Glimpses of Hohenwalds Past

November 20, 1952

Mayor W.C. Keaton announced the publication and release of an Annual Report which would be mailed to all city water customers. This was the first report of this type ever published by the City.

Ernest Rasbury replaced Reverend Byron Webb as temporary acting postmaster at the local office until a permanent replacement was made.

A resident was arrested on a whiskey charge for the third time in less than a year. The newspaper reported that evidence was difficult to obtain because by the time city police could gain entrance to the home during raids, “the evidence has usually been poured down the sink drain.”

“Lewis County Calling,” a weekly program on Lawrenceburg radio station WDXE 1370 was scheduled to be aired on November 20. The program featured musical renditions by LCHS students, school and sporting activity news, and participation in varying ways by many clubs within the LCHS student body.

Buster Sales won the turkey given away in a drawing held by the local VFW.

Malcolm Rose was serving with the Navy in Korean waters.

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

“Slaughter Trail,” starring Brian Donlevy and Virginia Grey; and “Gun Smoke Range,” starring Whip Wilson and Rand Brooks, were the Friday and Saturday double feature showing at the Strand Theatre. A showing of the exploitation film “Sex Madness” was advertised for November 20th at 9:45 p.m.

November 22, 1962

State Trooper Paul Hedge and Lewis County Deputy Sheriff Henry Garrison apprehended three escaped convicts, who had just pulled an armed robbery 30 minutes prior at a liquor store in the Fairview Community.

Chuck Stowe was named most valuable player of the Blanket Bowl which was held in Springfield. He scored two of three touchdowns for the Panthers and ended the game with a total of 157 yards gained in 18 carries. Hohenwald lost the game.

T.H. Johns killed a 16.5-pound bobcat behind Charlie Anderson’s house just outside the city limits on Linden Hwy.

The Lewis County Junior Chamber of Commerce voted to give an annual Most Valuable Player award to the outstanding football player each year on the Panther squad. The award would be based on all-around play, sportsmanship, and leadership ability.

The LCHS girls basketball team defeated Mt. Pleasant with a score of 38 to 25. Janie Spears led the team in scoring with 14 points.

General Shoe connected a record player to the factory’s intercom system so that music could be played at various times during the day.

Mr. and Mrs. Logan Grover announced the birth of their daughter, Kimberly Lynn.

T.T. Talley was honored for his 66th birthday with a surprise dinner.

Funeral services were held for Walter Meece, 57; and for George Smith, 75.

“Geronimo,” starring Chuck Connors and Kamala Devi, and “Scream of Fear,” starring Susan Strasberg and Ronald Lewis, were the Friday and Saturday double feature shown at both Highlands Drive-In and Strand Theatres.

November 23, 1972

According to a report released by the Division of Local Finance of the State Comptroller’s Office, the property tax in Lewis County was lower than in most counties in Tennessee. The tax rate was $2.10 for each $100 of assessed value. The report also stated that the largest portion of property tax went for school purposes.

The LCHS basketball team defeated Summertown with a score of 49 to 48. Dwight Cotham and led the team in scoring with 19 points.

The LCHS Pantherettes defeated Summertown with a score of 46 to 43. Michelle Berwick was the top scorer with 26 points.

The following births were announced: Rhonda Jo, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie O’Guin; Timothy Lynn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Holt; and Julie Dianne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Tanner.

Funeral services were held for Percy Bullion, 69; and for William Johnston.

“Born Losers,” starring Tom Laughlin, Elizabeth James and Jane Russell; and “Evil Knievel,” starring George Hamilton and Sue Lyon, were the Friday and Saturday night movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In.

November 18, 1982

Mayor Philip Griner signed a proclamation naming November 18, 1982 as the day of the Great American Smokeout in Hohenwald.

Highway Commissioner Finley Brown died after wrecking his vehicle on Buffalo Road. It was believed that Mr. Brown suffered a heart attack causing him to lose control of the car and wreck.

