yesterday's tennessee
From Lillye Younger, People of Action (Decatur County Printers, 1983). Special thanks to Constance Collett and the estate of Lillye Younger for permission to make this web page.
Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Moore and daughter, Patricia have returned from an exciting seven day cruise to Port Antonia, Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica.
Mrs. Moore (Mary V.) won the trip by capturing first prize in the State Dairy food recipe contest held at Nashville. She won first in Decatur County then in Division 1 prior to the grand prize, on her recipe entitled, "Chicken-Rice Goodness".
The family went by jet from Nashville to Miami, Florida where they boarded the M/S Starward at Dodge Island Pier for the seven day cruise. 750 sightseers boarded the Starward which is the second in the largest cruise ship fleet built in Norway.
"We were welcomed aboard ship by the Master, officers, and cruise staff," Mrs. Moore explained, "and the two day trip to the Island was filled with excitement and comfort." The Moore's were the only Tennesseans and only prize winners aboard. The narrator introduced them.
"The meals were delicious," she continued, "we not only were served three meals a day but also a midnight buffet was served in the dining room until 1 a.m. to the swing of the Orlando Perger Combo."
"The cruise director, David Barrett, clued us on what to expect when we reached Jamaica." Breakfast was served from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. aboard and the schedule included exercises at poolside on Lido Deck at 9:30 a.m. At 10 a.m. Shuffleboard tournament began. Luncheon was served from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. The afternoon schedule was filled with skeet shooting on the Galaxy Deck, bridge games, dance lessons, Ship's Bridge tour, music by the Calypso Kings and tea time at the Lido Bar at 4 p.m.
Dinner was served from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and orchestra music floated from the Venus Lounge. At 9:30 "The Ladles Night Ball" including fun, games and prizes in the Venus Lounge, swung into action." A vatiety of entertainment was planned for each day.
The M/S Starward docked in Port Antonio, Jamaica, which is nestled around the rim of a magnificent twin harbor and ringed by mountains covered with lush vegetation. The Moore family took the Scenic City tour which was a three hour drive around the scenic coast of Port Antonio, taking in the Jamaica Reef hotel, Frenchman's Cove, Boston Bay and Long Bay Beaches, with short stops at the Blue Lagoon and Long Bay Inn.
When they returned to the ship bingo games were on the agenda for the night entertainment included a movie in the Tropicana Lounge and music from the Calypso Kings.
At midnight the M/S Starward weighed anchor and sailed for Kingston, Jamaica's capital, which is a bustling sprawling city with a population of nearly half a million people. Music and dancing under the stars with the Calypso Kings entertained those who didn't need much sleep.
"After docking at Kingston," Mrs. Moore explained, "we took the city tour which included the famous 18th Century Devon House, the Hope Botanical Gardens, Governor General's residence called 'The King's House' and the University of the West Indies. Here we toured the residential section where we saw the palatial homes in the Beverly Hills section. Cilmaxing the tour was a shopping stop at the Crafts and Straw Markets."
Here Mrs. Moore bought a straw purse from a native Islander whose name was "Sunshine."
A fashion show was one of the interests to the ladies when they boarded the ship following the tour. Another interest and entertainment was musical bingo with the Dave Lester orchestra and a movie at 10 p.m. The ship sailed for Montego Bay at 10 p.m. A midnight buffet was served and dancing in the Orion Lounge closed out the day.
Highlight of the visit to Montego Bay was the Jungle Train ride for a 20-mile ride back into the hills. "Rum punch was served for all as long as they lasted," Mrs. Moore smiled and said, "but we didn't try it." Music war furnished by the Calypso riders and stops were made enroute to the tiny town of Montplier. Here passengers got off and strolled through the town with a guide. Mrs. Moore ambled off to a milk plant at the top of a mountain, which processes milk and ships to nearby Kingston.
After an overnight on the ship, passengers embarked on a Plantation Tour which included a drive through the outskirts of Montego Bay to Friendship Pimento Plantation on the mountain top for a short stop. Then back through the town past Doctor s Grave and the resort hotel area to Rose Hall Plantation, the sight of the legend of the ''White Witch of Rose Hill".
The last day aboard, "The Crazy Hat Masquerade" was held which Mrs. Moore was a contestant. She modeled her hat from crepe paper and colorful trimming and passed out her winning recipes to each one present.
One of the highlights of the trip according to Mrs. Moore was the Sunday worship service, conducted by a Catholic priest for Catholic, Methodist and Baptist aboard. It was the first time the priest had ever sung with a group. They sang "What A Friend We Have In Jesus".
Mrs. Stanley Mavs, broui,1~t honor to Decatur County when she captured first place in the State Dairy Food ~lec1pe Contest in Nashville at Elln~ton A~r1cultural Center.
~te prepared a dairy food dish entitled, "Apple Treasure." She explained that her goal was to Include a recipe containing as many dairy foods as posslble~ "I not only plannod to include the dairy food pro~xcts, but also to Include foods from each of the basic four food groups."
~ie said, "My training and
work ~o th~ :4~p~nd.~d Educational N~ nt! ~-:am has cor~tr~~ted to o~. wituting the contest," ' . tr~e ~rogramwe were ~tughf to plan balanced meaL ai~l ~ lAlnd that many famines were flOl 'tstng enough milk and other dairy products In their diets,
Another aid rae explained Is that assisting ~ter da~ighter with her 4-I-i DaTh Food projects enabled her to gain much Inforrnation on dairy foods and contrlbu~e1 to her success Increating ~ wirming recipe.
For her effort In splrall.ng
to first place, Mrs. Mays won
a seven day cruise on the Star-ward to the Caribbean for two, courtesy of the Norwelgian Caribbean Lines.
Mrs. Carrie Haney represented Decatur County as
Extension Agent at the contest.
Utiters attending were Miss
Dimple Ledbetter, Assistant
Agent and Miss Demetrius
Mays.
The wife of Stanley Mays, the 'tinner has one daughter, Miss Demetrius Mays, and two sons, Stanley, -Jr. and Devon May s.
