Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

October 28, 1954

Mayor W.C. Keaton signed a proclamation naming October 20 to November 11 as American Legion Weeks.

Over 709 men and women were summoned to the court for jury selection in the trial of a Lewis County man accused of murdering his wife. In addition to reporting on the testimony presented to the jury, the Herald noted that “overflowing crowds have attended the court since the case began, likely the largest ever for a murder trial in Lewis County.”

The footings and part of the floor of the new Industrial Building were poured. Additionally, H.I.S. sent 30 employees to a training program at another H.I.S. plant in Trezevent.

The LCHS Panthers defeated the Centerville Bulldogs with a score of 42 to 0. Billy Skelton scored three touchdowns in the game.

Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Haley announced the birth of their son, Darrell Wayne.

Funeral services were held for Arpha Rivers, 84.

Advertised specials at Piggly Wiggly included a one-pound box of chocolate covered cherries for $0.69, two pounds of yellow delicious apples for $0.25, and fresh dressed fryers for $0.39 a pound.

D.B. Nelson advertised that he had turkeys for sale, on foot or dressed.

“Wings of the Hawk,” starring Julia Adams and Van Heflin, and “Nevada Badmen,” starring Whip Wilson and Fuzzy Knight, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

October 29, 1964

The Herald reported that “for the first time in some ten years” Hohenwald would not have its annual Christmas Parade. Plans were dropped when no member of the Lewis County Civic Club would accept the responsibility of general chairman. The club, however, did vote to solicit donations from merchants to be used towards the purchase of new Christmas decorations for use in the city.

Carmon Morrow was named superintendent of the Hohenwald Genesco plant, replacing Ed Holman, who resigned.

Gaye Brown was crowned 1964 Homecoming Queen by Billy Hudson, football captain. Her attendants were Joan Floyd, escorted by Bobby Harwood; Edith Darnell, escorted by Bobby Burklow; Carolyn Bower, escorted by David Adcox; and Aileen Epley, escorted by Mickey Murphy.

The LCHS band won first place in its class in the International Banana Festival held at Fulton KY and South Fulton, TN.

Airmen Bobby Williams and Coy Barber graduated from Aviation Familiarization school at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis.

Jane Ann Adcox was selected to be a member of the Bisonettes pep squad at David Lipscomb College.

Mrs. Ed Holman was honored with a going away party held at the home of Mrs. J. M. Adcox.

Funeral services were held for William Corlew; Bettie Kelley, 69; Thomas Lawson, 43; Julia McNabb, 80; and for Jennie Odom, 78.

“Bikini Beach,” starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, and “Guns of the Timberland,” starring Alan Ladd and Jeanne Crain, were the Friday and Saturday night movies shown at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

October 31, 1974

Kenny Graves was nominated by the Lewis County Jaycees for an Outstanding Educator award given by the Tennessee Jaycees.

The LCHS Panthers defeated the Cardinals with a score of 37 to 6. Bobby Sharp, who led the Panther offensive all season, turned in his best performance of the year as he scored on runs of 53 and 21 yards and caught a 44-yard pass from David Quillen for his third touchdown of the evening.

Marsha Smith was chosen as “Little Sister” of the Tennessee Epsilon, National Fraternity at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville.

The 3rd annual Lewis County Civic Bowl was scheduled for November 2. Brentwood Jr-High would play against E. O. Coffman Jr.-High. Miss Gina Cameron would be crowned as Bowl Queen in pre-game ceremonies. Her attendants were Pam Holloway and Sonia Schmittou.

The following births were announced: Stephanie Artina, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Halbrook; and Joshua Eugene, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Hull.

Funeral services were held for William Carroll; and for Robert Fite, 74.

Sharpe’s Service Center advertised that they would be giving away a free turkey with every GE appliance or television bought between October 24 and November 7.

Kelley Reality & Auction Company of Waynesboro announced an auction for Old City Hall council room and warehouse and all City of Hohenwald property located at that location on November 16.

“Road Berth,” starring Carol Connors; and “Paul and Michelle,” starring Anicee Alvina and Sean Bury, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theater.

November 01, 1984

The Headstart preschool educational program began operation in Lewis County on October 24.

