Freezin' for a Reason at this Year's Shiver at the River

Who knew that the Polar Plunge, last year’s fundraising event for the R.E.A.L. Hope Center will now be the “Shiver at the River” on January 1, 2011? The time this year will be 12:00 noon at the Paris Landing State Park Marina.

Tyson Soldier's Son Grew Up to be Mercury Astronaut

Who knew that Leroy Gordon Cooper, Sr.--the father of Mercury Astronaut "Gordo" Cooper--was a soldier at Camp Tyson? While Cooper was stationed at Camp Tyson, the family lived in Murray, where the future astronaut went to school. -Shannon McFarlin

Adults Only Holiday event at W. G. Rhea Library

Who knew there will be a Deck Your Shelves! Artists and Authors After-hours Holiday Event at W.G. Rhea Public Library, December 2, 2010 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The event features local artists and authors plus wine tasting and silent wine auction by Paris Winery and hor d'oeuvres by Friends of the Library. Must be 21 and older to attend.

Authors include David Hardin (After the War); Bill Haltom (Daddies: An Endangered Species); Carolyn Schriber (Beyond All Price); Rob Dalby (Piggy Wiggly series); Lee School Authors and Others.

Henry County Courts Tourists, and How!

Who knew that Henry County had $46.44 million dollars in tourism expenditures in 2009? (Source: Dr. Steve Morse, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tourism Institute)

Freeland Novel Recounts Birth of Radio and Shedding of Innocence in Small Town America After WW2

Who knew that Paris native Michael Freeland has just released his latest book, TIME AND THE RIVER, a companion to BLOOD RIVER TO BERLIN. TIME AND THE RIVER is more than a war story and survival. It talks of the birth of radio and of a country coming of age. It is a snapshot of rural and small town America in an innocent age, a time when many felt that war was romantic and then learned that it never is. For more information visit: http://www.bloodrivertoberlin.com. You can reach Mike at freelandco@hotmail.com.

"Quilts and Other Heirlooms" on Display at The Heritage Center

Who knew that the Paris Henry County Heritage Center is displaying "Quilts and Other Heirlooms" through November 6, 2010? They have a display dedicated to Dr. Henrietta Veltman, who practiced medicine in Henry County from 1910-1960 and delivered over 4,000 babies in the county . They have a unique display paying tribute to American Indians that is the handiwork of Ms. Helen Noa Teter. Mrs. Teter was the mother of Heritage Center volunteer Virginia Wagner. Virginia and her husband, Arthur, moved to Henry County in 2008 from Colorado and they are pleased to share these heirlooms . You are cordially invited to visit the Heritage Center to view this exhibit. Heritage Center hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday. - Becky Hedges

E.W. Grove School among top 10 recycling programs

Who knew that the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has selected E.W. Grove School as one of the 2010 Good Sports Always Recycle™ winners, making this program one of the top 10 recycling programs in the State of Tennessee!

Greenfest is Saturday, October 9

Who knew that everyone is invited to Green Fest 2010 Saturday, October 9th, from 10 am until 3 pm in downtown Paris. Greenfest is a joint effort among the Henry County Recycling Center, Henry County Litter Program, City of Paris, and the Downtown Paris Association. The free event will feature education and promotion of environmentally friendly technologies and ways for citizens and industry to reduce, reuse, and recycle to make Paris-Henry County a greener place to live. For more information go to http://www.henryco.com/greenfest/index.htm. - Gaines Hedges

Greenfest 2010 Recycling Center

Who knew you can bring all your recyclable materials to Greenfest 2010 in downtown Paris on Saturday, October 9 between 10 am and 3 pm. The Henry County Recycling Center will have containers there and even help you unload. - Becky Hedges.

Oktoberfest Coming October 2, 2010

Who knew that on Saturday, October 2nd the 28th annual Oktoberfest will take place at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Paris from 10 AM until 7 PM .Oktoberfest is a parish and community-wide festival to provide fellowship, participation, and enjoyment for all. For more information log on to http://www.holycrossparis.org/oktoberfest. - Becky Hedges.

Eye-Full of Paris Weekend Coming Soon!

Who knew that from Friday September 24th through Sunday, September 26th you get your fill of arts, music, dancing and great food. It’s music, it’s theater, it’s art, it’s the annual Eye-Full of Paris Weekend in historic Downtown Paris. Celebrating visual and performing arts, the event takes place the last full weekend each September and is sponsored by the Downtown Paris Association. For more information got to www.visitdowntownparis.com. - Becky Hedges

Keep in Touch with Events Calendar on MyParisMagazine.com

Who knew that myparismagazine has one of the best calendar of events around. To keep up with all the many activities in Paris and Henry County check out our calendar every day and don’t miss a thing going on in our busy community. And don’t forget to send your church or organization’s activities and events to sjones@myparismagazine.com.