Mrs. Mary V. Moore, member of Northside Home Demonstration Club, was crowned outstanding Decatur County Club Woman of the year, at the Decatur County Home Demonstration Council Awards program held at Parsons Elementary School on Saturday evening, October 23, at 6:30 p.m.
Mrs. Moore was chosen from nine outstanding members of the clubs in the county. Her honor derived not only for her service in the field of home demonstration work but also in community service.
Having been a club member for the past 24years, she maintains a 11 year perfect attendance in Northside Home Demonstration club and has served in practically every capacity, as well as president for three years.
In County club work she has served two years as treasurer of the Decatur County Home Demonstration Council and two years as secretary and is filling an unexpired term as Secretary this year.
{two unreadable lines] project but oft times attends for others. Having attended all county-wide meetings and District meetings this year, she has assisted in planning, preparing and setting up the county exhibits for Seminar Day.
At the Decatur County fair many blue ribbons are garnered from her entries, especially her coconut cake, for which she is famous. It wins first every year.
Great honor was bestowed upon Decatur County when Mrs. Moore was state winner in the Dairy Foods recipe contest held in 1970. First came county winner, then district winner and last State winner. This enabled her to enter the state cook-off at Ellington Center in Nashville where she prepared her famous original recipe, "Chicken Rice Goodness," combination of chicken, rice, brocolli and cheese sauce, with the greatest of ease, as though she was in her own kitchen. The reward for her winning was a $1500 trip to Jamaica.
The original recipe was passed out at the annual Dress Revue and to anyone that wanted to try it.
Upon her return from Jamaica she gave a radio program on the importance of dairy foods in the diet and assisted in presenting a television program.
The versatile personality serves in any area and always takes part in the Blood Mobile, March of Dimes, Heart Fund, Cerebral Palsy, Red Cross and Cancer crusades as well as assisting the County Health Nurse In giving tubercular skin tests at the county schools.
Other civic activities include serving as secretary of Parsons Public Library for the past six years, member of the American Legion, Chairman of Decatur County Baby Show, Committee Member of Blood Mobile, Committee Member of Christmas Parade, and member of the Parsons Clean-Up campaign.
She works with the Expanded Nutrition Program 20 hours per week.
A member of Parsons First Baptist Church, she serves an office in the W.M.U., chairman of the Flower committee, assists with planning, preparing and serving meals to the Senior Citizens Club each month and works with the young people of the church.
The wife of W. B. Moore, she has two daughters, Mrs. Larry White and Miss Patricia Moore; and one grandson, Randy.
Prior to the award Mrs. Golden Winston, president, esculated the "Harvest of Awards" by asking Mrs. Colleen Weatherford to give the invocation, prior to the add-a-dish meal. Cornucopia filled with vegetables and pumpkins carried out the theme.
She welcomed members and a roll call of clubs was conducted by Mrs. Melba Woody.
Mrs. Ruth Evelyn Townsend was the featured entertainer as she rendered three musical selections and was assisted by the group in the chorus of "Shine On Harvest Moon." She was accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Ruth Jennings Townsend.
Mrs. Stella Jennings received an award for the oldest member present and Mrs. Genita Taylor for the youngest.
Perfect attendance awards, presented by Mrs. Mary Crosby, included Mrs. Johnnie Wyatt, Mrs. Melba Woody, Mrs. Hazel Smith, Mrs. Lelia Conder, Mrs. Lois White, Mrs. Mary V. Moore, Mrs. Effie Maxwell, Mrs. Allye M. Alexander and Mrs. Nina Jordan. Mrs. Nina Sue Welch presented reading certificates recognitions to Mrs. Jessie Lancaster, Mrs. Ora Keeton and Mrs. Lounelle Maness and Reading Certificates to Mrs. Lynda Quinn, Mrs. Hilda Keeton, Mrs. Virginia Raney, Mrs. Edna Moore, Mrs. Lois White, Mrs. Hilda Townsend, Mrs. Ruth J. Townsend, Mrs. Mary Morgan, Mrs. Jewel Tinker, Mrs. Imogene Pratt, Mrs. Allie M. Stevens, Mrs. Mary Crosby, Mrs. Grace Leggett and Mrs. Jimmie Rainey.
Advanced reading certificates were awarded to Mrs. Lucy Montgomery, Mrs. Virginia McKinstry, Mrs. Eula Rogers, Mrs. Mary V. Moore, Mrs. Nina Jordan, Mrs. Oma Mays, Mrs. Eupil Frazier, Mrs. Fairy Davis and Mrs. Thelma Walker.
Mrs. Carrie Haney, home agent, presented Master Club Awards to Concord, Decaturville, Fidelis, Nortside, Parsons, Sardis Ridge, Southside and Young Matron clubs.
High score member awards were presented by Mrs. Lona Keeton, to Mrs. Nina Sue Welch, Mrs. Lucy Montgomery, Mrs. Melba Woody, Mrs. Mary V. Moore, Mrs. Bobbie Boaz, Mrs. Maggie Harrell, Mrs. Anne Brasher, Mrs. Oma Mays, Mrs. Naomi Mays and Mrs. Geneta Taylor.
Outstanding club members were Mrs. Johnnie Wyatt of Concord Club; Mrs. Lona Keeton, Decaturville; Mrs. Ora Keeton, Bath Springs; Mrs. Melba Woody, Fidelis; Mrs. Mary V. Moore, Northside; Mrs. Lelia Conder, Parsons; Mrs. Otna Mays, Sardis Ridge; Mrs. Geneta Taylor, Young Matron; and Mrs. Mamie Kindle, Willing Workers.
A fashion show of "Sew and Save" costumes was narrated by Mrs. Mary V. Moore. Models included Lori Taylor, Oma Mays, Betty Butler, Demetrius Mays, Betty Blankenship, Tina Blankenship, Genita Taylor, Virginia Raney, Nina Jordan, Ruth Townsend Sr., Nina Sue Welch, Patricia Moore, Louise Patterson and Miss Marilyn Ivey, who was first place winner at the Mid-South Fair Sewing competition.
