HUMBOLDT
150 YEAR th
HUMB
CHRONICLE LDT
CELEBRATION
Page 2 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Very first Strawberry Festival in 1934
First Strawberry Festival in 1934. Taken in front of the Milton I. Baum Store building at Main & 14th. This is the Gibson Tennessee Float. The Queen is Jane Meals Hooper and the First Maid is Muzette Booker Morris.
Here is another photo of the First Strawberry Festival in 1934. Notice all the cars are parked on Main Street. The float pictured is sponsored by the B.C. Jarrell & Company.
It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that we dedicate this section to our forebearers and those today who keep their memories alive. In Humboldt as we mark 150 years, we are humbled by the work of the Humboldt Historical Society. We thank the society and its members for most of the photos and information you will find within these pages.
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 3
Proud of our heritage of faith, family, friends and the city we cherish. Let us continue to celebrate and grow Humboldt!
Humboldt City Hall, Downtown Humboldt
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Page 4 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Strawberry Festivals ‘A reason to celebrate Humboldt’ It’s always been about families & friends! And shiny cars, pretty girls,wonderful food, lovely floats and music!
This photo was made in the late 1940s. It was taken on 17th Avenue next to Hunt Funeral Home. Pictured are Bill Goldsby, Marshall Dunn, Robert Barker, & T.O. Lashlee.
Strawberry Festival Parade, late 1940s. The old Odd Fellows Building can be seen, which was at the corner of Main Street and Central (where the mini-park is). It was home to Kerley Furniture at the time, later the home of Meriwether’s Furniture.
Festival beauties - Dolly Lee Simmons, Frances Adair, Delena Smith, Carolyn Bond, Eloise Walden, Billy Sedberry, (front) June Thweatt and June Lain, likely in the 1950s.
The Pan-Am Service Station put lots of time and effort into this float from the 40s-50s.
Circa 1960s - This has been identified as Clint Warmath in front on the tricycle and his twin brother Frank Warmath on the tricycle in the back next to the lady, talking to the little girl.
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 5
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Visit Our 3 Locations • Humboldt • Medina • Bells
Page 6 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Marion Gross made this picture of the Humboldt High School band in the grand floats parade in the 1940s. In those days the lineup for the “big” parade was at the crossing. The parade route proceeded east on Mitchell Street to 22nd Avenue, south to Main Street, then west on Main Street to 12th Avenue. This picture was made at the intersection of Mitchell Street and Central Avenue. The house in the background was owned by W. H. and Nell Deshazo. (He was the high school principal and basketball coach.) The Esso filling station was owned by Dan Scott, who later served as mayor of Humboldt.
Early Strawberry Festival founders in about 1939 posed for this shot in front of the old First Baptist Church when it was on Osborne. From left they are A.D. Hassell, Doc Lashlee, Maxwell Senter, Aubrey H. Williams, unknown, Dan Tuttle, Phelan Douglas, and Carey Hill.
Central avenue Christian Church 1501 Osborne Street, Humboldt • 731-784-9223 •centralavechristianchurch.org 1954 E Main | Humboldt | TN | 38343 (731) 784-4720 www.WestTennesseeRealEstate.net
Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Youth: 4 p.m. Wednesday Nigh Supper: 6 p.m. CMF meets every 3rd Sunday CWF meets every 4th Tuesday 6:30
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 7
Stigalls played important role molding Humboldt educational history Schools, museum, youth center today bear the Stigall name
T.M. ‘Tom’ Stigall came to Humboldt in 1896 with his wife, O.E. He was principal of the colored school for 39 years and died in the classroom in 1935.
Mr. T. M. Stigall was born near Pinson, Tenn. on the Stigall farm. His mother’s name was Parthenia., his father was Thomas Stigall. He was the youngest of five children. He first attended school at Mason, Tenn. His first teacher, Mrs. Fields, a graduate of Walden University, encouraged him to attend Central, Tenn. College, Nashville, after which he transferred to Lane College, Jackson, Tenn., receiving a B.S. Degree. He first taught in the public schools of Tipton, Tenn. and afterwards in Madison and Gibson counties. Mr. Stigall taught math many summer sessions at Lane College, Jackson, became principal of Humboldt City Schools (1896 with his wife Mrs. O.E. Stigall), Assistant until it grew so large it became necessary to increase his faculty by employing one teacher in 1907. As the number of pupils increased, teachers and rooms were added to the frame building. The school grew in both efficiency and number, which was called Humboldt Colored School. He was an ardent worker, in church, community and succeeded in getting the State Department of Education to make the school an accredited two year high school in 1916. The frame structure burned in the spring of 1928 and a beautiful 12 room high school was erected on the school plot. The Science Department and Library were well equipped, at that time. In the summer of 1935 the brick building burned to the ground and another brick building was erected in September. This building again was well equipped and many more teachers were added. The school was in transition of becoming an accredited four year high school at the time of the passing of Mr. Stigall. The first high school graduating class was 1937. Mr. Stigall was principal for 39 years. He passed away October 23, 1935, in his classroom after dismissing a class in Algebra. Annie Bell Porter remained and lifted his eyeglasses from his eyes. The school was named in his honor by the city, county and state boards of education.
‘Proudly
CELEBRATING
20 Years of Service to West Tennessee Veterans!
TENNESSSEE STATE VETERANS HOME 784-8405 | 2865 Main St. | Humboldt Greg Turnbo, Administrator Jennifer Mullikin, Director of Nursing
Page 8 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Interior of Strasberg Brothers Dry Goods, Christmas 1922. Strasberg’s was open circa 1901 by brothers Jake and Harry Strasberg at the northwest corner of Main Street and 14th Avenue. In later years the Strasberg’s brought in their extended family, the Lindys, to help operate the store. Finally in the early to mid 1950s the store was purchased by Mr. Tommy Shepard. He owned and operated the store until it closed about 2000. Pictures are Left to Right: Ruth Gullage, Lorene James, Clifford Bethshares, and one of the Strasberg’s cousins.
The Crossing Rexall Drug Store. This photo was taken June 25, 1942. Pictured are Jimmy French and Norman “Strawberry” Cook.
T-Shirts Embroidery Screenprinting Yard Signs & More
Hwy. 152 East, Humboldt, TN • 731-784-8100 2227 East End Dr. 731-784-5331 HumboldtScreenprinting@yahoo.com
www.crownwinery.com • thecrownwinery@aol.com Hours: Sunday Closed Monday Hours: Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m.12-5; - 6 p.m. Sundays 12 noon - 5 p.m. other days by Wine appointment TuesdayOpen - Saturday 11-6; Down only. Friday 7 - 10
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 9
Adams Hardware Company. This business was organized by J.J.R. Adams shortly after the Civil War. Mr. Adams, originally from McNairy County, came to Humboldt following the war with several of his brothers. A grocery and hardware store was opened and operated by J.J.R. Adams and his brothers. It was operated under this management for a few years, before being solely operated by Adams. In the 1880s a new brick store building was constructed on Main Street to house the Hardware business. This is the building currently occupied by City Gift Company. Later, his son G.J. Adams would join the firm and continue to operate the store after his father’s retirement. The store continued operations, until finally closing in the 1920s.
Interior of the T.P. Bethshares Grocery Store on the north side of Main Street, just east of the old McClarin Drug Store. Mr. Thomas Porter Bethshares was the son of one of Humboldt’s first physicians, Dr. H.H. Bethshares. He operated his store for over 50 years on Main Street and was known for his famous slogan: “Want 1000 Dozen Eggs”. Pictured are from left: T.P Bethshares, the store driver Leland Fisher, Mrs. Leonard Newhouse, and Alfred Bethshares.
