Glimpses of Hohenwald's Past

June 18, 1953

The 1951-52 annual report made by the City of Hohenwald won top honors for “most original” in a state-wide competition sponsored by the Tennessee Municipal League.

Strong winds struck Hohenwald on June 13th, at about 3 p.m. “clearing the streets of dust, paper, and people” and leaving “them with broken limbs and twigs.”

Mrs. Cas Lomax discovered that the upper story of her home on West Linden Avenue was infested with copperheads when one of the snakes fell from a hole in the ceiling onto her kitchen floor.

D. W. Hensley was honored for his 73rd birthday with a surprise dinner held at his home.

Funeral services were held for Raymond Downey, 55; Joyce James, 20; and for Claude Voorhies.

“High Lonesome,” starring James Barrymore and Chills Wills, and “No Holds Barred,” starring the Bowery Boys, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Strand Theatre.

“The Bushwhackers,” starring John Ireland and Wayne Morris, and “Roadblock,” starring Joan Dixon and Charles McGraw, were the Friday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theater.

June 20, 1963

Postmaster M. Aileen Warf announced that effective July 1st residents would need to use the 38462 zip code on all their correspondence and to reduce the chance of mis-sent mail.

Due to the large number of complaints received by the city regarding the keeping of hogs within the city, the Mayor and City Council called for the enforcement of Ordinance 179. This ordinance, which was passed in 1942, prohibits the keeping of hogs within the municipality of Hohenwald, and provides a fine of not less than $2.00, nor more than $50.00 for violation of said law. The City of Hohenwald further stated that all hogs within the city limits were to be removed no later than July 1st. Violations that were not remedied within ten days would constitute a separate offense.

The LCHS football field was being rebuilt in preparation for the 1963 football season.

William Bates, Jr. completed nine weeks of basic naval training at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, CA.

Alec Petway caught a six-pound golden carp while fishing on the Buffalo River.

Edward Brackeen caught a six pound, three-ounce largemouth bass while fishing at Lee’s Lake.

The following births were announced: Timothy Dale, son of Mr. and Mrs. Blandell Bates; Evangalin Ann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clint Sisk; Kimberly Michele, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Sisco; and Brenda Lynn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Roberson.

Funeral services were held for Myrtle Warren, 78.

“Kid Galahad,” starring Elvis Presley, and “Hell is for Heroes,” starring Steve McQueen and Bobby Darin, were the Friday and Saturday movies showing at the Highlands Drive-In and Strand Theatre.

June 21, 1973

The South Central Tourism Association was formed to help tourist attractions, cities, and supportive retail capitalize on the tourism boom.

Construction began on forty additional low rent units by Hohenwald Housing Authority.

The Lewis County Health Department announced its relocation from the basement of the Lewis County Court House to 106 North Court Street.

A celebration was held at Neely’s Bend United Methodist Church to honor Reverend Joe Frazier for his 25 years of service in the ministry.

The following births were announced: Melvin Ray Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Johnston; and Sabrina Lynn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Keeton.

Funeral services were held for Mrs. James Bennett, 75; and for William McDonald, 73.

A half-gallon of ice milk cost $0.43 at Piggly Wiggly. Ground hamburger was $0.89 at Baxter’s Bestway. Thirty-three ounces of Tang was on sale at IGA for $1.19.

“The Single Girls,” starring Claudia Jennings and Jean Marie English, and “The Love Doctors,” starring Ann Jannin and Anne Acres, were the weekend movies shown at the Highlands Drive-In.

June 23, 1983

According to an Associated Press release, former Hohenwald Bank and Trust president Jerry Yokely and two Atlanta business men were indicted June 16th on criminal charges related to the Hohenwald Bank’s failure last September.

Bob Gafford announced that the F.D.I.C. approved the charter for a new bank in Hohenwald, the Lewis County Bank, tentatively set to open in early August 1983.

A 45-pound beaver was spotted on Main Street and tracked down to the yard of J. H. Warf on Court Street, where it was killed by the city police.

Mr. and Mrs. John Townsley were pictured with their 18-year-old Chihuahua that enjoying drinking Pepsi from a glass bottle and cup and was raised by a Siamese cat as a puppy.

Harold Frazier was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Duncan announced the birth of their daughter, Natalie.

Aaron Kelley was honored for his 75th birthday with a celebration attended by family and friends.

Funeral services were held for Mary Henson, 84; and for Gary Meislohn, 41.

“Valley Girl,” starring Nicolas Cage and Deborah Foreman, and “Malibu High,” starring Jill Lansing and Stuart Taylor, were the weekend movies showing at the Highlands Drive-in Theatre.

In statewide news: the implementation of picture driver licenses was delayed due to an injunction obtained in Chancery Court in Nashville.

June 24, 1993

Volunteer Healthcare Systems, Inc. announced that Perry Memorial Hospital and Lewis Community Hospital were approved to operate under one provider license number. This approval was made so that both hospitals could eliminate unnecessary and inefficient duplication of services.

The base of the gazebo-style band shell memorializing the 150th year of Lewis County was completed one week previously.

A reception was held at the Lewis County Senior Citizens building to honor Drs. Virender and Veena Anand for their 20 years of service to Lewis County.

Approximately 122 marijuana plants were confiscated by the Lewis County Sherriff’s Department from an undisclosed location.

Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus “Joe” Devore celebrated their 50th anniversary at their home in the Flatrock community.

The following births were announced: Kebrina Leann, daughter of Bennie and Kim Davis; and Jerrid Ryan, son of Joe and Sharon Ashmore.

Funeral services were held for Zula Lay, 71; Philip Louque, 75; Thomas McBride, 72; Cleo Matlock; and for Willie Talley, 70.

June 19, 2003

Benny Pace was named the new director of Lewis County Schools.

Sonic celebrated its 25th year in Hohenwald having first opened locally on June 15, 1978.

Diann O’Guin with the Lewis County Health Department received the South Central Region’s quarterly performance award for providing health checkups for children and teens served by TennCare.

Donnie Henderson grew a cabbage that weighed 10.53 pounds.

Vernalissi Walker was in the top 15 finalists in the America’s Rising Stars, a national Karaoke competition that had over 2,000 contestants.

Tommie Staggs was honored for her 90th birthday with a celebration held at the Hohenwald Depot.

Clifford and Nadine Turnbow celebrated their 50th anniversary with a reception attended by family and friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Steinman of Hohenwald celebrated their 50th anniversary with an event at Mary’s Church Life Center Hall in Monroe, MI.

Funeral services were held for Mary Bullion, 92; Adonis Creel, 77; Edwin Fitzgerald, Jr., 54; Virginia Prince, 61; and for Emily Skelton, 84.

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.