Over 400 Cemeteries

Who knew that there are over 400 cemeteries or burial sites in Henry County? According to Curtis and Sue Jackson, proprietors of Cemeteries of Henry County Tennessee, the vast majority of them are small, old family plots that are often difficult to access without detailed topographical maps or so deteriorated that they cannot be recognized at all.

Margaret Blanton Reeves Recalls School Days

Who knew that the late Margaret Blanton Reeves attended Lee School, starting in first grade around 1909. At recess, the children would sometimes choose sides and play “Civil War”. She said she never liked being on the blue side! Source: Told to Ray Harding by Mrs. Reeves at her 100th birthday party in October, 2003.

Paris Landing Golf Course

Who knew that the Paris Landing State Park golf course opened in 1971? In 1994 Hole #12 was redesigned lengthening the hole by approximately 75 to 100 yards and relocating the green to include the vistas of the lake, while greens on Hole #7 and Hole #13 were rebuilt in 1996-1997. Hole #12 is a 586-yard, par 5 with an elevated green again overlooking the Kentucky Lake. The signature hole #4 is a downhill 186-yard par 3 with the Kentucky Lake providing a scenic backdrop. Source: Tennessee Golf Trail.

Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic

Who knew that druggist Edwin Grove concocted Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic in 1878 and used his wealth to build the state’s first privately endowed public high school in Paris (pop. 9,763), referred to as “the school that came out of a bottle.” Source: Tennessee Trivia & Tidbits, part of AmericanProfile.

First Lady of Hunting

Who knew that Brenda Valentine, nicknamed "First Lady of Hunting", is host of Bass Pro Shops' Real Hunting television program. She was born and raised in a remote area of Henry County and began hunting as a child to provide food for her family. She is the first female inductee into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. Source: Tennessee Trivia & Tidbits, part of AmericanProfile.

Sidney Mandle Estate Employed Workers

Who knew that, in 1933, local clay magnate Mr. Sidney Mandle provided work for numerous unemployed workers? Using a Memphis architect and local craftsmen, he transformed his bungalow home at 505 Walnut Street to a classic federal style. The year-long project doubled the size of the house, added a pool and replaced all the brick. Except for removal of the pool, it remains unchanged. Source – Told to Ray Harding by the late Jeanette Mandle Dunlap.

Tayloe Glass Company

Who knew that John Tayloe, a Paris resident, founded Tayloe Glass Company in the United States, before 1930. His wife (the former Luzane Wynns, another Paris resident) and John also founded the Memphis School for the Deaf. From Henry County Legacy. Submitted by Rick Owens.

First Principal of Grove

Who knew that in 1906, Clovis G. Chappell became the first principal of Grove High School at the age of 24? He left Paris in 1908 to become a nationally acclaimed Methodist minister and author of 35 popular religious books. More than 50 years after leaving Paris, he spoke at the commencement of the Grove Class of 1959. Source: Ray Harding (I was there).

Boarding Houses Served Students

Who knew that in 1907, the second year of Grove High School and still “horse and buggy days”, rural students lived in boarding houses? Mrs. Emma Diggs at 804 Dunlap provided housing and meals for 10 students and her four daughters. Grove principal Clovis Chappell ate some meals there and provided interesting evening conversation. Source: diary of Lillian Hart Anderson (my Grandmother) – Ray Harding.

Mule Day Memories

Who knew that before the official "Mule Day" celebration, farmers used to gather around the Court Square the first Monday in April. Their purpose, as told in Henry County Memories, was to gather, trade, swap, and sell mules, and to socialize! Submitted by Rick Owens.

Ministry Roots in Paris

Who knew that the late Reverend Charles Edward Jenkins, Sr., born and educated in Paris, launched his radio ministry in Paris in 1949 and later wrote and published five books: Moments with God (1970); Evangelism in the Modern World (1973); The Centrality of Preaching (1973); When a Man Sees God (1984); Reach Out and Touch Him (1990); Keeping Sane in a Crazy World, (2002) and What Time Is It? (2004). Source: Teaching Moments.

First Henry County P.T.A.

Who knew that Mrs. Pearl Routon, known as Paris' most titled woman, founded the first P.T.A. in Henry County, at Lee School. She was also the county's youngest teacher at 14. From Henry County Legacy. Submitted by Rick Owens.

Tanasi

Who knew that the name Tennessee is derived from the name of a Cherokee village, Tanasi. Source: AmericasLibrary.gov.

Fire Eats Whole Block

Who knew that on July 4th,1899, the entire block of buildings on the west side of the court square was destroyed by fire? From Henry County Memories. Submitted by Rick Owens.

Territory Name

Who knew that Tennessee became the 16th state of the Union in 1796. Before statehood, it was known as the Territory South of the River Ohio. Source: AmericasLibrary.gov.

Tennessee Slim and Ruby

Who knew that Paris residents "Tennessee Slim" Roe Hollingsworth and his wife, Ruby, the girl with the 'million dollar smile' were well known country music performers in the late 40's and early 50's? Their music was heard on local radio station WTPR. Source: Henry County Legacy. Submitted by Rick Owens.

Tennessee First Territory

Who knew that Tennessee was the first territory admitted as a state under the federal Constitution?

Persistent Politics

Who knew that John Dewitt Clinton Atkins, from Paris, was the only man to serve in the United States Congress, then the Confederate Congress, then the United States Congress, again. Source: Henry County Memories. Submitted by Rick Owens.

Newsboys and Girls

Who Knew that in 1953-54, PI paper boys (and a girl or two) were independent business people? Papers were delivered six days per week. For each customer, carriers purchased six papers for a total of 15 cents. The customer paid 25 cents per week to the carrier. The carrier’s profit was 10 cents per week for each customer. Source – Ray Harding (PI Carrier in ’53 &54).

Porter Guards Served Governor

Who knew that the Porter Guards, 20 members strong,  served as honor guard for James D. Porter of Paris when he was governor of the state of Tennessee, from 1875 to 1879? - Rick Owens

Shoe Club Marketing

Who knew that in 1958, Herman Jackson (Burnett’s Shoe Store) marketed men’s shoes by offering a “Shoe Club”? Members paid $1 per week. Each week, a drawing selected a member who could purchase shoes for the amount paid to date. Some bought shoes at very low cost, but none paid more than regular price. Source – Ray Harding (I was the collector.)

Henry County Auto Auction

Who knew that Paris' first Ford dealer was the Henry County Auto Auction? The original owners were Charlie Williams, Don Dumas Sr., and Ed Dumas. Source: Henry County Legacy. Submitted by Rick Owens

6 Weeks of Snow and Ice

Who knew that snow could be on the ground for 46 days in a row, and that school could be dismissed for over five weeks straight? It was in Paris, Tennessee in the winter of '50 and '51! From Henry County Legacy, submitted by Rick Owens

Lafayette, Father of Paris?

Who Knew how Paris, Tennessee, got its name? It was named after Paris, France, to honor the homeland of Revolutionary War hero Lafayette, whose full name is Marquis de Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier! He had fought with George Washington's army and visited Tennessee in the early 1800s. Source: America's Story from America's Library.

Tennessee Wildlife Refuge

Who knew all there is to do at the Tennessee Wildlife Refuge, from painting to nature tours. Check out their calendar at www.fws.gov/tennesseerefuge.