‘Proudly Serving
Your Sight Needs 44 Years’
2439 Central Ave.
~Established 1972~
Humboldt, TN 784-1186
We Salute Humboldt, Tenn. ~Established 1866~
Page 10 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Humboldt Electric signs contract with TVA in 1939 Current Humboldt Utilites’ offices built in 1956
The late Mayor Howard Foltz is credited with leading the city into service with TVA when he wrote a letter of inquiry in 1935. A series of meetings began with officials of other West Tennessee towns to concentrate an effort on an agreement by which the communities could purchase West Tennessee Power and Light Company. The City of Humboldt paid $50,000 as the city’s share of the purchase price for West Tennessee Power and Light Company, who had holdings in 22 cities and towns in West Tennessee. The history of the Humboldt Electric Department started January 10, 1939, when a contract was signed with Tennessee Valley Authority, under which the department would buy and distribute TVA power. At the time, there were 979 electric customers and monthly bills dropped to half the cost to the customers when Humboldt began purchasing TVA power. The current Humboldt Utilities’ building at 207 South 13th Avenue was built in 1956 and was first managed by L.E. Lam.
In 1959, the city purchased the natural gas distribution system from West Tennessee Gas Company and the first independent Board of Public Utilities was created under the authority of the Municipal Electric Plant Act. The Board originally consisted of three board members, Ben Caldwell, Barthel Gray and Kirk Patrick. In 1972, the Humboldt Board of Public Utilities was expanded to its current five member board. In 1959 Billy Stone, who was the manager for West Tennessee Gas Company was appointed Gas and Water Department Manager and served until his death in 1976. In 1977 the electric, gas and water departments were combined under the authority of the Humboldt Board of Public Utilities and managed by Marvin Hill, who had managed the electric department since 1957. Manager Hill retired in 1983. Stan Little was appointed by the Board in 1983 as General Manager and served until his retirement in 2011. Alex Smith was then appointed and serves as General Manager today.
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7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
HUMBOLDT
MEDICAL CLINIC Deborah L. Graves, BC-FNP Phone 731-470-4020 | Fax 731-562-0349 2500 North Central Ave. Suite D | Humboldt, TN 38343
Building dedication in 1956 for the Utility Department on S. 13th - Pictured are from Left to Right: Marvin Hill, Lloyd Adams Jr., Griffin Boyte, A.X. Hunt, Nathan Couch, Mayor L.D. Nowell, L.E. Lam, Dan J. Scott, Barthel Gray, and Grady Barnett.
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 11
Serving our citizens
Humboldt Post Office - Former Humboldt Post Office Employees: This photo was made circa 1911 and taken next to the post office when it was located on the southeast corner of Main and 13th. Pictured from left to right: Phil Matthews, Will T. Howse, Wiley Bennett, W. Phelan Douglas, Carl Craddock, G.V. Jackson, Will Craddock, Earl Williams, John Mason, Henry Halbrook, J.W. McGlathery, H.C. McCaleb, Hicks Williams, Slade Stallings, Eugene McKibbon and Tom Campbell.
Humboldt Fire Department, circa 1920, in front of fancy gazebo in Bailey Park. Standing in front of the stars and flag is Jack Lafayette Robinson. Directly to the right of him in dark coat, Newton Franklin Robinson, his brother. They are the father and uncle of Jack Robinson. Jack’s other grandfather, Sid Mason, is also in the photo..
Serving Humboldt and Gibson County Since 1999
Established 1976
ROBINSON OFFICE PRODUCTS Proudly Congratulates
HUMBOLDT, TENNESSEE Established 1866
www.brsupplyinc.com
In 1996, Robinson Office Products moved to 1316 Main St. Humboldt, one of the oldest buildings in the downtown business district. Also located at 1316 Main
Trenton 502 N. College 855-1895
Humboldt 2405 East End Drive 784-1111
Milan 2026 E. Van Hook 686-9355
Creative Accents featuring Unique Gifts & Clothing 784-6733
Jack Robinson is proud of this photo which includes his grandfathers, Newt Robinson and Sid Mason, along with his namesake uncle Jack Robinson as firefighters here!
Page 12 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Efforts to open library in Humboldt began in 1923
The first organized effort to obtain a public library for Humboldt was made in 1923, but nothing concrete came of it. It was not until late in 1953 that practical and workable plans were formulated out of which materialized our present public library. The War Memorial Corp., a part of the local American Legion, offered quarters, rent free to house a library in the War Memorial Building. The Humboldt Woman’s Club then proceeded to set up a board of directors. This board met with the Humboldt Board of Aldermen who proved to be most interested and co-operative in the new project. This board of aldermen included H. Herndon, A.X. Hunt, S.A. Barrix, L.D. Nowell and Ed Stobaugh. Library operating expenses were to be provided by the city of Humboldt. An additional sum of $1,500 was given by the city for equipment. The Humboldt Woman’s Club gave over $2,250 more to be used for furnishings, making a total of about $3,750 for desks, tables, chairs, cabinets and
shelvings. The West Tenn. Regional Library offered every possible assistance, even to the point of cataloging and technically setting the library up for public use. They also brought about 2,000 books, very fine books on indefinite loan. The Humboldt Public Library opened its doors for the reading public on April 27, 1954. On its shelves were some 3,750 volumes, gathered from the West Tenn. Regional Library Service, money given by the Humboldt Woman’s Club, Humboldt Civic Clubs and interested individuals. Humboldt Public Library is now in its 62nd year of service. In March of 1954, a courteous lady, Mrs. Weldon ‘Frances’ Oliver, a local Humboldt lady, college graduate and teacher with 13 years of experience, came to the Humboldt Public Library as the librarian. She, along with the help of the West Tenn. Regional see LIBRARY page 13
Humboldt Public Library’s first libarian, Frances Oliver, began in 1954.
The bookmobile from Reelfoot Regional Library used to make routine trips through Gibson County, bringing books to Humboldt Library and other small libraries in the community in the 1950s.
WARRINGTON SHEET METAL, INC.
From our family to the City of Humboldt,
Congratulations on your 150th anniversay. We celebrate with you in our 49th year! Serving the Humboldt area since 1967
EDUCATING HUMBOLDT
HCS STUDENTS
FOR OVER A CENTURY
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 13
Library from page 12 Library Service, prepared the library for its debut. Her deep love and concern for the Library was a tremendous factor in its initial success. The Annie Laurie James Genealogy Room at the Humboldt Public Library has provided a source of help to genealogists since its dedication on October 20, 1992. Mrs. C.C. James, better known as Nan, has been a force and a tremendous resource for this library endeavor. The diminutive size of this room, located off the conference room, belies its importance. In this small space, census records, books on families, reference books on how to research a family tree or member, cemetery records, as well as census records and Courier Chronicle on microfilm are housed there. Many people from the surrounding area, and many from out-of-state, find that the Humboldt Public Library is one of the best small library resources from Humboldt to Memphis. The Humboldt Public Library celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Sunday May 2nd 2004, at the library with a program of recognition of past directors and board members.
Fruitland Pack Sheds, early 1900s.
The Humboldt Domestic Science Class photograph was taken on April 26, 1920. This photo was made next to the small one story brick building on the back the Elementary School campus on Main Street. This building was on the southwest corner of Osborne Street and 18th Avenue. The new High School was built in 1917 on Ferrell Street, so this class was still meeting on the old campus.
Humboldt Champs 1916-17 This girls’ basketball team includes (from left to right, top ) Melba Woodson, unknown, Cordie Tatum (mddle row) unknown, Mamie Duffey and Captain is Mary Craddock.
Happy I5Oth Birthday
Humboldt!
Tom & O.E. Stigall Ethnic Library & History Museum
Store Hours Mon-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10-4 731-784-2724
705 N. 9th Avenue • Humboldt 784-2900 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Thursday - Saturday Groups may schedule visits any day by calling 731-424-5349
Page 14 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Ford on Main St.
