Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

May 28, 1953

D.D. Humphreys, Jr. was appointed U.S. Commissioner for the Middle District of Tennessee by Judge Elmer Davies.

The Herald reported that rabid dog went on a rampage. According to reports, a hound dog escaped from his pen and bit approximately 15 other dogs. The dog was immediately killed and the head taken to Nashville where it was it tested positive for rabies. The newspaper urged residents to keep their dogs vaccinated and penned up and re-published laws concerning rabies-infected animals.

Dalton Beatty completed Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base.

William B. Richardson was named “Soldier of the Month” with Battery C of the 2nd Division’s 3rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion in Germany.

James Mayberry arrived in Korea for duty with the 25th Infantry Division.

Funeral services were held for John Kimble, 71; William Love, 74; and for Stella Thompson, 82.

“Girl in Every Port,” starring Groucho Marx and William Bendix, and “Prairie Roundup,” starring Charles Starrett and Smiley Burnette, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

“The Lusty Men,” starring Susan Hayward and Robert Mitchum, and “Block Busters,” starring the East Side Kids, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theater.

May 29, 1963

James Holley resigned as LCHS basketball coach to assume a position at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL.

The Lewis County Civic Club announced that their 5th annual horse show would be held July 19 at Memorial Park.

Hattie Grimes was recognized for 20 years of service at Genesco.

John Barber qualified to compete in the State golf tournament.

Funeral services were held for Woodford Grover, 50; Lakin Lindsey, 75; and for Walter Smith, 85.

Chuck roast was $0.35 a pound at Seaton’s Bi-Rite, and bacon was $0.49 a pound. Lemons were $0.39 a dozen at Piggly Wiggly.

“Samar,” starring George Montgomery, and “Go Naked in the World,” starring Gina Lollobrigida and Ernest Borgnine, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In and Strand Theatre.

May 31, 1973

A torrential rain storm on May 27 did much damage over the county, washing out bridges and roads, flooding and washing vegetable gardens and fields.

Steve Johnson and Glenda Mitchell were awarded $20 checks as winners in the MLEC annual essay contest.

Dr. Jerry Turner was the youngest person to hold the position of Governonor-Elect for the Area Six of the South Georgia District of Civitan International. Turner was also the youngest Lieutenant Governor in the District, an office he had served in during the previous year. Records were being checked to see if he had set an age record for the entire international civic organization.

Ross Corlew was elected Commander of the American Legion Post 127.

Joyce Haley and Tracy Humphrey were selected to attend Volunteer Girls State.

A two-pound jar of Kraft grape jelly was on sale at Baxter’s Bestway for $0.49. Strawberries were $0.69 at IGA. A five-pound bag of sugar was on sale at Piggly Wiggly for $0.59.

“Walking Tall,” starring Joe Don Baker, was the weekend movie shown at the Highlands Drive-In.

June 2, 1983

Local veterans stood one hour watches during a 24-hour vigil held on Memorial Day to honor prisoners of the Viet Nam war that was missing in action.

An article was published about the history of the then-abandoned Hohenwald Speedway on Linden Hwy. The racetrack was built by R.M. Lee and opened in 1951. The quarter-mile track closed in 1965 due to lack of community interested and complaints from customers at the next-door drive-in theater.

James Griner was presented with a 36-years’ service award pin and a letter of appreciation for his faithful service to the Postal Service.

Terry Best completed Navy recruit training at Great Lakes, IL.

Tommy James caught a 6.75-pound largemouth bass while fishing in a private lake.

George and Patricia Lattner announced the birth of twin daughters, Rebecca Arlene and Susan Renee.

Charles Ware was honored for his birthday with a dinner held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Brown.

Funeral services were held for Evelyn Devore, 60; Vivian Peters, 47; and for Lula Shoate, 88.

“Screwballs,” starring Peter Keleghan and Kent Deuters, was the weekend movie showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

June 3, 1993

Natchez Trace Parkway Superintendent Dan Brown announced that nine additional miles of the parkway would be open to traffic on June 9. This nine-mile section would extend the parkway from Hwy 46 near Leipers Fork to Hwy 96.

Scott Sisco, driving an Allison racing craft owned by Bill McClain, took first place in the Super Stock 3 race held on May 23 in Winchester, TN.

A ribbon cutting was held May 28 at Thom and Gerry’s on Main Street.

The following sixth grade students won the D.A.R.E. essay contest and a $50 savings bond: Brianne Amacher, Carson Johnston, Sonya Miller, and Jacki Savell.

Local stylists at the Just Hair Salon donated time on May 20 to help the Lions Club raise funds to benefit their eye sight program by participating in a cut-a-thon. $255 was raised in the benefit.

David Sublett completed Army basic training at Fort Jackson, SC.

David Pope, Jr. caught a three-pound smallmouth bass while fishing on Swan.

Funeral services were held for Sylvia Barber, 56; Maggie King, 73; Minnie Smith, 78; and for Norman Woods, 78.

May 29, 2003

The 21st Judicial District Drug Task Force, aided by members of the Hohenwald Police Department and Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, arrested 20 people on May 23 with 36 drug-related charges. More arrested were pending.

Deepwoods Realty & Auction was featured in the Chamber Spotlight column.

Eddie Deavers retired from Eaton Corporation after 40 years of continuous service.

Eaton Corporation recognized the following employees for continuous service with their company: Randy Hill, 25 years; Frank Wills, 25 years; B. T. Hinson, 15 years; Ray Frederick, 15 years; Jimmy Hinson, 15 years; Ronnie O’Guin, 15 years; Mike Pace, 15 years; Todd Webb, 15 years; Elton Fowlkes, 10 years; Tracy Hendrix, 10 years; Sam Keeton, 10 years; and A. D. Underhill, 10 years.

Travis and Krista Hinson announced the birth of their daughter, Kaitlyn Grace.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Wedel celebrated their 70th anniversary with a celebration hosted by family and friends.

Funeral services were held for James Jett, 72.

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.