Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

December 6, 1951

The City of Hohenwald announced that the State Highway Department agreed to furnish tile for the purpose of tiling the open ditch in front of the Court House and the side of the Veterans Memorial Building.

Charley Sims was wounded while fighting in Korea and was recovering in a hospital in Japan.

William J. Logan was promoted in the Army to the rank of Private First Class while stationed at Camp McCoy, WI.

Dust-laden clouds from the western plains caused a dust storm to fall upon the city on November 29. The Herald reported that the storm caused a “peculiar hue” in the air.

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Murphree, were named county winners in the “Rural Homelife Contest” sponsored by the Nashville Tennessean.

The “new” 1952 Pontiac was on display at Ray Pontiac Company.

Funeral services were held for William Overbey, 79.

Bob Lynch announced that the formal grand opening of his grocery store would be held on December 8 with 20 baskets of groceries valued at $3.00 each to be given away.

“South of Caliente,” starring Roy Rogers and Trigger, and “Girl from San Lorenzo,” starring Duncan Renaldo and Leo Carrillo, were the Friday and Saturday night films showing at the Strand Theatre.

December 07, 1961

Alfred “Slim” Pennington constructed a nuclear fallout shelter. The 12’ x 14’ shelter was constructed at a cost of about $600 and also served as a fruit and vegetable storage room. The Herald noted that to the best of their knowledge, Mr. Pennington’s shelter was the only shelter in the county at that time.

Reverend W. L. Swafford resigned his position as pastor of the First Baptist Church effective January 1 in order to accept a position in Lawrenceburg.

Local Cadets of the Civil Air Patrol were accompanied to Centerville by Lt. James Roden and Lt. and Mrs. Naymond Graves where they were each given a plane ride. Most of the members were also allowed to pilot the plane while it was in the air.

Leamon Stutts and Waymon Thomason, Jr. left for U.S. Army basic training.

The following men went to Nashville for their physicals before being inducted into service: Jerry Clayton, James Jones, Forrest Mathis, James Pollock, Austin Rasbury, James Reed, Jr., and Robert Vaughn.

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Fite were honored with a housewarming party hosted by Mrs. Ada Fite, Mrs. Clyde Floied, and Mrs. Edward Wix.

Funeral services were held for Mark Edwards, infant; and for Pearl Garland, 54.

“Everything’s Ducky,” starring Mickey Rooney and Buddy Hackett, and “Darby O’Gill and the Little People,” featuring a young Sean Connery, were the Saturday-night double feature shown at both the Highlands Drive-In and Strand Theatre.

December 09, 1971

Corinne Nelson of Lawrenceburg assumed the duties of County Health Nurse for Lewis County, replacing Roberta Patton who resigned in August 1971.

Charles Couch was elected Worshipful Master of the Hohenwald Masonic Lodge 607 F. & A. M.

Frankie Lawson received a letter of commendation for demonstrating extra effort and a professional attitude while working at the Air Route Traffic Control Center in Memphis.

Ernest Hensley, Jr. left for Fort Dix, New Jersey where he would be training with the National Guard.

Harold Smith was promoted to the Army rank of Specialist Four while stationed in Vietnam with the 5th Battalion 42nd Artillery.

Gregory Wise completed his tour of duty with the U.S. Army, including serving one year in combat in Vietnam, and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal with V Device with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Bronze Star.

Carl Smith received two certificates of appreciation, one from General Westmoreland and the other from President Nixon; and a letter of commendation from Ltc. Armor Commander Andred Anderson upon his discharge from the U.S. Army.

An exhibit of Christmas decorations and gift ideas sponsored by the Lewis County Home Demonstration Club was scheduled to be held on December 11, 1961 at the community room at Hohenwald Bank and Trust.

The Farm placed a full-page paid announcement entitled “What’s Happening with Those Beatniks in Summertown?” The announcement included quarterly financial reports, the number and type of crops yielded during their first harvest, and information about various aspects of their community including their origins, houses constructed, school programs, and entertainment. At the time of publication, 400 people lived on the Farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Walker announced the birth of their daughter, Candie Lynn.

Kenneth Kistler was honored for his birthday with a surprise party held at the home of Patricia Cantrell.

Funeral services were held for James Peeler, 81; and for Lula Weatherspoon, 79.

“A Fistful of Dollars,” starring Clint Eastwood, and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” starring Gene Wilder, were the Friday and Saturday night double feature at the Highlands Drive-In.