The Dodson Ford Dealership & Garage in their original building on Main Street. This building is located on the south side of the street between 14th and Central Avenue, to the west of the Plaza Theatre. Mr. George D. Dodson, owner of the business, is standing in the doorway at the far left. The dealership later moved to the northeast corner of Central & Main Street and constructed a new building.
Oak Grove United Methodist Church 1 Peter Smith Rd., Humboldt, TN
The Dodson Ford Dealership was located on the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue. Mr. George D. Dodson entered the automobile sales business in 1915. Mr. Dodson is pictured at left in the photo with a new customer in 1940. Dodson’s nephew, Bill Hooper, took over the business in later years.
SIMMONS SHOE STORE
FOUNDED IN 1917 January - June Sunday School - 9:30 AM Worship - 11:00 AM
July - December Worship - 9:30 AM Sunday School - 10:30 AM
A.P. Simmons, founder, (behind counter and left photo) joined by friend, Shelvy Browning.
204 S. 14th Ave. Humboldt 731-784-4701
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 15 Humboldt’s Fulltime Fire Department in the 1950s Left to right Hollis Gilmore, Harding unknown, Dock Harrion Assistant Chief, Bennie Day, Chief Ivan Grace, W.B. Espey, Leon Miller, Assistant Chief
Fire Truck on Main - Leon ‘Coon Dog’ Miller driving the 1931 Seagraves truck with Mrs. Virginia Nicholson’s 1st grade class
50s Firefighters
Celebrating our shared heritage since 1988!
Congratulations!
HUMBOLDT TENNESSEE Est. 1866
www.dyerfmbank.com .ddyerfmbank.com
‘We have our roots where others have their branches.’
Barbara Bunch, Jeana Moore, Melissa Colvin, Ann Buchanan, Kelsey Wilson & Zach Moore 316 N. 22nd Ave., Humboldt (731) 784-4178
2535 N. Central Ave., Humboldt (731) 784-0938
Page 16 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Humboldt’s First Police Women Humboldt Police Department’s first two lady police officers receiving their oath of office from Mayor L. D. Nowell as Chief Ellison looks on. The officers are Elouise David and Maggie Gross, February 1, 1956.
Humboldt Police Department in 1956
Taken in the lobby of City Hall on Main Street. Officers include (front row from left) Shirley Tillett De, Maggie L. Gross, Charles W. Albright, James McLemore, Robert Cude, Elouise Davis, Ruby Scott, (back row, from left) Jeff Dameron, James Brown, Horace Smith, John C. Ambrose, Luther Ellison, Haskell McCollum, Edwin Gregory
Proud to be Part of Humboldt’s Industrial Family
Chicago Metallic Bakeware
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 17
Celebrating 100 Years in 2016 Front row, from left) Miss Laura Foltz, Tom Donovan, Miss Agnes Donovan (the late Mrs. Clarence Shane), second row, standing John Pearson, Miss Margaret Donovan, Charlie Albright (the comic of the group, wearing Agnes’ hat and neck piece), Neill Senter (uncle of ‘Insurance Neill) third row, standing, Miss Mamie Bryon (the late Mrs. C.B. Riley) and Don Donovan.
Farmers & Merchants Bank was founded in 1916. Although we recently changed names, we are the same bank, the same friendly staff you know, and provide the same quality services you deserve!
PEOPLES FURNITURE CO. 1413 Main St., Humboldt • 784-2962
Regular Price
99995
$
Sale Price
799
$
95
Offering Quality Lines of Home Furnishings Since 1940 Free Delivery • In-House Financing
www.mycentennial.bank 388 Hwy. 45W | Humboldt, TN | 824-1411 or 664-2265
Page 18 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
The photo was made in Humboldt at the L&N Railroad street crossing where the old freight depot was located on Mitchell Street and 9th Avenue. The gentleman holding the stop sign is Albert Johnson Stone who was one of the L & N crossing watchmen in Humboldt from the early 1900s to the early 1930s. The other man is either Willis or Norman Roe. The photo is circa 1925.
Jesse L. Thompson & Maggie Love Bell about 1920. Taken in Rose Hill Cemetery. This fountain was located at the second drive to left as you enter the cemetery from 19th.
Humboldt Service Co.
Three Generations Serving Humboldt
The Late Jess Pritchard Founder JJessica i Al Alsobrook b k Daughter
JJohn h Al Alsobrook b k Grandson
Proudly Servicing the Humboldt Area Since 1978 114 South 14th Ave., Humboldt
731-784-5831
731.784.5555 1304 Main St. www.PritchardRealty.com
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 19
Pulliam’s Market a forerunner to Sam & See’s BBQ on Main
Pulliam’s Market on West Main Street was a busy and robust business for many years. It is the same building where Sam & See’s BBQ is now. In 1959, those inside the store are (from left) Mrs. Velva (Alfred) Pulliam, Charlie Reed, Houston Vance, Alfred Tennyson Pulliam and Mrs. Olga Donald Baskerville, a sister to Velva.
Congratulations
HUMBOLDT, TN 150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
‘ I am proud to serve the community of Humboldt and honor the fine people that have gone before to help make this community what it is today.’ -Randy Terry
Providing Insurance and Financial Services. randy@randyterryinsurance.com
3382 East End Drive | Humboldt, TN | 784-3084
FIRST EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH and DAY SCHOOL 1528 Presbyterian Drive Humboldt, TN 38343 731-784-9783 (Corner off Carriage Lane & US-45 Bypass) Pastor Chuck Estes Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Fellowship Supper 5:15 p.m. Bible Study 6:00 p.m.
Page 20 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Humboldt Football Team -The Humboldt Yellow Hammers football team from 1922 played behind the high school on Ferrell Street and after Bailey Park was constructed in the mid 1920s, many of their games were played at that location. Among them are (front row) Coach Sam Ramsey, Benny Welsh, Cloud Dodd, Allen Jones, Charles Rooks, Myles Horton, Carthel Lanier, Evan Jarrell, Elmer Hunt, Ernest Dunlap, Benny Castleman, and Finis Peek, (back row) Neal Clark, Marion Bennett, Emmett Mays, Burney Hopper, Clifford Bethshares, William White, James Bennett, James D. Senter, Jr., Dr. Hershel Penn, Watt Blakemore, Bailey Walsh, and Lt. Commander Bob Lannom.
Dr. J.H. Parsons (at right)is standing in front of his drug store which was located on the north side of Main Street between 12th and 13th Avenues. This building was built to house the Humboldt Bank and now is owned by the Masonic Lodge.
Established 1822
Established 1823
Established 1825
City of Jackson
Gibson County
First Evangelical
101 E. Main Street Jackson, TN 425-8308
1 S. College St. Trenton, TN 855-7613
shed 1830s Establi
Established 1831
Oak Grove Methodist Church
Antioch Baptist Church
Presbyterian Church 1528 Presbyterian Drive Humboldt, TN 784-9783
Established 1867
First Baptist Church
1 Peter Smith Road Humboldt, TN
425 Antioch Rd. Humboldt, TN 783-5330
3400 Mitchell Street Humboldt, TN 784-1883 www.fbchumboldt.org
Established 1872
Established 1880
Established 1886
Central Avenue Christian Church
City of Humboldt
Sacred Heart Catholic Church 2887 E. Main Street Humboldt, TN 731-784-3904 www.sacredhearthumboldttn.com
1501 Osborne Street Humboldt, TN 784-9223 www.centralavechristianchurch.org
1201 Main Street Downtown Humboldt, TN 784-2511
Established 1886
Established 1895
Established 1903
Senter & Senter Attorneys
Simmons Bank
Humboldt Chronicle
2606 East End Drive Humboldt, TN 784-2531 www.hchronicle.net
1414 Main Street Humboldt, TN 784-7766
2628 N. Central Avenue Humboldt, TN 824-7625 www.simmonsank.com
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 21
The L&N Railroad (Lousville and Nashville) was completed through Humboldt in 1859, and crossed the M&O Railroad (Mobile and Ohio) in Humboldt, thus the Crossing was born. For many years the Crossing and the current downtown area grew side by side, according to local history. At one time, it was great sport to go to the Crossing on Sundays when as many as 10 trains a day came through town.
