Who Knew?

Annie Moses Band Coming to Paris First Baptist Church

2011-01-27T03:54:00.001-08:00

Who knew that the Annie Moses Band was coming to Paris First Baptist Church Sunday night, January 30 for a free concert at 6:00 pm? They will also be participating in the morning worship service. For more information about the Annie Moses Band go to www.anniemosesband.com

Free Kindle Downloads at Your Library

2011-01-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

Who knew you could get FREE Kindle downloads on the W.G. Rhea Library FaceBook page?

Henry County Helping Hand Radio Auction Begins Soon

2011-01-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

Who knew that the 2011 Henry County Helping Hand radio auction signs on the air Monday, January 10 at 12:30 pm. Listen at AM 710 WTPR …it begins on Saturdays at 12:00 noon. Monday through Friday it begins at 12:30 pm. Attend in person at the Enoch Building inside the Henry County Fairgrounds. The number to call and bid is 644-1695. Ring those phones for the Helping Hand! - Becky Hedges

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

2010-12-06T02:17:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-09T06:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-01T17:50:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-21T08:36:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-21T02:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-16T03:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-05T05:48:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-03T19:09:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-17T03:10:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-05-15T02:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-13T01:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-12T04:28:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-15T03:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-19T07:05:00.000-08:00

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"

2010-02-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-30T02:56:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-26T20:02:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-25T21:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-22T19:57:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-19T03:31:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-12T00:37:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-06T00:38:00.000-08:00

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.

Grips held everything from toiletries to treats

2009-12-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

Who knew that the old time railroad men carried their toiletries, clothes and time papers in real macho overnight cases? Made of galvanized sheet steel, the “grips” as they were called had iron hinges, hasps for locking, and wooden handles. The one pictured below was probably fabricated in the L&N Sheet Metal Shop. John (Pete) Davis, L&N engineer for 50 years, always carried one of these to work. Upon his return from his run to Clarksville, his grandchildren remember looking forward to getting chewing gum from his grip. Source – Johnnie Davis Bickerstaff (granddaughter of John Davis). Submitted by Ray Harding.

Outstanding Alabama Athlete Enjoying Retirement in Paris

2009-12-28T21:25:00.000-08:00

Who knew that Paris resident Laurien “Goobie” Stapp was on Paul “Bear” Bryant’s first football team at Alabama? Alabama native Stapp had declined Bryant’s offer to play for him at Texas A&M, preferring to play at Alabama. By Stapp’s freshman year, Bryant had moved to Alabama. Stapp played outstanding varsity ball for Bryant in 1958, '59, and '60. Weighing in at 160 pounds, he played quarterback, kicker, and offensive and defensive positions usually played by larger men. After a short time with the Baltimore Colts in 1961, Bryant called Stapp back to Alabama to coach the freshman team. One of the players he coached (apparently successfully) was future football legend Joe Namath. Today, Laurien is an avid hunter, but he also enjoys quiet pursuits including the creation of pottery at Lee Academy for the Arts. Source – Laurien Stapp; submitted by Ray Harding.

Treasured Hand Bell Now Housed at Lee School

2009-12-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

Who knew that Lee School Principal Miss Charlie McGehee used an old time school hand bell to signal the end of each recess period? Now mounted on a wooden base with a descriptive brass plaque, the bell is a treasured memento that has been handed down to Miss Charlie's nephew, Dr. Larry McGehee. After Dr. McGehee’s passing, his widow Betsy donated the bell to the Lee School Association. It is now on display in Room 2, which had been Miss Charlie’s office. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Old Fashioned Christmas Toy Lands

2009-12-22T19:30:00.001-08:00

Who knew that before shopping centers and “big box” stores, the selection of toys in local stores was limited during most of the year? Every year, from after Thanksgiving until year end, several Paris stores would stock a wide variety of toys and display them in special areas called “toy lands”. In addition to the toys for sale, there would be decorated trees, lots of cotton batting, and Santa. The toy land on the second floor of J.C. Penney was smaller, but in my memory similar to the display in the department store in the movie “A Christmas Story” (You’ll shoot your eye out, kid), which was set in the 1940’s. Submitted by Ray Harding.

The Meaning of Christmas

2009-12-21T21:10:00.000-08:00

Who knew that a long-standing Christmas tradition at Lee School was for students to bring gifts of non-perishable food? The gifts were wrapped in white tissue paper and placed under a large Christmas tree set up at the “T” in the hall. When school was out for the holidays, the food was distributed by a method not divulged to us. Principal Miss Charlie McGehee was always aware of the home situation of students and I always assumed she had the food delivered to school families in need. Source - Ray Harding.