Mrs. Zula Readey and Mrs. Evelyn Carter, representing Parsons Garden Club, served hors d'oeuvres and apple cider in the lobby of the school prior to dinner.
The Northside Home Demonstration Club served as the food committee and serving on the decorating committee were Mrs. Nancy Ivy, Mrs. Melba Woody, Mrs. Alma Townsend, Mrs. Nellie Swift, Mrs. Jeanette Bell, Mrs. Oma Mays, Mrs. Hilda Orr and Mrs. Mary A. Adcock.
The program planning committee was composed of Mrs.
The program planning committee was composed of Mrs. Nancy Ivey, Mrs. Lillye Younger, Mrs. Lona Keeton and Mrs. Mary V. Moore.
A number of door prizes, furnished by the merchants, were presented by Mrs. Mary V. Moore and Mrs. Effie Lea Maxwell and favors were furnished by the banks in the county.
Serving on the program committee for the County Council will be Mrs. Nettle Jean Pratt, Mrs. Mary Smith, Mrs. Melba Woody, Mrs. Imogene Pratt and Mrs. Allie Mae Alexander.
Hosting the Council meeting in January will be the Decaturville Garden Club.
Miss Tina Blankenship, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Loyce Blankenship of Decaturville, recently added three new beauty titles to her long list. She was named as second alternate to International Miss Love, Miss Photogenic and National 1976 Junior Miss Liberty Bell. Tina competed with other young ladies from all the Southern states, several other states including Hawaii and there were also contestants from the Phillipines and Japan. The events were held at the Civic Center in West Memphis, Arkansas Saturday and Sunday, July 3-4.
Kristie King, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Micky King of Parsons, won the title of "Miss Cotton Carnival Majorette" in the 7-10 age division at the Cotton Carnival Majorette Pageant in Memphis on Saturday, May 11. The winner was selected by compiling the highest points in three majorette events; solo, strut, and beauty in a party dress. In the open contest Kristie won first place in Best Appearing Majorette; 2nd in beauty, and fourth in basic strut. Contestants were from Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Illinois.
[1975]
Mrs. Lillye Younger has been selected to appear in the Dictionary of International Biography, Cambridge, England.
Recommended for biographical inclusion in the Twelfth Edition of the Dictionary of International Biography, she will appear in the October 1975 publication. The Twelfth edition of the Dictionary of International Biography will be issued as a two volume set, A-K and L-Z and will contain some fifteen thousand biographies of men and women of achievement from many countries.
Mrs. Younger will present a copy of this Dictionary to Parsons Public Library of which she is co-founder. She presented a copy of Personalities of the South, in which she appeared to the library. A number of other Decatur Countians appeared in Personalities of the South. including Mayor, J. L. Lancaster, Mrs. Max L. Townsend, and Mrs. Kathleen Fisher.
PARSONS, Tenn. — Roy Garrett, local photographer, has been nominated as the unopposed candidate for mayor in the city election here June 4.
Garrett was chosen along with seven aldermen on a slate officers arrived at by a cross-section of Parsons businessmen.
Aldermanic candidates are J. A. Carrington, Ed Montgomery, W. B. Moore, T. D. Odle, Osco Taylor, M. N. Townsend and Bud Tuten. Moore is the only incumbent.
Outgoing mayor is Madison Scott. Qualifying deadline is 40 days before the election.
The new officials will serve a two-year term beginning July 1.
PARSONS — A freak of nature, an animal resembling a cat and wild rabbit, is drawing curious at the home of Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Reeves in the Myracletown Community five miles northwest of Parsons in Decatur County.
Reeves, a livestock dealer, spotted the unusual appearing animal in Wayne County near Clifton. "The male combination cat-rabbit belonged to a woman who doesn't want her name revealed," Reeves said. "The mother cat had four freaks and the man thought they would bring her bad luck. She killed three and was attempting to kill this one when a child pleaded for its life. She only broke its right front leg in her attempt."
The creature has hind legs of a rabbit and a bunny tail; the front half resembles a cat except for the eyes, one of which is deep blue and the other a crossed, bright-green eye.
"The eyes look very weak and don't resemble either a cat's or rabbit's eyes," Reeves remarked. "It has claws on its front feet and none on its hind legs. His hind legs are much longer than the front legs, making walking more uncomfortable. The cat lies down much of his time."
Mrs. Reeves has two other yard cats. 'This cat rabbit watches them scan a tree with wishful eyes. It can't follow them. He can only pull up by his front feet, but not by his back feet. When he first arrived at the home here he whipped the two cats but now they are friends."
She said the "cat-rabbit's" diet consists chiefly of grass and vegetables. "It won't eat any meat, but will eat fresh, uncooked corn off the cob," Mrs. Reeves said.
The freakish animal has two natures. At times it is very friendly and, again, it withdraws to a secluded spot.
The former owner of the animal maintains that a wild rabbit mated with the freak's mother cat. Veterinarians assert rabbits and cats cannot cross-breed. A Parsons physician, however, changed his mind once he saw the Reeves' "catrabbit."
A Lambuth College biologist said it is his belief that the creature is a cat whose unusual appearance is based "on an embryonic mistake in development."
"We have been offered a neat sum for the cat,"' Mrs. Reeves said. "However, our plans at the present are incomplete. We may keep him and exhibit it."
[1967]
PARSONS, Tenn. — A cable television system for Parsons and Decaturville should be in operation by Nov. 1, Larry Odle, president of Tennessee Telephone Company, said today.
A 400-foot tower is to be erected between the two towns upon which master antennas for each of the TV channels to be received will be mounted.
Channels to be received are 7, Jackson: 2, 4, 5 and 8, Nashville; and 3, Memphis. Monthly charge will be ___.