LCMS would host the 13th annual Civic Bowl on November 3 at A.B. Sisco Athletic Field. Shelly Carroll was announced at the Civic Bowl Queen. Members of her court included Laurie Bishop, Amber Canady, Kellie Carroll, and Stacy McDonald.

Western Auto advertised a going out of business sale with everything in the store reduced 25% or more.

Bailey Wheeler won a Cabbage Patch Doll in a drawing held at Morrow’s Bi-Rite and Foodtown. One Cabbage Patch Doll would be given away each Saturday until Christmas. Jennifer Hudgins won a Cabbage Patch Doll in a drawing held at Mercer Food City.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Bunch announced the birth of their son, Jacob Lee.

Funeral services were held for Tommie Talley, 69.

Woods & Waters Sporting Goods Shop advertised that they would host a young sportsman big deer contest on November 3 and 4. A free color picture would be made of each participant and their deer.

“Revenge of the Nerds,” starring Robert Carradine and Anthony Edwards, was the weekend movie showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

October 27, 1994

The major headline for the week was “Teen Violence Strikes Hohenwald.” An altercation between two teenage boys occurred over a girl at a local convenience store. A 15-year-old confronted a 17-year-old outside the store, cocking a .20 gauge sawed off shotgun at the older boy, poking him with it, and stating that he was going to kill him. He then swung the gun, striking the other boy in the head. The 15-year-old then threw the gun, shattering the windshield of a truck parked in front of the store, before running down Oak Street where he was apprehended by police. The 17-year-old was taken to Lewis Community Hospital where he received stitches in his head.

A hit and run occurred in the City Parking Lot on October 22.

Three men were arrested and charged in connection with a stabbing that occurred on October 23.

The LCHS band competed in the first Sound of God Marching Classic in Fairview, where they received an overall superior rating and placed second in their classification. Lewis County also won Best in Class Percussion in overall competition. Kelly Hensley won Best Drum Major in class and Overall Best Field Commander.

David James earned his Register of Merit from the Walking Horse Owners Association.

Former resident Joyce Ellis, a registered nurse at St. Luke’s Health Department, received an award from Pfizer Incorporated Consumer Health Care in recognition of her outstanding contributions to community health.

Anita Clift won a $100 grocery giveaway in a contest sponsored by Cee Bee Food Express to celebrate its 75th year in business.

Melanie Webb received the Outstanding Support Staff Award at Columbia State Community College.

A reception was held at the Lewis County Senior Citizens center to honor five local retired state troopers. Honored was W. C. Amacher for 45 years of service; John B. Edwards, 28 years; Paul Hedge, 30 years; James E. “Buddy” Jones, 25 years; and Guy Nicholson, 25 years.

Funeral services were held for Virgie Harper, 82; Alice Huffman, 52; Lucille Lomax, 79; Charles Nestor, 89; Doris Russell, 80; and for Mae Taylor, 75.

October 28, 2004

The Lewis County Commission voted to explore the possibility of seeking a new state prison to be constructed in this region.

Janet Williams was electe president of the State Court Clerks Association of Tennessee.

A LCMS school assembly intended for sixth to eighth graders shocked teachers, students, and administrators with its content. A Vanderbilt doctor, who developed the drug in Viagra, presented graphic slides of male reproductive organs, discussing their functions in scientific terms. The program was halted after about 20 minutes due to several calls from concerned parents to the Director of Schools.

An editorial discussed two elephants that had previously tested positive for the human strain of tuberculosis but were now testing negative. There was a possibility that these elephants might be sent to the Elephant Sanctuary. A community forum was being scheduled to provide residents with more information as some had expressed concerns.

Amanda Curtis was one of 12 finalists for the MTSU Idol Competition.

Willie Jean Johnston caught a 46-pound blue catfish while fishing with chicken liver at the Tennessee River.

The LCHS Panther earned a spot in the state playoff with a 31 to 27 defeat over Richland. Zack Wright led the team with 15 tackles, and Chris Hatton had his fifth 100 yard game of the season, rushing for 139 yards on 22 carries.

Chris and Jennifer Gibson announced the birth of their daughter, Alissa Renee.

Funeral services were held for Jeffery H. Sisco, 35; Alton Staggs, 67; and for Sarah Stinson, 74.

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.