street on October 26 to raise money for the election of Ray Blanton as Tennessee Governor.

“Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry” starring Peter Fonda and Susan George, plus “The Others” were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

October 25, 1984

A.B. Sisco was presented with the Civic Heritage Award at the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce banquet.

The South Central Railroad Authority negotiated a long-term agreement with Kyle Railway, Inc. for use of the Centerville Branch.

Dr. Robert Delaplane joined the medical staff of the Lewis County Hospital.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Brentwood with a score of 24 to 7. Jeff Whitwell set a school record in receiving six catches for 136 yards, including one touchdown.

Violet Thompson, a 1952 charter member of the West End Home Demonstration Club, was presented a gift by Paula Ellis, Extension Agent for Lewis County, for having attended every meeting of the club for the past 32 years.

Dick DeGeorge was promoted to employee relations director for Genesco’s Greif Companies, headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The Lewis County Highway Department recently completed the construction of ten new bridges across the county. Road Commissioner Joe Turnbow expressed pride in the progress made to improve the county’s infrastructure. He also shared those strategic plans were in place to make Lewis County’s road network among the best in the state.

The following births were announced: Dustin Tray, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gray; and Heidi Michele, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Hensley.

Funeral services were held for Harold Barker, 73.

Sonic Drive-In advertised that children in Halloween costumes would receive a free vampire drink between 6 and 9 p.m. on Halloween night.

“Bolero,” starring Bo Derek, was the weekend movie showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

October 20, 1994

County Executive Terry Bunch signed a proclamation declaring the week of October 21 as National Hardwoods Day and Forest Products Week.

H.I.S. was the scene of a bomb scare when an unidentified caller told an employee that a bomb had been placed in the building with a timing device set to go off between noon and 12:30 p.m. Employees were evacuated from the building. Local police searched the facility and found no device.

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, on a routine call concerning a vehicle on private property, came upon 6.5 pounds of marijuana found in an abandoned building. Estimated street value was between $14,000 and $15,000.

The LCHS Panthers took a 42 to 7 Homecoming victory over the Centerville Bulldogs. The Panther offense was led by Wesley Duncan, who earned Tennessean Star of the Night honors, with 138 yards and two touchdowns.

The annual Shriner’s Paper sale was held in Hohenwald with $5,170.17 being raised for the Shrine Hospital which provides free orthopedic and burn care to children under 18.

Chanda Brumley was featured in the Teacher Feature column.

Cindi McFall was named Employee of the Year by Buffalo River Services.

The following births were announced: Dalton Myles, son of Pvt. Dennis Jumper and Rebecca Carroll; Colby Wade, son of Steve and Alicia Anglin; and Elizabeth Yvonne, daughter of Michael and Marie Brothers.

Verlie Goodman was honored for her birthday with a party at her home.

Funeral services were held for Darlene Cole, 36; Dena Dugger, 81; Freda Hinson, 66; and for Elizabeth Johnson, 74.

October 21, 2004

The Election Commission reported a record turnout for early voting, with 1,320 ballots cast halfway through the early voting period.

Dustin Flowers was named director of the Lewis Ambulatory Care Center. Flowers would replace Joyce McCutcheon, who would retire in January 2005.

Strong storms and tornado warnings forced the Lewis County Commission to recess their monthly meeting until October 25.

The Hohenwald/Lewis County Chamber of Commerce announced that a Hohenwald Quilt Walk/Drive would be held November 6. This event would offer attendees the opportunity to visit participating residences in the Historic District and judge homemade quilts.

Brett Leary was named LCMS Student of the Week.

Tommy Cagle deployed to Iraq with the U.S. Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Janet Williams was elected president of the State Clerk Association.

Former resident Jill Jackson survived Hurricane Ivan’s assault on Grenada. Jackson had been living on the Island of Grenada for three years, where she was studying at St. George University, when the hurricane struck.

The following births were announced: Libby Nell, daughter of Keith and Misty Dunkin; and Ava Elizabeth, daughter of Jason and Anna Herring.

Funeral services were held for Eva Carroll, 85; Roscoe Clayton, 87; and for Waldon Seiber, 67.

In statewide news: Congressman Lamar Alexander was named a “Hero of the Taxpayer” and was honored by Americans for Tax Reform at a private, informal ceremony held in the U.S. Capitol.

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.