BurmaShave Travel Games

2009-12-20T15:03:00.000-08:00

Who knew the background of the old Burma Shave signs? Beginning in the mid-1920’s, a brushless shaving cream was advertised by jingles on a series of five or six small red road signs spaced about 200 feet apart, so they had to be read individually. The last sign was always the company name (see picture). The company did not use professional jingle writers; they got them through national contests, awarding $100 for each one used. Some years they would get 50,000 entries. By the time I was old enough to read them, the product was waning, but the signs were still entertaining on the way to Memphis. One I remember is: “WITHIN THIS VALE / OF TOIL / AND SIN / YOUR HEAD GROWS BALD / BUT NOT YOUR CHIN / Burma Shave. A group of signs with this jingle is preserved at the Smithsonian as a cultural icon. Source – The Verse by the Side of the Road, by Rowsome. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Age is a Matter of Perspective

2009-12-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

Who knew that Mrs. Ethel Osteen Humphreys (subject of a recent Who Knew) was director of the Methodist Youth Fellowship program at First Methodist Church in the late 1950’s? Under her leadership, MYF was fun and the “place to be” on Sunday night for many of us teenagers. We thought she was fairly “cool” for an elderly person. A quick calculation now shows that she was around 47 at the time; it’s all a matter of perspective. Submitted by Ray Harding.

1930 Miss Tennessee/America's Sweetheart Contestant Hailed from Paris

2009-12-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

Who knew that 19-year old Ethel McFadden (Osteen Humphreys) was chosen “Miss Tennessee” on the stage of the Capitol Theater on Feb. 14, 1930, from a field of 17 local beauties?. Little Miss Anne Blanton (Crosswy) served as a junior assistant in the event. Since other contests in Tennessee had not been held on time, officials decided that the winner of our local contest would represent the state in the “America’s Sweetheart” contest in Miami. Miss McFadden traveled to Miami by train and was treated to 4 days of parties, banquets, and balls leading up to the big pageant. Source- Bryant Williams’ Post Mortems Vol. 2. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Early Innovations

2009-12-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

Who knew that In the late 1940’s, to me, the most interesting thing in the J.C. Penney Store was not the merchandise, but their "Rube Goldberg" method of handling money? When making a sale, the clerk would put the ticket and money in a small wheeled carrier which traveled on a wire. A sharp tug on a rope would propel the carrier to the cashier on the mezzanine. Change would be returned to the clerk by letting the carrier roll down the wire by gravity. There were multiple sales stations, each connected to the cashier by such a system. Watching the carriers speed back and forth was fascinating. Below is a 1917 ad for a similar system. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Lee School Beautified in 1930s

2009-12-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

Who knew that Lee School was refurbished in the late 1930's with the help of "Public Works Project" funds? The picture below shows a freshly painted building, tin roof, and the beloved spiral slide fire escapes. The car in the foreground is a 1930's vintage Pontiac. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Chamber of Commerce Features Local Artists

2009-12-05T01:34:00.000-08:00

Who Knew that the Chamber of Commerce on the Lake Highway has a rotating art exhibit courtesy of members of the Tennessee River Fine Arts League. This month's featured artist is Ann Stapp. See more of Ann's work on River of Art at MyParisMagazine.com. Who Knew! Submitted by Susan Jones using a press release from the artist.

Entertainment was Cheap

2009-12-04T04:17:00.000-08:00

Who knew that during the Great Depression of the 1930’s, local movie theaters used a promotion called “Pal Nights” (one pal was free) to increase attendance? Also there were “Bank Nights” featuring a whopping $25 jackpot, and on other nights there would be a drawing for a set of dishes. Also in the ‘30’s, before the City Auditorium was built, the stage at the Capitol Theater was used for vaudeville shows, beauty reviews, and Miss Ruby Krider’s speech contests. Source – Mrs. Norma Clayton; submitted by Ray Harding.

Good for what ails you

2009-12-02T19:30:00.001-08:00

Who knew that in the late 1940’s, the demand for a modern elixir called Hadacol bordered on mania? Manufactured by Louisiana politician Dudley LeBlanc, the tonic contained vitamins, minerals, honey, and 12% alcohol (same as wine). Thanks to Mr. LeBlanc’s road shows, promotion, and maybe the alcohol, Hadacol gained the reputation of being “good for what ails you”. Locally, sales were brisk. Meals Drug store would order 12 cases (of 24 bottles) at a time and would sell out in less than 2 weeks. A crossroads store near Springville was named Hadacol City due to the hoopla. Pictured below is a vintage Hadacol bottle (full) from the period. Source – Beverly Meals Wood. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Who knew why soap operas were so named?