The spacious four-bedroom modern brick home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bartholomew and Richie was the scene of a housewarming hosted by Miss Joy Conrad, Mrs. Melba Pope, Mrs. Shirley Perry, Mrs. Susan Marshall, Mrs. Irene Bell and Mrs. Betty Bell.
The home was enhanced with floral arrangements throughout. The honoree, Mrs. Bartholomew, chose a blue knit creation featuring long sleeves and a rounded neck. A yellow mum gift corsage was pinned at her shoulder.
Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew met guests at the door and extended a cordial welcome. They were steered to the guest register which was in the foyer of the home. The hostesses guided them to the four bedrooms and living room where gifts were on display.
Of prime interest to the callers was a tour of the new home, featuring a fireplace in the den and another in the living room. The sparkling wood fire in the fireplaces added a glow of hospitality and comfort. Mrs. Bartholomew's living room is decorated in green as well as the den. The Master bedroom is in white, red, and black, and the other bedrooms feature blue and green, white and orchid, and Richie's room is in light blue. The attractive modern kitchen graces shades of green and gold and the bathrooms are in black and white and blue and white.
Many complimentary remarks echoed throughout the house as guests milled here and there. The clever designed rooms were sparkling with beauty and projected many new ideas for those who viewed them.
The serving table was overlaid with an ecru cloth and centered with yellow pom poms, greenery, cat tails and colorful leaves. Flanking the attractive arrangement were silver candleholders which underscored yellow burning tapers, giving the table a festive air.
Party fare included gold punch, served in a cut glass punch bowl by Miss Joy Conrad, and skillet cookies, stuffed dates, sausage balls, and chocolate chips were served by Mrs. Betty Bell. The remaining hostesses assisted in showing gifts and the tour of the house.
Around 75 friends and relatives signed the guest register and called between the hours of 2 and 5 p.m.
Mrs. Bonnye Alien, immediate past treasurer of the Decatur County B&PW Club, presents a check for $100 to the Decatur County Youth Center. Accepting the check for the center was Mickey Larkins, who is manager of the center, and his son, Michael.
(photo caption)OES HONOREE — Mrs. Vada Warden of Parsons, 83, has been presented a 50-year membership pin and certificate by Parsons Chapter 127, Order of Eastern Star.
Mrs. Lillye Younger is shown presenting a donation to Commander Melvin Holland of the Decatur County Rescue Squad. Mrs. Younger was representing the Decatur County Emergency Fund.
[1966]
One of our college student emplovees for the summer is Ralph L. Holland, 19 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Holland. His father is well known as a trooper for the Tennessee Highway Patrol stationed in Decatur county.
Holland, previously a student at U.T.M.B. at Martin, plans to become a minister. He leaves Sept. 16 to receive ministerial training at Conqueror's Bible College in Oregon.
Our best wishes to Ralph, as he enters school to follow this chosen work.
Jamie Taylor, fifteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Taylor, served as a page to Rep Gene Davidson in Nashville last Wednesday. His duties were to run errands for the legislator while in session.
At the noon hour Bill Brooks of Lexington dined with them at the Legislature Plaza.
Others present were Mr. and Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Fairy Davis.
A mommy's answer to her little girl's question resulted in a successful religious song hit for her big brother, Stanley V. Holland, 21, of 305 West First St. in Parsons.
"It was during a thunderstorm one afternoon that Glenda, age 7, asked, 'Why does it thunder and lightning, Mama?' My mother told her not to question the Lord. I was inspired with her answer, which kept going over and over in my mind," Stanley explained.
The talented musician began composing the hymn which he entitled, "Don't Question the Lord." He wrote the words and music and it was published.
Stanley has been interested in a musical career since he was 7 years old. "I first learned to play a small flute when I was seven and then I started taking trumpet lessons in the school band later," he said. In high school he played the bass tuba, baritone, drums and sometimes did practice directing for the band leader. He received a scholarship in band from Memphis State University.
"I can play any instrument, including the piano, enough to write songs," he pointed out. He has written over 25 gospel hymns which are being reviewed by top gospel groups for recordings and sheet music.
H is goal in life is to learn to write and direct church music. "I'd like to become a minister of music and perhaps a band director in a high school," he said. He serves as orchestra directo at the First Pentecostal Church in Parsons and was a member of a singing group called "Pentecostal Voices," which sang over a radio station. Included in the group were his mother, Mrs. Melvin Holland, brother Ralph Holland, James Erby Woods and Carol Wilkins.
Not only is Stanley a musician but his whole family is musically inclined. They sing as a group. Melandia, 12, Glenda 7, Mr. and Mrs. Holland and Stanley render specials at homecomings, reunions and church services.
Holland will leave Sept. 7 for Portland, Ore., where he will enter Conquerors Bible College and major in Christian education and music. He chose this college after the president and three young men visited in his home this summer during the Fourth of July revival on Pentecostal Hill in Perryville. He discovered that the president knows each student individually and offers special assistance when needed. "I could feel a close fellowship between he and the three students that impressed me greatly. I had been searching for a college to attend and that atmosphere clinched the deal for me," he said. His brother, Ralph Holland, attends the school.
Stanley graduated from Selmer High School in 1964 and is presently employed at Decaturville Sportswear.
The tall, dark-haired youth smiled and said, "I am engaged to Jean Bledsoe of Parsons and we will be married after I complete my first year in college."
Growing beautiful flowers requires a "Green Thumb" ,and Mrs. Eugenia Hawkins of 312 E. Main Street surely has this ability.
Her hobby of growing things has increased until the varieties of plants on the 3/4 acre that surrounds her home includes flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees.
"For the past 30 years, I have been planting things," she commented. "Most of my plants came from seed with only a few bought ones.
Outstanding flowers in bloom this month are hundreds of lilies. "We moved to Parsons in 1931 to this house," she explained. "My mother-in-law gave me some "Regal Lily" seed which I planted. This was the beginning."
All the lilies which can be seen from the highway came from seed except two bulbs, one pink and the other golden. In 1950, Mrs. Hawkins bought these and proceeded to cross-polinate them. A beautiful hybrid developed which grows in some instances 8 to 9 feet tall.
