Land Between the Lakes Wildlife

Who knew that Land Between the Lakes has the largest publicly owned bison herd east of the Mississippi River? LBL also maintains a captive breeding pair of Red Wolves as part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Red Wolf Recovery effort. Who knew? (source – LBL)

Nichols' Taxi Doubled as Bus

Who knew? In the late Forties there was no school bus service for children living in the Porter Court (North Market extended) area. Neighborhood parents contracted with Nichols' Taxi ( South Market St.) to take their children to and from Lee School each day. Fare was one dime, paid each morning for the round trip. Source – Ray Harding

Murray State Rated as Leading University

Who knew that for fifteen years, Murray State has been ? U.S.News rated Murray as one of the nation's top public universities, saying, "A degree from a distinguished college helps graduates get good jobs and gain entrance to the world's top graduate programs." Who knew? (source - murraystate.edu)

Jim Peterik's band, the Chi-Town Hustlers

Who knew that at the Bill Chase concert in Paris in June 1974, Jim Peterik's band, the Chi-Town Hustlers, was the warm up band. Peterik had recently done vocals on Chase's newest LP. Peterik's group "The Ides of March" is best known for the 1970 song "Vehicle". He co-founded the group "Survivor" that did hit songs such as "Eye of the Tiger". I was there...Rick Conger.

Bill Chase at Skyview Drive-in Theater

Who Knew that Jazz trumpet player Bill Chase played a live concert at the Skyview Drive-in Theater, now the location of the Hampton Inn, in June 1974, just before the August 9 plane crash that claimed his life. Source...Rick Conger...I was there.

Official Fish Fry Song

Who knew that the Official Fish Fry song (sung to the tune of "Oh Christmas Tree') was written by David 'Bubba' Flowers. Haven't heard it sung? Tune into 710 AM on Fish Fry day.

Grand Marshal Sammy Goldstein

Who knew that on Wednesday, April 22, the Grand Marshal Sammy Goldstein was at the Fish Tent as Hostess Princess Amanda Belew tossed out the first hushpuppy to her dad, Monte. This marked the first time that a Fish Fry Grand Marshal was present for this event.

Pat Summit Graduated from UTM

Who knew that University of Tennessee Knoxville Lady Vols Hall of Fame Head Coach, Pat Summit Graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1974? Who knew? (Source-UTM.edu)

Head Street

Who knew that Head Street in Paris was named for Dr. Head who lived and practiced medicine at 309 Head Street. - Becky and Gaines Hedges

Paris Henry County Arts Council Led the Way

Who knew that the Paris Henry County Arts Council is the oldest arts council in the state of Tennessee? - Mary Lodge

Civil War Volunteers

Who knew? On April 20, 1861, volunteers for the Fifth Regiment, TN Infantry, CSA, assembled at the Henry County Courthouse.  More than 200 marched to the Paris Male Academy and began dividing into companies on the south lawn. An April shower forced them to complete their organization inside the Academy rooms. Source - Henry County Commands by Rennolds. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Service Station BBQ

Who knew that an old gas station could become a BBQ restaurant? "Service Station BBQ" next to the viaduct on Tyson Avenue in Paris opens today.

Confederate Monument

Who knew that the Confederate Monument on the court square was sculpted in Italy out of Carra marble? Who Knew? Source-Henry County Heritage Center

Cherry Jones

Who knew that Cherry Jones (who will be in town for four fundraisers on Saturday) does not have a middle name? Jones portrays President Allison Taylor on the TV drama "24".

City Hall Sports Fish Design

Who knew there a fish designed in the brick on the front wall of the Paris City Hall at 100 Caldwell Street? Submitted by Rick “Goober” Conger.

T. Leon Ridgeway was Ringside Announcer

Who knew that T. Leon Ridgeway was the ringside announcer for “rasslin'” shows at the Paris city auditorium in the ‘60s? Submitted by Gaines Hedges.

Commercial Bank & Trust Building

Who knew that the upper stories of the Commercial Bank & Trust building on Poplar Street used to house doctors, dentists, attorneys and other various professionals? Who Knew! Source-Henry County Heritage Center

UT Martin’s Graduates Successful

Who knew that more than 95% of UT Martin’s graduates find jobs or are accepted to graduate schools within six months of graduation? Who Knew? (Source-UTM.edu)

Seal of Henry County

Who knew that the Seal of Henry County, Tenn., was designed by county historian, David W. Webb and drawn by local artist, Joe Routon? Source-Henry County Heritage Center

Fairview School

Who knew that Fairview School in the Old 23rd District housed grades 1-10 until it closed in the 1940's to make way for creation of Kentucky Lake? Who Knew? Source-Henry County Heritage Center

Management at The Toggery

Who knew that The Toggery, established in 1917, has had only three managers in its first 92 years: Mr. John Currier, Mr. Bernis Beard, and Mr. Charles Hopkins. This business has continuously operated in one place with the same name longer than any other in Paris. Who knew? (Source - Charles Hopkins)

Henry County Helping Hand Benefits 68 Non-Profits

Who knew that $239,500 was distributed to 68 different non-profit organizations at the annual meeting of Henry County Helping Hand, Inc on Thursday, April 2? The funds were raised during the 2009 Helping Hand Radio Auction on WTPR AM 710 during January and February. (Gaines Hedges)

Elk & Bison Prairie at LBL

Who knew that elk once roamed freely in our region? In 1996, after a 150-year absence, Land Between the Lakes reintroduced elk into a 700-acre Elk & Bison Prairie. Five years later, 25 elk from LBL were transported to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park in an experimental reintroduction program. (source – LBL)

Hacking Raptors

Who knew that “hacking” is not just a computer term? Hacking is the gradual return of raptors to the wild without human imprinting. Between 1980-1988, 44 Bald Eagles were reintroduced to the shorelines of Land Between the Lakes, which now boasts between 12-16 active nesting sites and a wintering eagle population of more than 100 birds. Who knew? (source – LBL)

Actors Aid Henry County Charities

Who knew  that there are  many items at the “24” silent auction donated by Jeff Foxworthy and his TV show “Are you smarter than a Fifth Grader?” Most items are autographed by Foxworthy. The display and bidding are now open at the Henry County Heritage Center on North Poplar Street in Paris until April 18th. All proceeds go to Henry County charities. Who knew?