Weastherford to Serve as Track Official for CMX

Who knew that the Combative Motorsports Xperience Tour (CMX) has announced that Mike Weatherford, owner of Mike's Mufflers in Paris and the DERBY MADNESS Demolition Derby Series and nationally recognized as one of the leaders in the world of demolition derby, has agreed to serve at the TRACK OFFICIAL for the CMX Event in Nashville on September 10. For more information go to: http://cmxtour.com/news_100828.htm. Submitted by Becky Hedges.

Altruism on the Rise in Henry County

Who knew that so far this year Henry Countians have made 1305 donations to the Blood Bank which is an increase of 84 compared to 2009! - Submitted by Becky Hedges.

Eyefull of Paris Weekend Last Full Weekend in September

Who knew that the Downtown Paris Association now has new banners all over the downtown area promoting Eyefull of Paris Weekend. It is always the last full weekend in September. A weekend full of arts, music, dancing and more! Submitted by Mike Key.

Noon on the Square Kicks Off Sept. 3

Who knew that the annual event “NOON on the Square” sponsored by Commercial Bank and Trust kicks off Friday September 3 on the court house lawn in historic downtown Paris. Henry County Project Graduation will be selling one of the Square Meal Deals featuring hot off the grill cheeseburgers, chips and dessert for only $5.00. The Downtown Paris Association will have soft drinks available for a donation to the downtown Christmas lighting fund. Henry County Medical Center will provide free blood pressure checks. Lunch starts at 11:00 a.m. Tommy Akers Band plays at noon. - submitted by Becky Hedges

New Law Office in Downtown Paris

Who knew that Katie Rhodes now has her law office over Paris on The Square in downtown Paris? - submitted by Gaines Hedges

Read a Book, for Free

Who knew there's a cool place in Paris that's renting out books for free: the W. G. Rhea Public library. Remember that place? Stop by and put your favorite book on reserve. - submitted by Becky Hedges.

Tyson Soldiers Strong on National Music Scene

Who knew that two men who became well-known in the national music scene were among the soldiers who were stationed at Camp Tyson?

Bill Pinckney, who later was a member of "The Drifters", was one of the soldiers who worked with the barrage balloons at the camp.

Dick Whitman was a member of the post band at the camp, which was under the direction of Tom Lonardo of Paris. Whitman later became a band leader of his own for many years, and after Jan Garber's death, Whitman became the leader of the Jan Garber Band. - submitted by Shannon McFarlin.

Elvis Presley Performed in Paris 55 Years Ago

On the anniversary of Elvis’s death, August 16, who knew Elvis Presley performed at the Paris City Auditorium on March 7, 1955? By Becky Hedges.

$6000 cool bucks for REAL Hope Center

Who knew over $6000 was raised for the R.E.A.L. Hope Center Saturday, July 31, at the Ice Cream Social in downtown Paris, with more money in to be turned in this week. Submitted by Gaines Hedges.

Blueberries Ripe for the Picking

Who knew that ripe, luscious blueberries are in season? Jean & I picked 5 gallons in two hours, Saturday. Submitted by Rick Owens. 

It's Tomato Time in Henry County, TN

Who knew that wonderful, home grown, juicy, tomatoes are coming in as we speak. Hopefully, the 2010 season will be long & full of Henry County tomatoes! Submitted by Rick Owens.

Garden Tour Raises Funds for Handbell Choir

Who knew that over six hundred dollars was raised for the Celebration Handbell Choir when Jimmy & Peggy Williams hosted a Garden Tour, at their home, Sunday. The fundraiser was for their three-performance tour of Eastern & Middle Tennessee, beginning July 7th. Submitted by Rick Owens.

Hundreds Honor War Dead

Who knew that over two hundred people took time out of their busy Memorial Day holiday weekend to come to the courthouse in Paris to honor those who sacrificed all so we could be free? Submitted by Rick Owens, May 31, 2010.

Boxing Club Fundraiser SATURDAY

Who knew that Representative Willie "Butch" Borchert was supplying and cooking the catfish at the Enoch building for a Saturday, May 22 fundraiser for the Boxing Club to go to the Nationals! Submitted by Rick Owens.

30 Years of Mind/Body Balance

Who knew that Paris Karate, located downtown in Paris, Tennessee, is celebrating thirty years in business? The goal then was to have people exercise their mind and body. The goal today is the same. Submitted by Rick Owens.