2009-11-30T22:17:00.000-08:00

Who knew that in order to maintain soap sales during the depression, Proctor and Gamble, Lever Brothers, Colgate Palmolive, and others began to sponsor daily 15 minute radio serials aimed at homemakers? These “soap operas” proliferated. By the start of WWII, there were 64 of theses “soaps” on the radio across the country. During the War, they advertised some products that would not even be available until the war’s end. In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, I could be playing anywhere outside and hear the theme songs from the same program coming through the open windows most of the neighboring homes, punctuated by static created by the ladies’ electric irons. Source - Museum of Broadcast Communications Website and Ray Harding’s recollections.

Beef Clubs Kept Families in Meat

2009-11-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

Who knew that before home refrigeration was available, farmers could have fresh beef year-round through “Beef Clubs"? In the 1930’s, a Mr. Pemberton who lived west of Como ran one such club. Each month, all 12 members would gather at his barn to butcher one cow contributed by a member. The meat would be divided evenly among members so that during the course of a year, each member would have contributed a cow and would have received all cuts of meat in a cow. Source- Mr. Roy Freeman. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Waste Not, Want Not

2009-11-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Who knew that in a more thrifty era, leaky pots, pans, and wash tubs were repaired, not discarded? In 1907, the Collette Mfg. Co. in Amsterdam, New York, began marketing “Mendets” to repair such leaks. The kit consisted of small washers, gaskets, nuts, bolts, and a triangular “reamer wrench”. A staple in Henry County country kitchens as far back as I can remember, demand for Mendet kits has waned, but they are still around. Yep, this week I found the one pictured below at Wallin Hardware! Source, Amsterdam (NY) Daily Gazette, and recollections of Ray Harding.

Heron in a Hurry Wins Twice

2009-11-23T01:57:00.000-08:00

Who knew that Snap It!'s June 24 winner also just made the wall at the Paris Landing Hotel...winning first place in the Paris Landing State Park & "The Friends of Paris Landing” 2009 Fall Photo Contest?

"Oscar" in Paris Schoolboy Memories

2009-11-21T01:53:00.000-08:00

Who knew that in the 1950's, long before the Chia Pet, a similar toy that we called "Oscar" was popular. Made of porous ceramic in the shape of a human head there were grooves in the scalp and a hole for adding water. Grass seeds were planted in the grooves and the moisture seeping from inside would sprout the seeds, giving Oscar a green head of hair. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Curb Service at 50's Drugstores

2009-11-16T20:28:00.001-08:00

Who knew that in the 1950’s downtown drugstores offered "curb service" from their soda fountains. Many remember, parking in front of Sullivan’s or Fry’s drug stores on Sunday afternoon and honking the horn. A clerk would come to the car, take the order and deliver it to the car. Source - Ed Martin, Brenda Carter, and Joan Looney. Submitted by Ray Harding.

First Graders Packed WW2 Care Packages

2009-11-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

Who knew that, in 1947, Miss Valentine Cooper’s first grade class at Lee School packed individual Care packages for people in war-torn Europe? The small packages were not much bigger than a cigarette carton and were packed with items from a list supplied by the Care organization. The only items I remember are Lifebuoy soap, toothpaste, chewing gum and a small toy. I sent an inexpensive “jet car” powered by a balloon. I wondered if the child who received it would know how to use it. I remember that the boxes gave off the pungent scent of the red soap. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Grove High School Alma Mater

2009-11-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

Who knew that the Grove High School Alma Mater was borrowed from Cornell University’s alma mater “Far Above Cayuga’s Waters”? Miss Lamar Roberts adapted the lyrics for our school:

Far above the noisy bustling
Of our busy town,
Framed against the arch of heaven,
Proudly she looks down.
Lift the chorus, speed it onward,
Loud her praises cry,
Hail to thee our Alma Mater,
Hail, all hail Grove High.
- Submitted by Ray Harding

Grit Columnist Tied to Paris! Magazine

2009-11-12T22:53:00.000-08:00

Speaking of Grit Newspapers (see Who Knew? from Thursday, Nov. 12), Who Knew that Art Nellen, co-founder of PARIS! magazine was once a columnist for Grit? Nellen wrote about cars and car care for several years. Who Knew?