LCHS Panther football team won the Bell Buckle Lions Bowl after defeating Cascade High School with a score of 7 to 0. Paul Rawdon was named offensive player of the game, and Barry Tennison was named defensive player.

Charles Hudgins, National Guard, completed basic and AIT training at Fort Jackson, SC.

Mrs. Willie Reeves was honored for her birthday with a surprise dinner.

Aslee Cotham was honored for her 92nd birthday with a dinner held at Memorial Park.

Glenn Melton caught 30 raccoons, the largest weighing 32.5 pounds, while hunting with his brother, Jim, in West Branch, MI.

Brutus Rex, a boxer owned and trained by Danny McKnight, took second place in the Obedience Trials held at Bear Creek Pike Kennels in Columbia, TN.

Aslee Cotham celebrated her 92nd birthday with a dinner held at Memorial Park.

Funeral services were held for Alma Brewer, 59; Finley Brown, 68; Leonard Jackson, 73; Emma Kilpatrick; Stephanie Lee, 6; and for Jewell Moore, 64.

“Incubus,” starring John Cassavetes, John Ireland and Kerrie Keane, was the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday movie showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

November 19, 1992

The Lewis County Commission elected Ronnie Darnell to fill the vacancy in the Highway Commissioner position that was created by the unexpected death of Joe B. Turnbow.

Shirley Barnes was selected as Grand Marshall of the 1992 Christmas parade.

Hubert Lankford was named the E.B. Dyer, Sr. Conservation Farmer of the Year at the annual banquet of the Lewis County Soil Conservation District.

The annual community Thanksgiving service was planned for November 22 at General Assembly and Church of the First Born. Pastor Paul Inman, Highland Church of God, would serve as guest speaker for the event.

Pamela Brown was featured in the Teacher Feature column.

John Risner and Samantha Turnbow were chosen as People of the Week at LCMS.

Lonnie Matthew attended an advanced BMW racing school in Sebring, FL.

The following births were announced: Kyle Dallen, son of Billy and Rita Keeton; Logan Matthew, son of Tommy and Susan Wochna; and Matthew Wendell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed McClain.

Funeral services were held for Demps Goodman, 82; and for Herbert Kalm, 63.

November 21, 2002

Don James, VP, Universal Forest Products visited Hohenwald on November 15 to inform employees of the closing of the wall panel plant and truss plant.

Lewis County Historical Society demolished four buildings on South Maple Street as part of the museum expansion project. The buildings were built in the 1940s and purchased by the Historical Society in the 1990s.

Lewis County received a grant to serve preschool three and four-year old children in a twelve-month program known as Even Start.

Richard W. Booz was selected to be the Grand Marshall for the Christmas parade.

James Graham was named Conservationist of the Year at the annual Lewis County Soil Conservation District awards banquet.

Jimmy Kimble was honored with a retirement reception at Hohenwald Church of Christ Family Life Center to commemorate his 30 years of service with the State of Tennessee.

The annual community-wide Thanksgiving service was scheduled for November 27 at the Community Building in Memorial Park.

Ronnie Frazier and his dog, C.J., were first place winners in the Lewis County Jaycees’ raccoon hunt held on November 9. Jeremy Carroll and his dog, Dutchess, won second place; and Robert Ashworth and his dog, Ace, won second place.

The LCHS Panthers football team defeated Riverside with a score of 22 to 0 in a quarterfinal matchup. David Sharp completed 3 of 4 passes for 32 yards with Brad Kellogg making all three grabs.

The LCHS Panthers basketball team defeated Camden with a score of 66 to 41 in a Hall of Fame game. John Lavett and Johnny Mendez tied for top scorer with 16 points each.

The following births were announced: Jayden Renee, daughter of Barry and Robin Hinson; Dylan Lee, son of Shanon and Robbie Hooks; and Odessa Mae, daughter of Jody Van Gieson and Sarah Martin.

Funeral services were held for Joe Buie, 78; Jones “Ham” Defoe, 82; Margie Reed, 53; David W. Seiber, Sr., 43; and for James “Randy” Williams, 42.

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.