Established 1905
Established 1906
Established 1907
Chamber of Commerce
Shelton-Hunt Funeral Home
City of Medina
1200 Main Street Humboldt, TN 784-1842 www.humboldttnchamber.org
1641 Main Street Humboldt, TN 784-1414 (formerly Hunt Funeral Home)
201 Highway 45 E N Medina, TN 783-5269
Established 1908
Established 1913
Established 1916
Bongard’s 3001 Highway 45 Bypass Humboldt, TN 784-7978 www.bongards.com
Established 1917
Simmons Shoe Store 204 S. 14th Ave. Humboldt, TN 784-4701
Humboldt City Schools 2602 Viking Drive Humboldt, TN 784-2652
www.hcsvikings.org
Established 1922
City Gift 1321 E. Main St. Humboldt, TN 784-2724
Centennial Bank
388 US Hwy 45W Humboldt, TN 824-1411 (formerly Farmers & Merchants Bank)
Established 1925 Replogle-Lawrence Funeral Home 303 E. Church Ave. Medina, TN 783-3026
(formerly City Drug Co.)
www.reploglelawrence.com
Established 1936
Established 1939
Established 1940
Jones Family of Companies
Humboldt Utilities
Lashlee-Rich, Inc.
312 S. 14th Ave. Humboldt, TN 784-2832
207 S. 13th Ave. Humboldt, TN 784-9212
1100 W. Main St. Humboldt, TN 784-2461
(formerly Jones Co. Ltd.)
Page 22 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Honoring, remembering the past, while looking to the future The statue of the Confederate Veteran now in Humboldt’s Bailey Park once graced the median of Main Street in front of Main Street School at the intersection of 18th Avenue. It was first erected in 1914 by the Daughters of the Confederacy.
Established 1940
Established 1946
Established 1946
Peoples Furniture Co.
Heglar Plumbing and Electric
Humboldt Rotary Club
310 W. Main Street Humboldt, TN 784-3642
www.rotary6760.org
1413 Main Street Humboldt, TN 784-2962
PO Box 782 Humboldt, TN
Established 1950
Established 1950
Established 1954
Jackson Clinic
West Tenn. Healthcare
Grace United Methodist Church
3568 Chere Carol Rd. Humboldt, TN 784-7602
101 Jackson Walk Plaza Jackson, TN 425-6819 www.wth.org
Established 1954
Established 1955
Established 1957
Humboldt Public Library
Baskerville Funeral Home
ConAgra
2603 Mitchell Street Humboldt, TN
115 S. 16th Avenue Humboldt, TN 784-2383 www.humboldtpublic.org
802 N. 9th Ave. Humboldt, TN 784-1717
1500 N. Central Ave. Humboldt, TN 824-7706 (formerly J. Hungerford Smith)
Established 1958
Established 1963
Established 1967
King Tire
Faulkner Motor Company
Printco
2920 East End Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-1616 www.kingtire.com
2921 East End Drive Humboldt, TN 784-4901
2609 East End Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-0052 (formerly McKnight Printing)
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 23
Dr. John W. Oursler is shown here in a photo taken in his office at his clinic on North 14th Avenue. Dr. Oursler was born in 1886 in Shelby County, Tenn. and came to Humboldt after serving in WWI. He was also involved in the development of Saint Mary’s Hospital. He was an avid horseman and his favorite show horse was “My Highland Fancy”. He died in 1964.
Initial Officers of the 1st Humboldt Junior Chamber in 1949 - Officers include (front, from lef) Hugh Kilzer, Charles Goldstone, Jack Albright, Parker Williams, back row, Nick Scruggs, Harry Reynolds, Howard Byrum, Hutt Woody and Charles Lee Harris.
ROBERT’S A Humboldt Tradition!
PACKAGE STORE & PARTY SHOP
Serving the Humboldt area since 1985!
Home Of
The Wine Vine With Over 900 Wines To Explore! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Robert’s Cocktail Room Shop 100s Of Mixes, Liqueurs, Pre-Mixed Cocktails & Accessories! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Robert’s Party Shop Huge Beer Cave & 12-Door Cooler Stocked With Your Favorites & More! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yeti Dealer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TN Lottery
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We Sell Kegs Too! Reserve Yours Today!
3035 & 3045 EAST END DR. | HUMBOLDT, TN | 784-6525 | 784-1484
Page 24 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Class Party - On September 26, 1947, students gave a birthday party for the teacher. Among those attending are (from left–adults) Mrs. Joe R. Boyd, assistant teacher, Mrs. Howard Hamilton, Mr. J. A. McCarley, (kneeling) Lynda Herndon, Duette Doers, Marshall Dunn, Sally Bond, Suzanne Caldwell, (behind table) Bobbie Barker, Keith Buckingham, James Boyd, (front row) Don Christie, Tommy Boals, Martha Jo Cole, Dan Christie, Nellie Bledsoe, Dianne Browning, unknown, Bobbie Lee Childress, Betty Harris, Douglas Carpe, unknown, Irene Childress, Nancy Craig, Melton Ambrose, (directly behind girl) Joan Blakemore, (back row) Odell Baker, Beatrice Bolding, Wilma Coble, Alice Campbell, Billie Chappell and Wayne Brewer.
1967 Humboldt Rams Basketball Team- Members are (front, from left) Clarence Watridge, Joe Brett Bass, Eric Robyn, Mike Zeigler, Toni Brown, (2nd row, from left) Edward Brown, John Hale, Donnie Owens, Roger Martin, Spike Jones, (3rd row) Speedy McKinley, Bob Shankle, (4th row) Coach Bobby Carter, Ronnie Blankenship, Dick Neal, Jackie Rutledge, Stan Little, assistant coach, John Green in the background.
Happy 150 Birthday! Humboldt, Tenn. O
ur family could not have been happier starting a business and raising a family in Humboldt. We picked the best hometown ever! Thanks for our memories and supporting our business for the past 58 years. We would not have come this far without a great town, friends, church and schools behind us, our children and grandchildren. Humboldt deserves 150 years!
King Tire Company Humboldt & Jackson kingtire.com
family owned and operated since 1958
Curtis, Pat, Ricky & Georgann
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 25
Robert’s grew from Hot Stop into package store, party shop It’s been more than three decades since Robert’s Hot Stop, a casual restaurant on East End Drive, was transformed into Robert’s Package Store. It was the beginning
of a dream-come-true and more than 30 years later, the dream continues. In 1995, owners Robert and Barbara Graves purchased the building next door
and transformed it into Robert’s Party Shop. As time went on and business grew, they decided to “wipe the slate clean� and built a new complex in 2000. Today, Robert’s Package Store and Party Shop are still in the same location plus they have added a 1,000 sq. ft. wine cellar at the package store. In February 1985, the first legal liquor since the Prohibition was delivered to four
locations in Humboldt. Of the four, Robert’s Package is the only store that survives with the original owners. As soon as it opened in 1985, the couple was looking ahead. “We started dreaming. We could see the potential for expanding,� said Mrs. Graves. Last February, the store celebrated its 25th anniversary. The Graves’ son, Bryan Borders, has become the store manager.