"Grit" Survived Decades of Youthful Sales Force

2009-11-11T21:41:00.000-08:00

Who knew that selling "Grit" newspapers was a highly advertised, but rarely lucrative way for Henry County children to earn money in the 1940's and 1950's? Promoted inside the covers of comic books, the hopeful seller was instructed how to order a supply of the weekly tabloid newspapers and sell them for 10 cents each. Headquartered in Williamsport, PA, the paper had a circulation of around 700,000 at that time. Most sales were in towns with a population less than 10,000. The brand never really died; it evolved into a bi-monthly magazine about country life which is now marketed in farm supply stores. Source - My recollections and Wikipedia - Submitted by Ray Harding.

Credit Fuels Youthful Ambition

2009-11-10T23:12:00.000-08:00

Who knew that in 1953, a downtown hardware store extended credit to a 12 year old? Mathis Hardware, located on the East side of the square stocked the recently introduced rotary power mowers. My Dad and I made a deal with the owner Dan Mathis that I would purchase one of these new marvels and pay for it with the proceeds from mowing lawns. By the end of that summer, I had paid off the massive $120 debt (at an average $1.50 per yard). Submitted by Ray Harding.

Merry Mincemeat

2009-11-07T05:14:00.000-08:00

Who knew that, for 86 years, the Ladies Aid Society at First Christian Church prepared and sold mincemeat during the Christmas Season for the benefit of their Outreach Program? Mrs. A.B. Mitchum started the tradition in 1902 and the last sale was held in 1988. The delicacy was made in large quantities. The recipe was a closely guarded secret but we now know that each huge batch contained 24 lb. of cooked lean beef, a bushel of red apples, 16 lb. of raisins, 36 lb. of sugar and several other ingredients--including suet! Source - Ann Caldwell and a display at The First Christian Church. Submitted by Ray Harding

Cloverine Salve

2009-11-03T01:37:00.000-08:00

Who knew that in the 1940's and 1950's, selling Cloverine Salve was a popular way for Henry County children to make money. The product was sold in small tins (price was 25 cents then). Included with each tin was a 9x11 inch colored picture "suitable for framing". The young salesperson could opt for a modest commission or build up credit for nice premiums, including air rifles and bicycles. I never knew anyone who earned either of these. Some of the pictures are probably hanging in local homes today. One of the most popular was "The Angelus", a picture of a farm couple pausing from their work in the field as the vesper bells ring at sunset. The Wilson Chemical Company of Tyrone, PA, manufacturer of Cloverine Salve was founded in 1885 and was in business 100 years. The product is made today by another company. Source, personal recollections and The Tyrone, PA. Historical Society. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Freezin' for a Reason

2009-10-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Who knew that there will be a Polar Bear Plunge on January 1, 2010, at Paris Landing State Park. It is a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club here in Paris. Carlton Gerrell is the Grand Poobah of this event. Want to “Jump In” and participate in the “freezin’ for a reason” call or see Carlton. - by Becky Hedges.

Pumpkin Pete at Spooktacular Saturday

2009-10-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

Who Knew that "Pumpkin Pete" is the large Henry County grown pumpkin that you may guess the weight of at the Downtown Paris Association's Spooktacular in downtown Paris this Saturday October 24, 12-4 pm? Winner gets $100 in downtown bucks. By Rick Conger

Paris, TN on YouTube

2009-10-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

Who Knew that a YouTube.com search for "Paris, TN" yields about 838 results?

Governor Porter Funeral Overflowed

2009-10-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

Who Knew that when Tennessee Governor James D. Porter died in 1912, the crowd of mourners was so large that the funeral was held on the grounds, which then comprised many acres. - Stephanie Parker, Clarksville. Source - Historic marker

MyParisMagazine.com offers dotPhoto prints and gifts

2009-10-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

Who Knew that you can view and purchase quality photos right here on MyParisMagazine.com? You choose the size and even have a choice of matte or glossy finish, holiday borders and so much more. And the price is right!

Historic Corum home

2009-10-17T02:59:00.000-07:00

Who Knew that the Corum home on Dunlap Street is the oldest home in the original city of Paris. Built in 1838, it was the home of Dr. Corum. When we used to take piano lessons there, Miss May Corum used to tell us that because her father was doctor, their phone number was "1". Who Knew? Source - porch plaque from Colonial Dames and from memory. Submitted by Cherry Jones.