Regal lilies are almost like Easter Lilies except they have yellow throats and a subtle variation of color on the outside. Too, they bloom later in the year. One of their outstanding features is a sultry odor of heavy perfume.
Possibly there are 300 or more lilies in the area. Bright Day Lilies with blooms ranging from lemon to orange grow in clumps. The tiniest lilies are a bed of the sweet smelling lilies of-the-Valley.
Mrs. Hawkins has a real feel for plants. "I was always interested in flowers and always loved them," she observed.
Among fruits growing in the 3/4 acre are grapes which are scattered among the flower beds. Healthy apple trees abound. Even a Wild Crab Apple tree grows from seed which she planted. She soaked the seed in Lactic Acid overnight and then planted it.
"Apple trees grows easily form seed," she stated. "If you throw out an apple core, little trees will spring up from the seeds."
Her vegetable garden which has most everything, onions, corn, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, parsley, cabbage, shows the patient work of Mrs. Hawkins. The rows are almost weed free. A hose lying about is ready to water the plants on hot days.
On this 3/4 acre, she has made a little bit of paradise by cultivating nature's abundant plants. Her return from this hobby includes many things such as the constant excitement at the unfolding of plants.
Flowers perfume the air, while fruits and vegetables grow in plentiful supply for her own needs. These are just a few of the dividends of plant growing, not to mention the beneficial sunshine and fresh air.
A widow since 1944, Mrs. Hawkins has four children and eight grand-children. Often she cans vegetables and saves plants for them.
Her formula for successful planting is quite simple. "A good mulch and a little fertilizer," she modesty recommends.
As to the number of plants she has growing, she readily stated, "Never tried to count them."
Mrs. Effie King was complimented on her 97th birthday last Sunday with a dinner in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin King. Her granddaughter, Mrs. Ruby Coleman, whom she reared, also assisted in the courtesies.
A delectable meal was served at the noon hour topped off with home baked cake and pie. Gifts were presented to Mrs. King, which she opened and expressed her appreciation to each one. She was clad in a becoming blue and white dress, which was a birthday gift as well as a beautiful red and white corsage, which was pinned at her shoulder.
After the meal. Mrs. King returned to Decatur County Manor Nursing Home, where she resides, accompanied by her family and her birthday cake, made and decorated by Mrs. Ruby Coleman, was served to friends who called as well as patients in the home. It was served with tidbits and drinks.
Born in Gibson County, February 11, 1882, Mrs. King was the daughter of the late C. C. and Calperne Hunt Bond. She met and married Rev. W. L. King December 24, 1899.
Her husband received his education at Martin and became a Baptist Missionary. The family moved to Decatur in 1918. After her husband's death, Mrs. King lived alone until March of 1978 when she entered the local Nursing Home.
Another courtesy extended to the bright eyed pleasant little lady, was "Happy Birthday" greetings sung to her at her local church, Parsons First Baptist Church, during the morning service which was broadcast and she was priviledged to hear at the home.
Mrs. King is a Real Daughter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and a member of the Captain Nathaniel A. Wesson local chapter.
Mr. and Mrs. Charley Pratt, Mr. R. H. Townsend, and Mrs. Beatrice Daniel have returned home recently after spending a month on a western trip.
The purpose of the place chosen, Tucson, Arizona, was for Mrs. Pratt's health, however, the weather conditions were fouled up and very much akin to Tennessee in winter. Normally Tucson has in the high 70's and 80's. The warmest day of the two weeks spent here was 76 degrees. They drove through rain, sleet, hail and snow while crossing Texas.
Mrs. Pratt said, "Our great thrill was to see so many golfers at the Dean Martin P.G.A. Tournament. They included Ring Crosby, Bob Hope, Lawrence Welk, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and naturally, Miller, the winner. The Parsons group were exposed to these celebrities while they all stayed at the Holiday Inn in Tucson, their first day there.
"Our second day," Mrs. Pratt continues, "was spent with a niece."
After getting an apartment and settling down, it was such a pleasure to go to the markets and buy so many home grown fresh vegetables. Especially to visit in the area where trees were tall and loaded with vine ripened red luscious fruit. They have so many things we do not see in our markets."
One day the party spent in Nogulea, Mexico, and enjoyed shopping despite the fact that they couldn't understand one word of Spanish, however having a relative along helped as she has lived there several years.
Each day dawned with a different sight seeing trip ahead.
The weekend before the group departed, Paul Pratt, a brother of Mr. Pratt, and daughter, Margaret, from Phoenix, came down for a visit. "We all spent the time out on the ranch with Charlie's niece," Mrs. Pratt explained. They entertained with a cookout on Sunday. This western style of cooking is similar to the Hawaiian.
"Mr. Sherman had dug a pit near 12 to 18 inches deep, lined it with fire bricks, then built a big fire, using mesquite wood, like we use hickory here for barbecuing." The meat was wrapped in cloth, saturated in its own seasoning, such as barbecue sauce for pork and wine sauce for beef, next butter for the turkey. All three meats are placed in the hot pit over we fire, covered with nutat then sand. It is left here for 11 hours. "This was the most delicious turkey, beef, and pork I've ever eaten." They served pinto beans & Mexican cornbread in home-baked loaves with this meal. Also a salad.
"If weather had not been so bad, I could have lived there," she remarked, "but to wear a coat and scarf all the time and try to hide from the wind is not my kind of weather."
"We drove to San Antonio next and visited over the weekend with another brother and family, Bill Pratt, Jr. Then on to Corpus Christi for three days and the fog moved us on out to Galveston. Another three days and we couldn't take any more, so Tennessee called us homeward."
The air was crisp, temperature in the low 30's and the sun shown brightly as two Parsonians left for a trip to Old Mexico last Thursday morning.
Mrs. Constance Collett and Mrs. Lillye Younger started out in a blue pickup on a business trip south of the border.