Eat 'Em While They're Fresh

Who knew that fresh, home grown strawberries are just about a thing of the past for 2010. I am gonna' hate when they are gone, but they sure have been good! Submitted by Rick Owens

Paris Home to Music Greats

Who knew that in the fifties & sixties famed concert pianists Nelson and Neal had their base of operations in Paris, Tennessee? They would spend the summer months here, scheduling their performances in the United States and Canada, then load their three children, their dog, their children's nanny, two concert grand pianos, their clothes, and themselves, all into a Bluebird motor home, and stay on the road for six to eight months. Submitted by Rick Owens.

The Gentle Rose Heralds Problems Early

Who knew that to treat diseases and fungi, before they have time to hurt your grape arbor, you plant a rose bush at each end of the row. The rose, not being as hardy as the grape, will show signs of the disease much, much earlier. Told to and submitted by Rick Owens, by Roger Ciarrocchi.

Famed Pianist Hailed from Paris.

Who knew that one half of the famous duo piano team of Nelson & Neal, Harry Neal, was born in Paris, and died here, at their Hudson Ave. home on September 15, 1968. Submitted by Rick Owens.

Generous Henry Countians Exceed Blood Donation Goal

Who knew that on Thursday, May 6th., 137 people donated the gift of life in Henry County. Our quota is 105 pints, so our donations were over 25 percent more for the month! Submitted by Rick Owens.

Local Artist Scotty Myatt Plays the Winery

Who Knew that on Saturday night, beginning at 5:00, Scotty Myatt, a home grown Parisian, brings his own style of soft rock and roll to The Paris Winery? Good food, good music, great atmosphere! Submitted by Rick Owens.

Sallie Hogan Randle Braved the Wilds of Henry County

Who Knew the first white woman settler in Henry County, Tennessee, was Sallie Hogan Randle? She was born October 5, 1796, and died May 27, 1869. She is buried in Clifty Cemetery about a mile off Hwy. 641 South on Clifty Road in Henry County. The two pictures I made recently are shown below. There are two headstones; one is the original and the other, more recent, one was placed there in her honor by Luzane Wynns Tayloe. I have also added these 2 pictures to her memorial page on the www.findagrave.com website. Submitted by Don Nichols.

Silver Dollar Destined to Reappear

Who knew that the newly opened Windfall Trading Post has a silver dollar embedded in the floor? Nearly 60 years ago, Douglas Anderson, co-owner and manager of Moore’s Grocery, expanded the store to include the storefront next door. When he had a new floor poured, he carefully sank a shiny silver dollar flush with the floor in front of the meat counter. Over the years, foot traffic wore the coin smooth. During the recent renovation, it was painted over, but it is near the swinging doors to the kitchen and will reappear soon as the paint wears off. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Owens was Batting Champ in 1959

Who knew that in 1959 Dennis Owens was the Babe Ruth batting champion. He had a season average of .560 and barely beat out Billy Mitchell for the crown. Dennis played for Salant and Salant. Submitted by Rick Owens.

Paris Rocked with Peterik in 1974

Who knew that Jim Peterik (Survivor, Ides of March, etc.) and his band (at the time called the Chi-Town Hustlers) played warm up for Bill Chase in June 1974 at the Skyview Drive In Theater in Paris? I was there and have autographs. Rick Conger.

Jack & Joanie Jones were 2001Mardi Gras Ball Royalty

Who knew that before the Heritage Center Mardi Gras Ball was instituted in 2008, a much smaller Mardi Gras Ball was held in a local residence for several years, beginning in 1999? This became an annual event and was so much fun, it was later expanded into the area wide fundraiser just recently held at The Paris Convention Center. The King and Queen of the 2001 Mardi Gras Ball were Jack and Joanie Jones. As the picture below indicates, they made a regal royal couple. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Puryear Roller Mill was Henry County's "Belle" & "Pride"

Who Knew about the Puryear Roller Mill, which was in operation in Puryear, Tennessee in the 40's and 50's ? The two main items they produced was "Belle of Puryear Flour" and "Pride of Puryear Meal". My mother & dad, Myrtice & Alfred Nichols, sold those two products in our grocery store on Route 5, a few miles from Paris, during that time period. I still have a picture that was given to us by Puryear Roller Mill, as a token of appreciation. The picture is in a metal frame with a small thermometer in the upper right corner. A scanned image of the picture is shown below. Notice the phone number, which indicates it was many years ago. Submitted by Don Nichols.

Bleach Cream Promised to Take Your Breath Away!

Who knew that the Paris Toilet Company ran an ad in the June 1927 issue of the "Peoples Home Journal" with a coupon good for a free test jar of the new Golden Peacock Tonic Face Powder? Source: MagazineArt.org. Submitted by Don Nichols (click the photo for a larger version).