Groundbreaking for the new Robert’s Package Store and Party Shop was held in 1999. The package store first opened in 1985, the first liquor store in Humboldt.
This 1950s photo shows what is now East End Drive in Humboldt. Bryant Studio (in the photo) is surrounded by homes and farmland. The studio building still stands at the edge of the site of what is now Robert’s Package Store and Party Shop parking lot.
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Page 26 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Central Ave. Christian first organized here in 1880
First Christian Church was organized in Humboldt in 1880 with eight charter members. The group met in various locations including the Masonic Hall, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church building on Burrow Street and finally a new building was built on the corner of Central and Osborne Streets. The new building was completed and dedicated on May 10, 1926 and was known as Central Avenue Christian church. With much hard work by faithful men and women, the church made progress through some tough years. By 1942, the church was debt free; by 1949, there were 425 members; and by 1969, the church had reached its highest peak in outreach giving. Dedication and faith have led the church to many programs which have enriched the lives of the people and promoted the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Special Advent, Easter and music services have added to the worship experience of the church. Senior Citizens groups, Promotion and Teacher Appreciation Day, Wednesday Night Suppers and whole church Retreats create an atmosphere of fellowship in the church. Also Christian Women’s
Fellowship, Christian Men’s Fellowship, Eight Functional Departments, Deacons, Deaconess and Elders have added not only to the organization of the church, but also to the spiritual enlightenment of Christ in the lives of people. There have been times of
discouragement, loss of beloved members, joyful experiences and spiritual up-lifts as new Christians have found a home at Central Avenue Christian Church and with Jesus Christ. Above all, Christian love and fellowship have been the corner stone of the
church with a commitment of service to the church family and our community. Following the footsteps of the many dedicated servants of the Lord, Brother Greg Cain was called to pastor Central Avenue Christian Church in August of 2015.
The congregation of the Christian Church when they worshipped in the old Presbyterian Church on Burrow Street between 16th and 17th.
Proudly Celebrating Humboldt’s 150 Years
“Service Above Self ”
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 27
1942 Humboldt Rams - Members include (front, from left) Richard Deberry, Hershall Woody, Paul Jones, Jimmy Hardy, Joe Billy Bass, and Carmen Owens, (back row, from left) manager Bert Lee Thompson, Whitney Thompson, James Ing, Lloyd Sowell, Jimmy Thomas, coach.
Established 1967
Warrington Sheet Metal
Rotary Luncheon at Hotel Humboldt 1953
Established 1969 Dyersburg State Community College
Established 1972
Hickman Realty Group
4500 Warren Road Humboldt, TN 784-1923
City Hall, Main Street Dyersburg - Covington - Trenton 855-1419 Gibson County 1991
1954 E. Main St. Humboldt, TN 784-4720 www.hickmanrealty.com
Established 1973
Established 1975
Established 1976
Eye Care Group
Dana Incorporated
2439 Central Ave. Humboldt, TN 784-1186
899 Dana Dr. Humboldt, TN 824-4362
1316 Main St. Humboldt, TN 784-6733 (formerly Book Shop)
Established 1978
Established 1979
Established 1981
Humboldt Service Co.
Premier Dental Center
Gibson Co. Animal Clinic
Robinson Office Products
114 S. 14th Ave. Humboldt, TN 784-5831
Milan - Bells - Jackson Alamo on the Square Crockett Co., TN 613-2800
3707 East End Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-5075 Dr. Christy Hicks
Established 1983
Established 1983
Established 1984
Humboldt Senior Center
McDonald’s of Humboldt
St. Matthew Manor
202 N. Central Avenue Humboldt, TN 784-1137
1401 Main St. Humboldt, TN
2575 Viking Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-7229
Page 28 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Senter & Senter celebrating over 120 years of service
Senter & Senter, Attorneys, founded in 1895, is celebrating over 120 years of legal service to the community. First, there was the founder, James D.
Senter, attorney, the first Commissioner of Finance and Taxation for the State of Tennessee, and Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeals.
Neil and Maxwell Senter, cousins of Jimmy Senter who practices law from his office on Main Street today.
Next, there was James D. Senter, Jr., Attorney, former President of the Tennessee Bar Association, and one of the founders of the Strawberry Festival.
Neil and Maxwell Senter as toddlers.
Now there is James D. Senter, III, Attorney and former District Attorney General for the then Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of the State of Tennessee, composed of five counties including Gibson County. All members of the firm were, and are, lifetime residents of the great town of Humboldt – many of whose illustrious citizens may have passed – but whose names live on in the annals of history of their beloved city. These Senters, who worked in insurance in Humboldt, are the sons of John M. Senter. Attorney Jimmy Senter’s father and grandfather were James D. Senter and James D. Senter Jr. respectively. The twins Neill and Max are cousins to attorney Jimmy Senter.
Established 1985
Established 1985
Established 1986
Robert’s Package Store
Robin Ellis Paint And Body
Watridge Law Firm
3035 East End Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-6525
2812 East End Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-6203
Joseph E. Tubbs, Attorney 1215 Main St. Humboldt, TN 784-6560
Established 1988 Farmers & Merchants Bank of Humboldt
Established 1988
Established 1989
Tonsorial Parlor
Chicago Metallic
316 N. 22nd Ave. Humboldt, TN 784-4178 www.dyerfmbank.com
211 Esquire Peek Rd. Humboldt, TN 784-8219
1502 N. Central Ave. Humboldt, TN 784-7140
Established 1990
Established 1990
Established 1994
Marcus Heating & Air
Pratt Industries
Econo Mini Storage
1625 Stallings Road Humboldt, TN 784-0618
221 Hwy 45 W Humboldt, TN 784-2009 www.prattindustries.com
(formerly EZ Mini Storage)
Established 1994
Established 1995
Established 1996
St. Matthew Manor West
Robert’s Party Shop
2575 Viking Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-7229
3045 East End Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-1484
Tennessee State Veterans Home
2227 East End Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-5331
2865 Main St. Humboldt, TN 784-8405
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 29
Humboldt Motel and WIRJ studios on 22nd Avenue in the 50’s. Both businesses were owned by J. Frank Warmath. He built the motel around his family’s old home. Warmath also owned The Bank of Humboldt later on and The Courier Chronicle, now The Humboldt Chronicle.
Humboldt’s Great Flood of 1915 - This photo of the flooded town was taken from the porch of the Foltz house at Mitchell and 12th. Looking toward Ft. Hill. Notice the large billboard on the right.
Established 1998
Established 1999
Established 1999
Lonnie Cobb’s Humboldt Chrysler
BR Supply
Pritchard Realty
3301 East End Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-4500
2405 East End Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-1111 www.brsuppluinc.com
Established 1999
Established 2002
Established 2003
Randy Terry
Flippin & Crider
Humboldt Screenprinting
(State Farm Agent)
1302 E. Main Humboldt, TN 784-2818
2227 East End Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-5331
Established 2005
Established 2006
Established 2006
Crown Winery
Healthy Remedies
Kathy’s Flowers & Gifts
3382 East End Dr. Humboldt, TN 784-3084
1302 E. Main St. Humboldt, TN 784-5555 www.pritchardrealty.com
3836 Mitchell St. Humboldt, TN 784-8100 crownwinery.com
2442 Dungan St. Humboldt, TN 824-2486
Established 2008
Established 2009
Established 2010
Professional
Tom & O.E. Stigall Museum & Library
Creative Accents
705 N. 9th Avenue Humboldt, TN 784-2900
1316 Main Street Humboldt, TN 784-6733
Eyecare Associates & Optical 2118 East Main Street Humboldt, TN 784-1973
1720 Main Street Humboldt, TN 784-5518
Page 30 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Established 2010
Downtown Humboldt, Tenn. in the 1950s
Dover Auto Repair 1002 N. Central Avenue Humboldt, TN 784-784-9900
Established 2012
Established 2012
Complete Termite & Pest Control
Humboldt Historical Society
Twin Oaks
P. O. Box 352 Humboldt, TN 414-4128
2227 E. Main Street Humboldt, TN 420-1316
2227 E. Main Street Humboldt, TN 234-8014 (Built in 1860)
Established 2013
Established 2014
Established 2016
Opera House Event Hall
Down on Main Street
Humboldt Medical Clinic
2220 E. Main Street Humboldt, TN 514-6631
2500 N. Central Avenue, Suite D Humboldt, TN 470-4020
Established 2011
1313 Main Street Humboldt, TN
SHELTON-HUNT
Grace United Methodist Church - Since 1954
FUNERAL HOME
You did not have a choice how you entered this world, but you do have choices how you leave. We can assist. • Pre-Arranged Funeral or At Time of Need • Traditional Service or Memorial Service • Interment or Creamation
s /BITUARY ,INE 'IBSON #OUNTY S OLDEST FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME SINCE