December 10, 1981

Sandra Thompson was presented a plaque in appreciation for her work as chairman of the Lewis County Community Service Council for the past two years.

The Lewis County P.T.O. purchased a panther costume to be used by the pep squad at L.C.H.S. The Panther costume was presented to Mac McLemore, sponsor of the cheerleaders, by David Arnold, P.T.O. Vice President. Also present for the donation was Janet Turner, School Board Chairman, and Bill Lynch, Principal.

Kenneth Jones completed Army basic training at Ft. Knox, KY and was assigned to Ft. Polk, LA.

Dawn Darden, a freshman at Bethel College, was elected by students to serve as a member of the college’s Homecoming Court for 1981.

Walt Thompson was among 28 lay persons appointed to the Medical Malpractice Review Board by Gov. Lamar Alexander.

Timmy Carroll placed first with his hound, Mike, in the Buffalo River Coon Hunt held on December 07.

The LCHS girls basketball team defeated Summertown with a score of 53 to 52. Denise Goodman led the team in scoring with 16 points.

Funeral services were held for Opal Hinson, 73; Ernest Seiber, 73; and for Theodore Talley, 77.

“Mommie Dearest,” starring Faye Dunaway, was the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night movie showing at the Highlands Drive-In Theatre.

December 05, 1991

“Christmas - A Celebration of Peace” was the theme for the 1991 Christmas Parade sponsored by the Jaycees.

Heavy rains fell in Lewis County over November 30 through December 02. A total of 11 6/10th inches fell, flooding many roads and causing Lewis County Schools to close.

Three inmates escaped from the Lewis County Workhouse. The jailer apparently was letting one of the inmates back into the jail cell when the three inmates jumped him, stole the keys to his truck, and escaped in the vehicle. One inmate was apprehended in Tallahasse, Florida; the other two were still at large as of presstime.

Pizza Hut announced it would open on December 9. The new restaurant was managed by Beverly Newcomb and would employ 44 local residents.

Naymond Graves was elected Worshipful Master of the Hohenwald Lodge 607, F. A. & M.

Jimmy and Kathy Jowers were featured in the Teacher Feature column.

A country music concert would be held at the Natchez Trace Wilderness Preserve on December 6. The event was sponsored by MGM Pacific Records and NACO. Proceeds would benefit needy families at Christmas.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Columbia Academy with a score of 65 to 59. Lee Burklow was the top scorer for the team with 22 points. The Lady Panthers defeated Columbia Academy with a score of 49 to 43. Brande Potts was the top scorer for the team with 16 points.

The following births were announced: Michael Curtis, son of Michael and Lisa Hankins; and Rheanna Lane, daughter of Talmadge and Deborah Bradley.

Janie Ellis was honored for her birthday with a surprise dinner held at the home of her daughter, Karen Jackson.

Funeral services were held for Brian Darnell, 19; and for Wavey Knighten, 78.

December 06, 2001

The Hohenwald City Council signed a proclamation declaring the week of December 16-22 as Lewis County Football week. The designation was to honor the Panthers who completed the season with a 12-1 record, playing in three extra season games. The City Council also voted to lower gas prices by approximately 22 percent effective January 2002.

An accident involving a school bus occurred on November 28. The bus was in the process of discharging students with lights activated when it was hit in the rear by another vehicle at the intersection of Highway 48 North and Keeton Road. There were no injuries reported of those riding on the bus. The driver who hit the bus was taken to Lewis Ambulatory Care Center to be treated for injuries sustained in the accident.

“Christmas in America” was the theme for the 2001 Christmas Parade.

Heavy rainfall caused flooding and extensive damage to roads and bridges throughout the county.

The LCHS Band was rated Superior at the State Division II Band Championship held in Nashville.

Christi Floyd was named Outstanding New Instructor at the Tennessee Technology Center at Hohenwald.

Pam Hinson was named Outstanding Support Staff at the Tennessee Technology Center at Hohenwald.

The LCHS Panthers defeated Riverside with a score of 80 to 79 in double overtime. Kyle Clayburn scored a record high of 42 points.

Lance Corporal Jerry Smith was departing for overseas duty in the Pacific, including Korea, Thailand, and Japan.

The following births were announced: Chandler Glenn, son of Dale and Shelly Hinson; and Patricia Lynn, daughter of Tim and Holly Jones.

Funeral services were held for Brad Frogue, 69; Howard Pope, 76; and for Susie Sealy, 91.

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.