The first night out found them at Irving, Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth, where they were the guests of Mr. Rickey Wilkins, Manager of Lexington Inn. Mr. Wilkins' parents lived in this section a number of years ago and later moved to Texas where they built their first motel and named it Lexington Inn for the town of Lexington, Tenn. They now are the owners of 24 Inns in Texas. A piece of furniture was being delivered to Mr. Wilkins and they enjoyed the comforts of a suite in the newest of the Inns, which had been opened only two weeks. The Wilkins have two in Irving.
The summer like weather here was quite a change from Parsons and required much lighter attire. Their journey from Dallas to the state capitol at Austin was enhanced with flat land, dotted with cattle grazing, plowed black land and fields of fleecy white cotton falling out of the boils. One cotton field was being harvested with six cotton pickers.
Nightfall found them in San Antonio, home of the Alamo, symbol of Texas liberty, erected in 1718. San Antonio River, located in the heart of the downtown San Antonio, which winds its peaceful way through the business section and the Tower of Americas, located in Hemisfair Plaza which is one of the tallest observation towers in the United States, measuring 623 feet. Dinner on the river, where entertainers serenade tables, was very romantic.
Despite the fact one may have visited here many times before, the Southwest Texas city, which became the center of the Cattle Empire after the Civil War, still holds charm. entertainment and has a very interesting heritage.
The uninhabited land, except for a very few ranch homes, along the way between San Antonio and Larado was cactus studded, intermingled with oil wells, pumping vigorously and wind mills. Palm trees, waving in the breeze, lined the entrance into Larado, city of Rio Grand romance.
Larado's romance begins in the past. It was founded as a Spanish settlement in 1775. In 1844 it was annexed into the Republic of Texas and in 1845 became a part of the United States. During the Civil War, Larado, with the rest of Texas, joined the Confederate cause. Seven flag of seven nations have flown over Larado.
No other city so perfectly combines the cultures of two worlds. North America familiarity merges with Latin American excitement at every street corner. No other border city offers such an array of exotic Mexican arts, crafts, tooled leather and hand woven baskets.
Crossing the Rio Grand River at the International Bridge, one is exposed to the essence of romantic Old Mexico, with its lovely Senoritas, handsome Caballeros, Spanish architecture, glass factories and flower filled patios. Here the United States currency vanished like a snow ball in August at the market and other gift shops.
Tours are available daily from Larado, Texas to Nuevo Larado, Mexico. These include a visit to historic spots, glass factories, residential areas plus the market to shop. One tour is a dinner and night life tour of Mexico. There are also tours to Monterrey by day and by night.
After indulging in the pleasure of the Cinderella world, the travelers pushed off, returning home via Houston, Texas, the fastest growing city in the United States. The scenery from Larado to Houston is a replica of that from San Antonio to Larado, however it changed from Houston to Texarkana. Here the tinted trees along the highway we much akin to those in West Tennessee, an array of colors from silver to gold.
Motels along the way were extremely modern, some with telephones in the bath and free movies. Interstate highways in Arkansas and Texas are flanked by service roads on either side, and some of the road signs are an a V shape. An interesting sign in Texas reads. "Drive Friendly." "Cross Overs," linking both directions of the interstate highways, appeared only short distances apart.
Food on the trip was very good but very expensive. For instance orange juice was $1 for a small glass in Texas.
The ladies arrived home, a bit tired from the journey but with a well of memories of the safe trip, of which they are very grateful.
When it comes to growing African Violets, a Parsons housewife rates at the top.
Mrs. Ada Moody, age 80, has been raising African Violets for years and each year she improves them. This year they have outdone themselves blooming.
''I have one plant that has 111 blooms and another one with around 140 buds, just ready to burst forth in full bloom," the dark haired lady, with the "Green Thumb" said.
She admits that when she first began growing the plants, she didn't use plant food but has found out that they do much better with this additive. "I water my plants with warm water each Wednesday and on Saturday they get a dose of plant food." If they are watered too often, they don't do well.
Mrs. Moody doesn't grow any other type of pot flower. Her daughter, Mrs. Ruby Rushing of Shefied Lake, Ohio brought her start of violets from Ohio and every since there has been an abundance of blooms.
Christmas they were in full bloom and as soon as they shed the bloom another passel burst forth.
When asked if she talks to her violets, Mrs. Moody said "No" but she had heard that talking on the telephone improved them and she gets several calls each day. She keeps her variety of colors, including pink in a variety of shades, white with purple edges, lavender and purple, on tables in the living room. "Hot sun kills them," she explained.
Those who have heard of her flowering violets drop by from surrounding areas to see them. "I had visitors from Bath Springs just last week," she concluded.
The cheerful flower grower lives alone at 1032 Tennessee Avenue South. Her husband, the late George Moody, passed away in 1931. She has three daughters. Having lived on the farm for many years, Mrs. Moody moved to Parsons 27 years ago.
The Decatur County Fair got off to a drizzly start Monday night, hit the spirits of fairgoers were not dampened too much by the scattered rainfall to turnout for the Tiny Tot Revue at the Special Events Arena.
Better weather Tuesday night almost guaranteed a full number in attendance for the Fairest of the Fair Contest.
Another new feature has been announced for the fair this week according to Mrs. Doris Fisher, fair secretary. This is the discount of all rides on Friday afternoon, Kiddies Day. All rides will be one-hall price from 1:00 to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, the schedule called for the judging of general exhibits at 9:00 a.m., the money pole climb at 6:30 p.m., and the annual Fairest of the Fair contest at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, the Money Pole Climb at 6:30 p.m. and the Western Horse Show sponsored by the Decatur County Saddle Club will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, the schedule for Hog Judging at 9:00 a.m. The K-Nine Karnival (Dog Show) will be held at 4:30 p.m. and Livestock Show and Beef Cat-tie Judging will begin at 6:00 a.m. The Money Pole Climb will be at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday night will also be Family Night at the fair, with discount rides on the midway.
