1954: The Year in Review for Franklin County Area

By Staff
Even these cold, damp days can't quite erase the memory of summer's searing heat and the long threat of a water famine.
But how many in August, trying desperately to find a little cooler place, remembered January 11, when six inches of snow fell on Franklin County?
The year 1954 saw a number of changes in the physical aspect of Russellville.
A beautiful new courthouse is nearly completed, an armory is going up, the white way lighting has made Main Street at night a thing of beauty and a beacon on the horizon long before one can actually see the lights.
Churches have expanded and new stores have been built. There are new homes on Jackson Highway in a year of progress which bids fair to keep on progressing as long-range plans are made for our future.
Franklin County people have made news this year, too. Young Spruell Grissom, Spruce Pine, won honors in several fields and is expected to follow in Joe Beasley's footsteps in 4-H achievement. Joe is state president this year.
Jimmy Hooper Wins Belgreen VOD Event
Jimmy Hooper was presented a $15 cash award for winning the "I Speak for Democracy" contest at Belgreen High School. The contest was sponsored by the Russellville Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Imogene Scott was second place winner and Betty Jo Carroll was the third place winner.
Miss Mazelle Hardin and Mrs. Amye Richeson, who are teachers at Belgreen, were the faculty advisors for the contestants.
After the awards were made, a regular business meeting was held.
Flippen Home, Clark's Have Best Decorations
The Joe Flippen home on South Washington Street and Clark's Department Store were announced this week as winners of the Christmas decorations contest by Mrs. A.L. Gaston, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce.
Second place went to the Iron Gate restaurant.