2603 Mitchell Street, Humboldt 784-5031 • Don Prescott, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:50 a.m.
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 31
Years ...and just getting started. We celebrate Humboldt’s rich heritage and look forward to being a part of all the great things to come.
jonesfamilyco.com
Page 32 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
J. Hungerford Smith brought jobs here beginning in 1957 The J. Hungerford Smith Co. was first established by Mr. J. Hungerford Smith, a druggist, in 1879 in the town of Ausable Forks, New York. He began experimenting at his drug store fountain with his own formulas for syrups and toppings. The results proved to be some of the finest concoctions for miles around, as witnessed by people who traveled long distances just to enjoy his recipes. He could soon boast such famous customers as P.T. Barnum and Grover Cleveland, who made special trips to the remote drug store for a taste of his specialties. After a time, Smith decided to abandon
his occupation as a practicing pharmacist to devote all of his time to the development and manufacturing of soda fountain formulas. To accomplish this, he built his first factory, a small building next to his house, in Ausable Forks. The business of J. Hungerford Smith opened a plant in Humboldt, TN in 1957. In that facility a complete line of ice cream toppings is manufactured to include a variety of fudges, strawberry, pineapple, maple walnut, marshmallow cream, caramel, and butterscotch to name just a few. Specialty items such as cone coating, hot chocolate drink base, salsa and BBQ sauce are also processed and shipped from Humboldt.
HUMBOLDT
UTILITIES
ELECTRIC GAS WATER
Proudly working with and for the citizens of Humboldt, Tennessee since 1939!
J. Hungerford Smith products are not found in retail stores, but are distributed nationally as food service items to many well-known ice cream shops, fast food chains, and fine restaurants. Some of the better known customers
include Baskin-Robbins, Shoney’s, Carvel, Sonic, Sysco, McDonalds and the list goes on and on. J. Hungerford Smith was purchased by ConAgra Foods in 1987.
One of the popular products of J. Hungerford Smith in Humboldt was Orangeade. A huge vat from the operation is shown at left.
We Salute the City of
Humboldt,Tennessee Established 1866
The opening of our current offices, 1956.
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 33
The south side of Main Street, circa 1916. The Post Office was still located on the southwest corner of Main Street and 13th at this time, the sign is visible at the far right. The Elks Lodge was located upstairs. Some of the cars appear to be Reo Olds, later called Oldsmobiles. Mr. George Dodson, owner of the Ford Dealership is in the second car from the right.
A view of Main Street in 1897, looking east from the corner of Main Street and 12th Avenue. The old Commercial Hotel (later Hotel Humboldt) can be seen at right, then Tennessee State Bank (later Merchants State Bank). The old Presbyterian Church can be seen at the far end of downtown. Also notice the first store on the left was: The Ladies Bazaar, managed by J.C. Penn.
Pratt Industries (USA) Humboldt Corrugating 221 Hwy 45 West Humboldt, TN 38343 Office: 731-784-2009 www.prattindustries.com
Page 34 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
One brick at a time, Freeman built museum
Oak Grove United Methodist Church was founded in the 1830s. The names of the original circuit rider preacher and founding members are lost. In 1851 a church was built in the same location at Peter Smith Road in which the church stands today. It was a log church. In 1870 a new church was built on this location. The church has undergone several renovations over the years. There are approximately 70 members today in the historic church of the Edison Community. The current pastor is Rev. Kenny Perry. The Barkers, Coopers and their descendants have been instrumental in the maintaining of the church. Today the church is made up of families such as the Coffmans and Cobles. As a note of interest, there is a marker on the church grounds recognizing it as the highest point of elevation in Gibson County.
The Tom & O. E. Stigall Ethnic Library & History Museum is located at 705 N. 9th Avenue in Humboldt. It is named for Tom and O. E. Stigall who came to Humboldt in 1897, he as a principal and she as a teacher. He died in the classroom in 1935 and the school was changed to Stigall High School in 1937 in his honor. The late Dr. James T. Freeman was a builder of churches and a civil rights leader. He traveled to Africa many times through the years as a missionary and a builder for God. Intelligent and outspoken, he loved God’s people and held firm to his beliefs. He had a dream of the Stigall Museum and began the fundraising himself, one brick at a time. The current mission statement of the Tom & O. E. Stigall Ethnic Library & History Museum is to develop the recognition of the library and museum as a representation of art and historical artifacts; to provide opportunity for artists to create, and for people of all ages to share in gratification
of that creation. The museum will be a focal point for the social and educational life in our community and surrounding areas; to display historical items of our community and culture (paintings, drawings, other artifacts and written information); and to develop an appreciation and an understanding of heritage. Current board members of the museum are Johnny Cyrus, Jerry Marable, Hazel McCuthen, Reverend Eddie Burnett, Malcolm and Bertha Perry, Robert Carruthers, Annie Donald, Leon McNeal, Lillian Marie Webb, Frank and Gwendolyn Thomas and Donnie Bradford, Jr.
The late Dr. James T. Freeman was a builder of churches and a civil rights leader.
Humboldt CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP-RAM, INC.
‘A proud supporter of the City of Humboldt, Tenn.’
A good place to grow! Congratulations on your first 150 years! 3301 East End Drive • Humboldt, TN Bus: (731) 784-4500 Jackson son (731) 660 660-6010 6010
www.humboldtcdj.com www.lonniecobb.com www lonniecobb com
Toll Free (777) 274-7038 7 Fax (731) 784-6385 784 6
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 35
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Proud part of Humboldt history since 1872 This is an old school building on Main before additions were made. This building faced Main Street and was taken around 1900. The building was built in the 1870s by the Odd Fellows for their Female College. A Odd Fellows receipt below includes a price list showing costs such as $5 for 20 weeks of language class (each language), $15 for 20 weeks of drawing instruction and more. At the end, the diploma cost is $5.
CONGRATULATIONS HUMBOLDT CELEBRATING
1 50 YEARS
Flippin & Crider Attorneys 1302 MAIN STREET, HUMBOLDT • 784-2818
Service Times Saturday 4 p.m. (Vigil Mass) Sunday 11 a.m. 2887 East Main Street 12:30 p.m. (Spanish Mass) Humboldt Tuesday 8 a.m. 731-784-3904 Wednesday 8 a.m. (Spanish Mass) Friday 8 a.m.
Preserving the Past for Future Generations Look for our all color, Humboldt Sesquicentennial Pictorial, our magazine coming soon! he Humboldt Historical Society believes that an understanding and appreciation of our historic heritage is essential to maintaining a meaningful and unique identity as a town. The mission of the Humboldt Historical Society is to celebrate and preserve the history of the City of Humboldt and surrounding communities and its people and to assure that this legacy is passed on to future generations. We will educate and engage the public through a variety of programs; maintain our history website and Facebook page, and collections; research and publish historic records; identify and encourage preservation of significant places and structures throughout the town; and manage the society openly, ethically, and professionally.