Friday, Home Economics Judging and Youth Livestock Judging will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by Crop Judging at 1:00 p.m. The Turtle Race will be held at 5:00 p.m., the Money Pole Climb at 6:30 p.m. and Gospel Singing will fill the air with music beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday's schedule calls for the miniature pony pull to be held at 12:30 p.m., and the Baby Show at 4:00 p.m., the Money Pole Climb at 6:30 p.m. and a Band Concert by the annual Riverside High School Band at 7:30 p.m.
Charles Maxwell Collett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Parce Collett, received a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in history, from Mount Union College at Alliance, Ohio on June 10th.
A special buffet for families and college students was served in the dining area of the college.
He attended Lambuth College his freshman year where he served as Student Government Representative of the Kappa Alpha fraternity.
He transferred to Mount Union College, a coeducational liberal arts school in Alliance, Ohio, in his sophomore year. In 1972 be attended summer school at Kent State University at Kent, Ohio and finished in March of this year.
Mount Union College is privately controlled and affiliated with the Methodist Church Founded is 1846, Mount Union was the first college in the United States to offer summer courses.
Mr. Collett has been accepted to enter law school at Memphis State University. Presently he is employed at Harper-Robinson Co. in San Francisco as an accountant.
Billy W. Townsend has joined in forming a law partnership with Judge D. D. Humphreys Jr. in Hohenwald. Their new office is located at 29 West Main Street across from the Hohenwald Bank and Trust Company in Hohenwald.
Mr. Townsend is a lifelong native and resident of Decatur County, Tennessee, He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Townsend of Parsons. Mr. Townsend has been practicing law in Parsons since he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1966. He is a member of the United Methodist Church. He is a member of the Tennessee National Guard. He enjoys working with youth and served as Scoutmaster of the Parsons Boy Scout Troop for three years and achieved the rank of Eagle as a boy.
He also has been an active member of the Decatur County Jaycees and the Decatur County Athletic Association. He has served as President of the Decatur County Cancer Crusade. Mr. Townsend lists as his favorite pastimes football, basketball, hunting, fishing; and chess. He is a strong believer in civic pride. He worked hard fort the consolidation of the Parsons and Decaturville High Schools and personally solicited and gathered the private donations to finance the Parsons Junior Football team, He has expressed surprise at the unity and progressiveness of the municipal and county governments of Lewis County during his initial sopury [stop over?] here.
As far as the people of Lewis County, he said: "I know already that I am going to enjoy living and practicing here just from the friendliness and sincerity of the few people that I have met."
Many college students have just completed their part-time summer jobs to return to college this fall.
One such individual is Miss Alice Ann Reid, 21, a Senior at University of Knoxville and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Reid of Parsons.
Shortly after completing her Junior year and part of her Senior year, she accepted employment at the Tennessee Prison for Women, Route 3, Stewart Lane in Nashville, as a counselor's aid.
This was not only a challenge to the college student, who is majoring in 'Human Service,', but it proved quite interesting.
Her duties consisted of working in the prison Commissary, aiding prison teachers, assisting in securing information pertaining to newcomers imprisoned here, and doing research from prison files as to race, age, background, and crime committed.
"I enjoyed conversing with prisoners, both those just admitted, and those serving time," the enthusiastic youngster revealed.
Alice Ann explained that upon arriving at the prison, a Resident Handbook is presented to each one exposing them to the routine of prison life.
Orientation and classification takes around three weeks to complete. Counselors work very closely with them to assist them in working out individual programs.
From an educational point of view, prisoners may avail themselves of a choice of courses, including Cosmetology, Business, Food Service Management, Dental Technician, or Seamstress.
Prisoners may complete their High School education, also.
Upon entering prison, many are unaware that they are allowed to wear their own personal clothing. They think that they are to be clad in uniforms. A garment plant on the premises makes uniforms for those who are unable to furnish their own clothing, which is operated by the prisoners. Their hours are from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Miss Reid explained that each one is assigned to a private room after their orientation period and may own a T.V., radio, or stereo. They have a key to their room, however, they are locked in for the night but at 6:30 A.M., the doors are open for the day.
Breakfast is scheduled at 7 A.M., lunch at 12 noon, and supper at 4:45 P.M. Visiting hours are 4 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Monday through Friday and 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday.
At the Commissary, candies, chips, shampoo, soap, stationery, pencils, etc., may be purchased.
Each prisoner is responsible for doing her own laundry.
Recreation includes soft ball games, with staff vs prisoners, dances, swimming parties, and Church groups often visit the prison and present skits. Soft ball games are scheduled monthly as well as dances which include men prisoners from the main prison.
Prisoners are awarded privileges according to good behavior. They are graded on levels from 1 to 4. Grade levels 3 and 4 are eligible for outside job placement, five minute phone calls, membership in self-government, free campus movement and yard privileges any day during daylight hours. They are also eligible for any point purchase. Points ate based on good conduct also.
Counselors keep a record of points per prisoner and for each privilege, a certain number of points are deducted. Outside shopping for two hours, under escort by counselor costs 300 points and escorted visits to family cost 1,000 points.
Inmates who do not have the ambition to learn a trade are assigned to the kitchen or factory.
Correction officers are always on duty around the clock.
"It was a very interesting and exciting summer job," the blonde student admitted, "and I enjoyed it very much." The staff members are quite young as well as counselors and nurses.
"Everyone was very friendly and helpful to students working here," she concluded.
Cars dotted both sides of the street on North Georgia Avenue last Sunday when Mrs. Allye Ragsdale was complimented with open house on her 82nd birthday.
Springs flowers adorned the party rooms. Guests arrived, laden with ribbon be-decked gifts which were presented to the honoree.
She most graciously expressed her appreciation to each one that called.
"Miss Allye," as she is affectionately known as, was born April 9, 1890 in the Bunches Chapel Community in Decatur County. The daughter of Captain E. E. Arnold and Dora Crowder Arnold, her mother died at a young age and Miss Allye made her home with an aunt, Mrs. Emmy Long.
