September 27, 1951

A racetrack was being constructed four miles west of town by T. L. Lee, a Memphis contractor who operated a sawmill and planning mill here for several years. The racetrack was scheduled to open to the public in the middle of October. “Hohenwald and Lewis County are to become modern along with a number of towns of this section with the building of a modern track for the racing of stock cars by lovers of the sport that is so rapidly taking the country by storm.”

Lewis County failed to reach its quota of blood when the Red Cross Bloodmobile visited the county. A total of 85 pints were given for defense and the immediate needs of battle-wounded soldiers in Korea.

The remodeling of M. V. A. Motor Company’s building was nearing completion. The entire front portion of the building underwent a change in location of office and display room with much of the stock being carried on the second floor which was reinforced with steel posts and beams.

Anita Rowland won the district 4-H dress contest held in Nashville.

Charles Talley completed his basic airmen indoctrination course at Lackland Air Force Base.

Funeral services were held for Mrs. Prince Coffee, 53.

“The Bullfighter and the Lady,” starring Robert Stack and Gilbert Roland and “Saddle Legion,” starring Tim Holt and Richard Martin were the Friday and Saturday double feature at the Strand Theatre.

In statewide news: All Tennesseans were urged to honor the Tennessee Statesman Cordell Hull for his 80th birthday by donating to the Cordell Hull Foundation for International Education which would bring students from Latin-America countries and other nations to Tennessee to learn about the American way of life and American ideas of peace and freedom.

September 28, 1961

Mayor W. C. Keaton signed a proclamation naming the week of October 8, 1961, as Fire Prevention Week in Hohenwald.

Robert Bauer of Chicago, IL was named plant manager of the Lewis Products Company.

A fire destroyed the cab of a trailer truck belonging to James Brown. The truck was traveling towards Hohenwald on Linden Highway when the fire, believed to have been started by a short, broke out.

The LCHS Panthers downed Waynesboro with a score of 20-7 for their fourth straight victory.

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Patton announced the birth of their daughter, Teressa Ann.

Funeral services were held for Roy Fain, 61; and for Velma Toungett, 25.

Kittrell Motor Company celebrated its 40th anniversary by holding a drawing on Saturday, September 30, 1961 for 40 silver dollars. Other giveaways available to the public included free perfume, candy, and ice scrapers. Competitively, M.V.A. Motor Co. held a drawing on the same day for five different prizes including free car maintenance.

The planning committee for the Lewis County Fair ran a survey in the paper seeking the opinion of residents about the possibility of constructing a new barn, whether the Industrial Fair and Electrical Show helped the fair, etc.

“Hangman’s Knot,” starring Randolph Scott and “Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap,” starring Bud Abbot, Lou Costello, and Marjorie Mann, were the Friday night featured films showing at both the Highlands Drive-In and the Strand Theatre.

September 30, 1971

The Lewis County Civic Club paid off the balance of over $700 owed on the newly-constructed Dixie Youth baseball field at Memorial Park.

The Bible Quiz team from the First United Pentecostal Church was competing in the National Finals in Houston, Texas.

William E. McDonald was promoted to Vice President of the Third National Bank in Nashville.

Funeral services were held for Billy Grimes, 44.

“A Place for Lovers,” starring Faye Dunaway and Marcello Mastrioani; and “Bunny O’Hare,” starring Bette Davis and Ernest Borgnine, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In.

October 1, 1981

Lt. Dempsey Holder of the TN Hwy. Patrol announced that he would be riding a Lewis County School bus on the afternoon of Monday, October 4, in order to look for people passing stopped buses.

The LCHS Marching Band received a trophy when they participated in the Marching Festival held in Murfreesboro on September 26, 1981.

Mr. and Mrs. Sandy Odom grew four red centennial sweet potatoes in their garden that weighed approximately 15 lbs. each.

History repeated the local sports events of 1961, when the 1981 LCHS Panthers won their fourth game of the season against Waynesboro. Their score was 35-0. Brian Hinson and Wade Peery were selected at Panther Players of the Week for their wins in the Waynesboro game.

Wendell Cotham and Billy McKnight were named Junior High players of the week for their scores won in their team’s game against Lexington.

The following births were announced: Brandon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bower; and Justin Kyle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Osborne.

Funeral services were held for Bill Turnbow, 75.

“An Eye for an Eye,” starring Chuck Norris and “Fear No Evil,” were the weekend double feature at the Highlands Drive-In.

September 26, 1991

A reserve deputy with the Sheriff’s Department was struck by a vehicle while helping another motorist who had broken down on the road.

Lewis Community Hospital was awarded a three-year $150,00 “Rural Health Care Transition” grant.

The second annual Rod Brasfield Day was announced for September 28 at the Rod Brasfield Community Playhouse.

The Lewis County Museum completed remodeling to carry out a Swiss theme, including raising the roof and constructing an upstairs balcony.

Christy Garner was named Homecoming Queen at LCMS. Her attendants were Tracy Arledge, Amanda Ricketts, Selena Wix, and Tabitha Morton.

Mary Stephens retired from Henry I. Siegel Company after 36 years of service.

A building dedication and homecoming for Highland Baptist Church was planned for September 29.

The following births were reported: Zachary Charles, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Newbold, III; and Stephanie Nicole, daughter of Hollis and Gena Brewer.

Dr. Veena Anand was honored for her birthday with a party held at American Counseling Systems.

Willodean Staggs was honored for her 81st birthday with a celebration attended by family and friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Kimble celebrated their 50th anniversary with a reception held at the Lomax Church of Christ Annex.

Funeral services were held for Eugene Patterson, 64.

September 27, 2001

A memorial program, “A Time of Unity and Remembrance” was held September 21 on A. B. Sisco Football Field. Lewis County Schools united to remember the victims of the September 11 tragedy and to honor our nation’s heroes. A procession of first responders entered the field and stood at attention as the flag was raised and then lowered to half-staff.

W. C. “Bill” Keaton, a local attorney who had practiced for over 61 years was “roasted” at a dinner held in his honor at the Farmhouse in Hickman County.

Renee Thompson was named Teacher of the Year by the Hohenwald Pilot Club.

High Forest Net Solutions was featured in the Chamber Spotlight column.

Shirley Brown was named Student of the Year at the Tennessee Technology Center at Hohenwald.

Heath Curfman returned from a mission trip to Romania.

The second annual Garrett Elementary School reunion was held at Meriwether Lewis Park.

The Hohenwald Open Karate Championship celebrated 21 years of competitions.

The LCHS Panthers remained undefeated with a 14 to 6 victory over Lawrenceburg.

The following births were announced: Michael Scott, son of Greg and Lisa Mullinicks; and Clayton Guy, son of Darrell and Diana Runions.

Marie Carroll was honored for her 88th birthday with a celebration at the Swan Annex building.

Funeral services were held for John Bryan, Jr., 32; Kenneth Craig, 72; Billy Crowe, 69; Christine Dunn, 23; Clara Keller, 70; Vera Meislohn, 82; Ollie Newborn, 89; Calvin Smith, 68; and for Carolyn West, 41.

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.