T
www.humboldthistorical.com or Find us on Facebook
Page 36 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, October 2016
Sponsored by First Methodist of Humboldt
Grace Methodist Church, established here in 1954
Grace Methodist Church came into being in May 1954. It was sponsored by First Methodist Church of Humboldt under the leadership of its Pastor, W. Q. Scruggs. Grace Church was originally called the Humboldt Methodist Chapel. The original meeting consisted of 12 prospective members. They met May 22, 1954, in an old store building on 22nd Avenue and Vine Street. The building had during the previous three years been used by two denominations for organizational purposes. It was demolished in 1956, when Merchants State Bank purchased the lot for a drive-in bank. On June 13, 1954, Rev. J. C. Darby was named the pastor of a charge consisting of the Humboldt Methodist Mission and Pleasant Hill. Officers of the mission were: Connell Hassell, Paul Gardner, Louis Sappington, Mrs. Herman G. Ward, and Ersley McLemore. On July 25, 1954, Grace was legally constituted as a Methodist Church. Rev. Darby received into the membership 40 members (36 by certificate from other Methodist Churches and four by profession
of faith). The special charter service was held on Sunday night with Rev. Flatt presiding and delivering the sermon. Approximately 100 people were present. The 40 charter members voted on the church name and selected Grace Methodist Church. Dr. Flatt was again present to preside and preach at the evening worship hour on November 28, 1954, the second quarterly conference meeting. At this meeting, Grace Church was declared a separate church unit no longer connected to First Methodist Church. Rev. Darby expressed the appreciation of Grace’s 73 members to First Methodist Church and Neil Senter who had called to the attention of the Church Extension the need for a new congregation. The formal groundbreaking ceremony for the Educational Building was observed on Easter Sunday afternoon (1955) despite an almost continual downpour of rain. A unique feature of the ceremony was the turning of a spade of dirt on the new site by each person taking part on the program. The first spade was upturned by Rev. Darby. Those participating from outside the membership
Charter members of Grace Methodist Church, est. 1954. The church was sponsored by First Methodist Church. of the local church included Rev. Flatt, Rev. Scruggs, Neill Senter and May Pearson. The local membership was represented by Billy
T. Ross, Connell Hassell, Paul Gardner, Mrs. J. C. Darby and Ersley McLemore.
Proud to Celebrate Humboldt’s 150 Years
ROBIN ELLIS BODY SHOP 784-6203 • 2812 East End Drive, Humboldt
Established in 2013, Built in 1888
Jocelyn & Eric Bundy, Jessica & Lee Williams
Direct Repair To Major Insurance Companies
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 37
Gas for 27¢ at Zathel Kennons Service Station across from Hosiery Mill, 1940-1950 The Rex Theater was located on North 14th Avenue. The building originally housed Sharp’s Theater in 1925. In about April 1929 the first sound picture show came to town, with Mr. Lowrance purchasing Sharp’s theater and renaming it the Capitol Theater. The Rex Theater officially opened in the 1930s and continued in operation until the mid 1950s. KFC first came to Humboldt on East End Drive in the 1970s.
Couch Motor Company on 22nd Ave. was in business from the 1950s until the 80s.
Humboldt Public Library since 1954 A tradition of caring...since 1925
Funerals Cremation Prearrangements
303 E. Church Medina, TN
Congratulations to the City of Humboldt on your 150 year celebration!
Clayton & *Kimberly Boswell White, Owners
783-3026
*unlicensed
115 S. 16th Avenue War Memorial Building 731-784-2383 • www.humboldtpublic.org
www.ReplogleLawrence.com
Page 38 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Miss Tennessee Rita Wilson Humboldt’s favorite majorette went on to become Miss Tennessee in 1961. Rita Wilson Howard, a former hometown beauty queen and the winner of many crowns including ‘Miss Tennessee’ for both ‘Miss America’ and ‘Miss USA World’, ‘National Sweetheart’, and ‘Miss Dixie’, she is a Northwestern University graduate, a professional actress, and a member of the National Baton Twirling Hall of Fame. She and husband, the late Peter Howard, moved back to Humboldt and established Crown Winery in 2005. HRH Vineyard and the Crown Amphitheater have since been added. Howard serves on the board of several charities and is actively involved in scholarships for women.
Howard “Buck” Byrum broadcasting from the Strawberry Festival circa 1950. The radio station, WIRJ, was a West Tennessee icon. After his radio career, Byrum continued to work at the Courier Chronicle until late in his life in the 1980s.
Among the most popular feature ever at WIRJ, was Shop & Swap hosted by the silver-tongue Bill Carter. He worked at the station until he died at 81-years old in 2008. Carter was struck by a car during a rainstorm as he was walking to the station.
Proudly Serving Humboldt Since 1940
Humboldt Senior Center
Lashlee-Rich, Inc.
Become a partner and be a part
General Contractors • Construction Managers 1100 WEST MAIN STREET HUMBOLDT, TN • 731-784-2461
Lashlee-Rich Building Materials 1105 WEST MAIN STREET HUMBOLDT, TN • 731-784-6483
202 N. Central Avenue Humboldt, Tennessee 38343
731-784-1137
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 39
Humboldt Rotary Club, one of the oldest civic clubs in Gibson County The world’s first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, was formed on February 23, 1905 by Paul P. Harris, an attorney who wished to capture in a professional club the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns of his youth. The Rotary name derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices. In 1932 The Four-Way Test, a code of ethics of the things we think, say and do, was adopted by Rotary 11 years later. The Four-Way Test has been translated into more than 100 languages and asks the questions: • Is it the truth? • Is it fair to all concerned? • Will it build goodwill and better friendships? • Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Today, 1.2 million Rotarians belong to
over 35,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. The Humboldt Rotary Club was chartered on November 19, 1945 and had 28 original members. Today the club has approximately 50 members. They meet each Friday at noon at the Humboldt Medical Center conference renter. The club’s largest fundraiser is their annual pancake breakfast held in February in the East Elementary School cafeteria. Monies raised from the breakfast and other events fund multiple scholarships for HHS seniors. The club also donates to the Strawberry Festival, Boys & Girls Club of Humboldt, Athletic Booster Club, sponsorship of baseball team and several other worthy causes.
Rotary sponsored float in the Strawberry Festival, 1950, featured Marilyn Moore, Polly Woody and Ann Riley.
Congratulations Humboldt, Tenn. Established 1866
Established 1860 Wedding & Event Venue Opened 2012
Southern Charm for every occasion! Call 731-234-8014 for your private showing. 2227 E. Main Humboldt www.twinoakstn.com Twin Oaks Humboldt
Page 40 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
During the 1990s, as restoration was underway at the City Hall. Phone booths were still in use. The New City Hall on Main Street -The old City Hall at 1200 Main Street was constructed in 1912. A project that began as far back as when John C. Adams was mayor in 1905. Humboldt’s next mayor, Charles W. Rooks, also was largely responsible for it’s existence. C.E. Lanier was serving as mayor at the time of its construction. Aldermen were Irby McFarland, Lee Harris, A.D. Hunt, J.O. Love, E.H. Duffey and J.O. Love. The building committee for the new city hall was: Lee Harris, A.D. Hunt, J.O. Love and B.F. Jarrell. The contractor for the project was W.J. Hayes. A portion of the stone material was donated by the Humboldt Marble and Granite Works. This building has served many purposes in it’s history city offices, police department and jail, court upstairs, Chamber of Commerce, and the county health department upstairs. The city of Humboldt moved out of this building in 1981 to it’s new quarters on Osborne Street. The building was restored in the early 1990’s and houses, the Chamber of Commerce, the Humboldt Strawberry Festival & Historical Museum, and the West Tennessee Regional Art Center.