She has two sons, Thomas of Metarie, Louisiana and Dr. Jack Ragsdale of Canton, Illinois. Her three granddaughters are Mrs. Rita Fleming of Tampa, Florida, Miss Kay Ragsdale and Miss Jean Ragsdale of Canton, Illinois. Also one great granddaughter, Christian Suzanne Fleming.
She was married to John S. Ragsdale May 16, 1912, who is deceased.
She is best known for being the "Number Please Girl," having worked for the Parsons Telephone Company prior to when the dial system escalated. Despite the fact ill health has filled many later years of her life, she has kept very active, making a number of Afghans, which she has given to her relatives, and knitted bootees by the jillions.
She returned from Decatur County General Hospital just in time to celebrate her birthday.
Refreshments consisted of a beautiful white birthday cake, imprinted with "Happy Birthday" greetings and trimmed in pink rosebuds. Punch and coffee were served with the birthday cake.
Hosting the open house were Mrs. Wilburn Townsend and Mrs. Sue Carrington. Mr. Herman Tinker of Dotham, Ala., was out-of-town guests. A host of friends and relatives dropped by to wish her many more happy birthdays.
PARSONS. Tenn. — A young school teacher and her family watched in horror Tuesday as her boy friend, piloting a single engine Army trainer plane, crashed into a hilly wooded area on Bible Hill Road about seven miles north of here.
Capt. Kirby S. Kapp, 29, of Chicago, was killed instantly in the fiery crash at 2:07 p.m., just moments after taking off from Parsons airport to return to his duty station at Lawson Army Air Field, near Fort Benning, Ga.
Kapp had spent the day with his girl friend, Anna G. Dodd, 27, and her family who live on a farm near the crash scene. Miss Dodd said the purpose of his trip had been to log flight time.
"He flew along with us as we drove home from the airport." Miss Dodd said.
"He was flying over the house when he went into a dive and never came out of it," she added.
The L-19 single place trainer first struck a tree after coming down at 45 degree angle on the side of a hill. A wing was shorn off by the tree. The plane hit the ground nose first and flipped over, spilling its fuel and catching fire.
Tennessee Highway Patrolmen removed the body, which was badly burned, and it was taken to a Parsons funeral home.
According to Houston Gatlin, Decatur County deputy sheriff, the flier's watch stopped at 3:07 p.m. Fort Benning time, which would be 2:07 p.m. Parsons time. The force of the crash slung the six cylinder engine about 50 feet from the point of impact. The rear fuselage and tail of the plane were intact, but the rest of the craft was spread over a wide area of woodland.
Officials said Kapp was a student at the base infantry school at Fort Benning and that flying was part of his training.
[1968]
PARSONS - Mrs. Max Townsend, editor of the Parsons News-Leader, was severely injured Tuesday afternoon when she lost control of her car in a rain-slick curve and it ran off the road and hit a wire fence.
Mrs. Townsend's two children, Marilyn and Jerry, also were in the car but escaped injury.
The accident occurred about 4:30 p.m. a mile north of Parsons on the Bible Hill Road.
Authorities said Mrs. Townsend's left arm was severely cut by broken glass. She was admitted to Decatur County Hospital and transferred to Methodist Hospital in Memphis where she was reported in fair condition this morning.
Mrs. Townsend's husband is publisher of the newspaper.
PARSONS. Tenn. - The spirit of the gay nineties came alive when Mrs. Laverne Odle entertained the office personnel and former employees of Salant & Salant, Inc., with a costume party at the Miller Log Cabin in Sugar Tree.
Guests arrived in ante-bellum attire, some with hoop skirts, others with long ruffled skirts, and some of calico. Mrs. Tommy Smith was dressed in red and white candy stripe dress with matching pantaloons. The oldest costume was worn Mrs. Patty Houston which dates back to 1895.
The cabin was in keeping with the dress. Four kerosene lamps were lit and one sparking lamp. A big fire roared in the fireplace and black cotton stockings hung on a nail from the mantel awaiting Santa.
In the lean-to kitchen, the iron cookstove was cooking old-fashioned food for the dinner. Hominy, crackling bread, baked sweet potatoes, pumpkin, green cabbage, sweet potato pudding, corn on the cob, green kraut, chicken and dressing, cranberries, soup beans and molasses cake. Mrs. Dorothy Wallace received an ornamental high-top shoe as a prize for the most original dish. "green cabbage," from the last century.
The invocation was given by Mrs. Lillye Younger. The guests sat around the round oak table and square table for dinner. An old bench, which was used by the small children years ago, served as seating capacity, along with oak dining chairs.
After the meal, the guests assembled in the living room for games and contests, with Mrs. Younger in charge. Prize winners were Mrs. Wynema Myracle and Mrs. Holland Miller.
Gifts were exchanged from under the Christmas tree. Mrs. Miller asked each one to sign the guest register before leaving.
Those present were Mrs. Ava Mae Taylor, Mrs. Wilma Davis, Mrs. Wynema .Myracle, Mrs. Terry Smith, Mrs. Jan Akin, Mrs. Jane Swindle, Mrs. Dorothy Wallace, Mrs. Kathleen Fisher, Mrs. Patty Houston and Mrs. Glenda Bawcum.
Large families are almost unheard of today but one family of eight are almost pioneers today. However they still follow the tradition of having a family reunion each year.
It's the Joseph Bailey and Maggie Isabelle Middleton Taylor of the Ebenezer Community descendants.
Each 1st Sunday in May since the early 1930's their children meet at the old home place in Scotts Hill, attend the yearly decoration at the United Methodist Church in Scotts Hill and return to the old home for the feast, brought by each family. Adjoining the house is the mobile home of Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Taylor and the descendants overflow into the trailer as well. There are 38 children, grandchildren and great grandchildren from this family group.
(photo caption)Descendants of a pioneer family - l to r: Virgil, Charlie, Agness, Ernest Taylor, Opal Kelly, Mack Ray Taylor and Mae Barrett.
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