Paris Landing to host TCA

2009-10-09T06:24:00.001-07:00

Who knew the Tennessee Arts Commission will hold its next quarterly meeting at Paris Landing State Park on Thursday, October 15, 2009? Mary Lodge, executive director of the Paris-Henry County Arts Council, is excited about this! - source: Becky Hedges

Sunday School Helped Build Library

2009-10-08T00:17:00.000-07:00

Who knew that, in 1902, the women and Sunday Schools of the Presbyterian, Christian, Methodist, and Baptist Churches started donating their collections toward the establishment of the public library. Since the Sunday Schools were responsible for the development of the library, the readers had to get library cards from the Sunday School classes. Source - WG Rhea Public Library.

Stargazing at the Refuge

2009-10-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

Who knew there will be no moon on the evening of October 17?
You can meet with Friends of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge at Swain
Point in the Britton Ford/Sulphur Wells area where LBL Planetarium Manager Don
Partain will lead a night of star gazing on the refuge. For info call
731-642-2091 or log on the TN
National Wildlife Refuge Web site for more information.

DPA SPOOK-tacular 2009

2009-10-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

Who knew the Downtown Paris Association's SPOOK-tacular on October 24, from noon - 4:00 pm, will feature spooky contests, fun prizes and activity booths for kids, adults and even pets! Follow the link off the DPA ad on myparismagazine.com.

CommerceStock

2009-10-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

Who knew that the 17th annual Chamber Small Business Expo,
set for Tuesday, October 20 at the Paris Convention Center from 11:00 am to 6:00
pm, is themed CommerceStock (a take off on the historic Woodstock festival)?
Click the ad on the MyParisMagazine.com Web site for more information.

Number 9!

2009-10-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

My mother's piano teacher, Miss May Corum, had the telephone number of "9". You must get my mother to imitate how Miss May answered the phone by saying, "Number 9."

Sullivan's Drug Store

2009-10-02T06:06:00.001-07:00

Who knew that Sullivan's Drug Store (now Medical Center Pharmacy) used to deliver not only medicine, but items from their soda fountain, as well. - Source EarBook interview with Cherry Jones. Submitted by John Nichols.

Got Milk? Simmons Dairy Ad Pushed Health and Cost Benefits

2009-10-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Who knew that there used to be a Simmons Dairy in Paris? Their phone number was 778 and the ad on the back of their glass milk bottle proclaimed: "Economical in COST, rich in HEALTH. DRINK MILK." Submitted by Lisa Rhodes, source - antique milk bottle.

Read PARIS! magazine online!

2009-09-30T03:47:00.000-07:00

Who knew that PARIS! magazine can now be read online. Just click on the photo of the magazine cover in the upper left hand corner of the homepage.

Fall Photo Contest

2009-09-29T11:04:00.001-07:00

Who knew that Paris Landing State Park and Friends of Paris Landing are sponsoring a fall photo contest? Source -
Paris Landing online

Krider Idol

2009-09-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

Who knew that the Paris-Henry County Arts Council and Youth
for the Arts will host Krider Idol at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Krider Performing
Arts Center on Volunteer Drive in Paris.

Henry County's Oldest Business

2009-09-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

Who knew that The Paris Post-Intelligencer is the oldest business in Henry County. Owned and operated by the family of the late W. Percy Williams, it is one of the five oldest businesses still owned and operated by the same family. Currently it is under the control of Michael Williams who is the fourth generation editor and publisher. - Source: PI

Paris Crowing, Growing, Showing

2009-09-25T04:13:00.000-07:00

Who knew that in 1900, 2,018 people lived in Paris, Tennessee; in 1910, 3,881; and in 1940, 6,395. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 9,763.? Source - Wikipedia.

Multi-talented Cherry Jones

2009-09-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

Who knew that Paris, TN native, actress Cherry Jones, narrated the audiobook adaptations of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series including, "Little House in the Big Woods", "Little House on the Prairie" , "Farmer Boy", "On the Banks of Plum Creek" , "By the Shores of Silver Lake" , "The Long Winter" and "Little Town on the Prairie"? Source - Broadway World.

Kentucky Lake "Magnet"

2009-09-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

Who knew that Kentucky Lake is a magnet for vacationers and fishermen, with recreation use amounting to some 17 million visits each year? Source: Kentucky Lake.com, submitted by Becky Hedges.

Who knew?

2009-09-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

Who knew that anyone can submit "who knews?" to MyParisMagazine.com? Just send your recollections, Henry County trivia, and fun facts to debturner@gmail.com.

Brenda Valentine is Industry Ambassador for VANGUARD

2009-09-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

Who knew that Puryear's Brenda Valentine, already national spokesman for the National Wild Turkey Federation, is now industry ambassador for VANGUARD? The local gal is known worldwide as "the first lady of hunting."