Humboldt Marble & Granite Works donated part of the stone used in the old City Hall on Main Street when it was first erected in 1912.
Humboldt Marble and Granite Works was established by James Gillen in the 1870s. Gillen was born in Ireland, but Humboldt was his adopted hometown. In later years it was operated by Dan Donovan. The marble yard was located at the west end of Maple Street near the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. Included in the group is John Gross, Elmer Gill, and Dan Donovan. Photo circa 1900.
The First Baptist Church of Humboldt built this beautiful brick structure in 1897 at the northwest corner of Osborne Street and Central Avenue. The church was organized in 1867 with D.B. Ray serving as the first Pastor. Rev. Moses E. Senter, was elected as the second Pastor and the church in the erection of its first building in 1872. The brick building completed in 1897 served the congregation until 1980, when it relocated to it’s present site on East Mitchell Street. The old building was torn down shortly thereafter.
Twin Oaks before she was restored as an event venue. It was the home of Humboldt’s first mayor, Moses Senter.
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 41
‘Where Style Lives’ Evie Catherine Box This is a postcard image of the old Merchant’s State Bank and the Commerical Hotel (later the Hotel Humboldt) was made about 1908. These buildings were located between the City Hall and 13th Avenue. The hotel and bank were torn down in the late 1960s to make way for the new Merchants State Bank.
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Page 42 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Church roots date to 1825 First Presbyterian merged with Shiloh
The First Presbyterian Church USA, Humboldt, Tenn., was formed by the merging of two other churches: First Presbyterian Church U.S., at 12th and Maple Street, and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church which began in the Shiloh community in 1825, and was moved to Humboldt in 1866. The Cumberland Church built a new red brick building on Main Street and Central Avenue in 1895. In 1919, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church requested and received consent of its governing Presbytery to become a member of the Presbyterian Church USA. On October 3, 1920, the congregations of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and First Presbyterian Church US each started marching from opposite ends of Main Street and met at the Cumberland Church building at Main and Central, where they entered as one united congregation, 170 members strong, becoming First Presbyterian Church USA of Humboldt. In 1970, kindergarten classes, open to the public, were begum in the church fellowship hall. Mrs. Jesse Hill Ford (Sally) and Mrs.
Jack Bowers (Judy Jones) were directors. The school enjoyed great success and stayed available until the Humboldt public schools began kindergarten classes. In 1982, property behind the church (the old McAlister Building) was purchased and renovated. It was rented to Helping Hand of Humboldt until 1993, when they moved to a new location. At that time, the building was turned into church offices and the Presbyterian Day School, for children two to five years of age was opened. In 2005, the congregation, including the Day School, moved into a new facility located at 1528 Presbyterian Drive, off Carriage Lane at the US-45 Bypass. In October 2010, the congregation voted overwhelmingly to seek dismissal from the Presbyterian Church PC (USA) in order to affiliate with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Dismissal was granted, and in February 2011, the church was received into the Southeast Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, to become First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Humboldt.
Congratulations
Humboldt
When B.C. Jarrell & Company was established here in 1887, they furnished jobs for many in the area. The factory was located on West Main Street, in the vacant lot across from Saint James Baptist Church. They began operation in the 1870s and operated through at least the 1950s.
Gibson County, Tennessee Established 1823
Founded & Established 150 Years Ago
City of
Medina
A Community of Progress
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Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 43
A ribbon cutting was held at the Senior Citizen Center in Humboldt when it officially opened in its present building. Today it continues to serve the many senior residents of Humboldt and the surrounding areas.
Senior Center offers fellowship, more 1950s school children flee when dismissed at Main St. School, now the Higher Education Center (above). Granger’s Big Star (left) was in operation in the 1980s on 22nd Ave.
Humboldt Senior Center was chartered in 1983. The first meeting place for the center was on the third floor of the Municipal Building. At that time there was one van which delivered 160 homebound meals per day. Since that time, three new vans have been purchased and transportation is provided for a small donation. The Humboldt Senior Citizens building is located at 202 N. Central Avenue. The building was designated by the city to the
Senior Center for this purpose. Jean Winbush was director of the center from 1983 until 2013. Since that time Archie Cox has been the director. The center has seen many changes over the years including a shift in focus from delivering meals to homes. Along with that, the group now brings seniors out to the center. At the center numerous activities are underway daily along with congregational meals, games and more.
CONGRATULATIONS HUMBOLDT, TN 150 Years of Progress & Growth
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Page 44 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
Union Passenger Station Old Union Passenger Station at the Humboldt Crossing. Built mid 1890s and torn down in 1925. To the left is a newfound photo, above is a postcard from the day.
DSCC GIBSON COUNTY CENTER Heglar Plumbing & Electric Co., Inc. P.O. BOX 332 • 310 W. MAIN • HUMBOLDT, TN 38343
Phone: 731-784-3642
C E L E B R AT I N G O U R A N N I V E R S A R Y
25 YEARS
Since 1946
JOIN US IN CELEBRATION!
Celebrating 70 years serving West Tennessee
Also celebrating TECTA’s (Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance) 25th anniversary at the Gibson County Center!
KEITH HEGLAR
NOV.4 - 1:30 P.M.
DYERSBURG STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Dyersburg • Covington • Trenton
www.dscc.edu
Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 45
The City of Jackson congratulates our friends in Humboldt, Tenn. “Happy 150th Anniversary!” We love to celebrate the years with good neighbors & friends!
Mayor Jerry Gist and the Jackson City Council Scott Sco Conger, Ernest Brooks II, Randy Wallace, David Cisco, Charles C “Pepper” Bray, Harvey Buchanan, Johnny Dodd, Vicky Foote, Charles Rahm
Page 46 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
St. Mary’s Hospital was built in the 1940s and was located on Mitchell, just east of Bailey Park. It was operated by Sisters of the Catholic Church. Mayor Howard Foltz was instrumental in securing it for Humboldt. Many generations of “Humboldt babies� were born here. Many ‘baby boomers’ from Gibson County took their first breath at St. Mary’s in Humboldt.
Tyler Towers Motel and Restaurant on 22nd in Humboldt as it appeared in a 1966 postcard . It was established by Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster Tyler.
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Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016 Page 47
Humboldt’s first mayor was Moses Senter, who built Twin Oaks on Main, now the popular wedding and event venue. He was a Baptist minister and the father of 10 children. He was born in 1816 and died March 4, 1881.
The Church of the Sacred Heart - The Catholic church in Humboldt traces its roots to the late 1850s and was organized by the Father Aloysius Orengo, on land near the Crossing donated by the Donovan family. Rev. J.J. Beucler was instrumental in the growth of the congregation around the turn of the century. Father John Hayes oversaw the construction of the first brick building built in 1902, which was on the southwest corner of 12th Avenue and Etheridge Street. It replaced an earlier wood frame structure. This building was the congregation’s home until a new house of worship was constructed on E. Main Street in the mid 1950s. Two views are shown (above and at right) of Sacred Heart at its present location.
The Humboldt Medical Center is tailored to the medical needs of the community. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
(An extension of the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital) · Sports Plus Therapy & Rehabilitation · Sports Plus Aquatic Physical Therapy · Outpatient Services · Conference Center 3525 Chere Carol Road | Humboldt | 731.784.2321
Page 48 Humboldt 150th Year Celebration Edition, November 2016
‘Proud to be a part of Humboldt & Gibson County since 1957’
Then, as now, our quality is due to our devoted and caring employees.
J. Hungerford Smith became ConAgra Foods in 1987.