Nancy Hall Jubilee Preceded Mule Day and Fish Fry

Who knew that the second Nancy Hall Jubilee in 1939 was a spectacular affair? Nancy Hall was the favorite sweet potato variety grown here and this festival celebrated that crop. The picture below shows the cover of the program for the event. Miss Ann Abernathy reigned as Queen Nancy II for the 3 day celebration. The climax was the Coronation Ball at the brand new City Auditorium. It was to begin at 10 p.m. with music by Don Bestor, Jack Benny’s radio orchestra, followed by a grand march and beauty review to select the Queen for 1940. Tennessee Governor Prentice Cooper would crown the Queen. Dancing was to continue until 2:00 a.m. The Nancy Hall Jubilee was later replaced by Mule Day (which also began in 1938) and then by the World’s Biggest Fish Fry in 1953. Source – Nancy Hall Jubilee Program for 1939, and The PI Post Mortems column by Bryant Williams April 22, 1991. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Weather Forecaster Seldom Fumbled

Who knew that when weather forecasts were much less reliable than today, kids enjoyed predicting their own weather? A small plastic house with two doors featured a boy and girl in the left doorway and a witch in the right one. If the witch emerged from her door, rain was predicted. Appearance of the boy and girl meant that fair weather was on the way. It was surprisingly accurate! The picture below shows a 1949 vintage device predicting rain. This was on the wall in my room for years when I was a kid. Source - Ray Harding. 

Kids Club Challenge Provided Baseball Glove

Who knew that in the late 1940’s, the Paris Royal Crown Bottling Company manager Paul Perry partnered with the new WTPR radio station to host a Saturday morning kids club? The program was broadcast live from the bottling plant at 222 W. Wood St. and Fentress (now has a train mural). The MC was a WTPR announcer and may have been Ralph Emery. They held a contest for the most RC bottle caps collected. My dad was a wholesale grocery salesman and I emptied every bottle cap catcher in country stores in parts of Henry, Stewart, and Benton Counties. Sorting the caps was a sticky mess, but I won the grand prize; a baseball glove which I used in my Little League years. Source – Remembrances of Margery (Mrs. Paul) Perry and Ray Harding. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Wrestling was Much-loved Pasttime

Who knew that, forty-one years ago, the local Shrine Club sponsored weekly wrestling matches at the Paris City Auditorium. I was always there, I loved it. This poster was from 1969, admission was $1.25. The lady wrestlers on this card became two of the best in the nation in the 70's. Submitted by Don Nichols.

Retreads Helped Cars Look and Run Well

Who knew that before the advent of radial tires, tire treads would wear out with much lower mileage than today. When I drove a $100 car to high school, a new set of tires would have almost doubled my investment. If the sidewalls were good, Adams Tire and Recapping (located at 401 Wood St. across from the current Fire Station) could bond a set of new treads on my old tires very inexpensively. These usually held up well. Dressed up with a set of recaps, “Portawalls” (fake white sidewalls) and “Spinner” hubcaps, my 1947 Ford looked good to me. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Atkins Porter School Nourished Kids with Aid of Lee

Who knew that Atkins Porter school was opened for the first time in 1915? Grades 5,6,7, and 8 were taught at that time. Since there was no cooking equipment there, soup prepared at Robert E. Lee School was transported to Atkins Porter each day. Students were charged 5 cents per bowl. This arrangement continued for several years. Source – Article by Gini Burton Routon, pp. 146-147, A History of Henry County Tennessee, E Mcleod Johnson. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Early Employment Instills Lasting Values

Who knew that a high school girl hired for Christmas season in the early 60’s at a local Five and Ten would be warned that she could be “paid in hard candy” if she did not sell enough of it, and that the money in the register had to be stacked so that the “Georges faced the street”? However, to my surprise, on pay day I was paid in cash in a little brown sack just like everyone else.

My boss taught me not to fold my arms as I worked so that I would appear to be ready for the next customer. I learned to ask for check approval for everyone, but I trusted my own judgment anyway if the customer was a local celebrity. When a customer paid in cash, I had to count out the change from the amount of purchase, since there were no computers to calculate everything for me.

I learned during inventory that every item, including the tiny bottles of Blue Waltz perfume, had to be counted -- even if their value seemed negligible to me -- and that a big part of inventory was cleaning the stock and straightening the shelves.

I have had many jobs since that first one, but not one has taught me more about work nor has offered me occasional free candy as one of the perks. Source - personal recollections; submitted by Helen Harding Henderson.

Punch Board Chance Preceded Lottery

Who knew that in the 1940’s and ‘50’s you could do some small time gambling at most country stores in this area? A “punch board” would be positioned near the cash register. You could pay 5 cents to punch a piece of paper from one of the hundreds of sealed holes in the board (actually thick cardboard). Colorful text promised a chance to win up to $5.00. The board in the picture below displayed some of the potential winnings. They were not exactly legal, but I think punch boards finally faded away more from lack of interest than from any law enforcement crack-down. Submitted by Ray Harding.