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.

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.

Patrick Henry's Namesake

Who knew that the Henry County was named after Revolutionary War hero Patrick Henry who said, “Give me liberty or give me death!” - Downtown Paris Association

Old Time Revivals

Who knew that, in the early 1950s, revivals were held in country churches in August? Special music far different from “Sunday Morning” music was usually provided. Particularly memorable was Mr. Glasgow playing his saw at Gum Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church one hot night. The haunting wail of the saw combined with the night noises wafting in the open windows gave me goose bumps. Submitted by Ray Harding.

Clock Tower Bell was once School Bell

Who knew that the bell now in the Henry County Courthouse clock tower was “used equipment” when it was installed in 1896. It was once the school bell in the belfry of the Odd Fellows Female Institute (a school for girls at the corner of McNeil and Market St. which opened in 1854 ) Source – HCHS History Dept. brochure. Ray Harding

Rhea Public Library Beneficiary Dr. W.G. Rhea

Who knew that, in 1972, Dr. W.G. Rhea donated the corner lot at Washington and Caldwell Streets across from the City Hall for the purpose of building a new library. Source: RheaPublicLibrary.com.

Historic Photos Online

Who knew that the Tennessee State Library and Archives has 36 pages of historic photos online (with some Paris, France photos mixed in), including these photos of Paris Bakery proprietor Benjamin Franklin Hunter and daughter Helen.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Henry County Courthouse

Who knew the original Henry County Courthouse was two rooms and in one you could buy pies and liquor? Guess it was easier to pay taxes back then. (from visitdowntownparis.com)

Henry County Courthouse

The Henry County Courthouse was erected in 1823 in Paris. (henrycountytn.org)

Henry County River Runs

Who knew that when it rains in Henry County, approximately half the water runs into the Mississippi River and half runs to the Tennessee River. Who knew? (source - Chamber of Commerce)

Paris Memorabilia at the Heritage Center

Who knew one of the best place to purchase books, music, hand crafted items and collectibles related to Paris and Henry County is at the local Heritage Center on North Poplar Street? Who knew? (source - Heritage Center)

Party Forum

Who knew you can get married (or host a great party) in a 1916, Italian Renaissance home by renting the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center. Who knew? (source - Heritage Center)

Paris-Henry County Heritage Center

Who knew the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center, housed in Cavitt Place on North Poplar Street, is celebrating its 20th year in 2009? Who knew? (source - Heritage Center)

Paris Henry County Heritage Center

Who knew that the Historic Paris Henry County Heritage Center can be rented for weddings, birthdays, bridal teas and baby showers? Who knew? (Source-Heritage Center)

Henry County's Namesake

Who knew that Henry County namesake, Patrick Henry (1736-1799), was a member of the Virginia colonial and state legislatures, the Continental Congress and governor of Virginia? Who knew? (Source-Chamber of Commerce)