PARIS!

IN SPRING 2024

On The Cover: The year was 1956…last week of April…Fish Fry Friday…Grand Parade Day in Paris, Tennessee. This image was taken by an unknown local photographer taking a risk by being perched on a high roof or window, but thanks for the memories! And for PARIS!…20 years of great memories and interesting stories.

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Editor’s Notes

HELLO, SPRING! and Some Farewells

Spring is a season that symbolizes new beginnings and fresh starts. And that’s exactly how mine has started. We recently took a road trip to “the happiest place on earth,” yes, Disney World, where we spent a few days exploring the parks. When it was time to head back to Paris, two of us flew home, one stayed behind. After graduating from Bethel University, my oldest daughter, Savannah, got a job working in Magic Kingdom. While we miss her immensely, she’s making the most of this spring and having the time of her life. Good luck, baby girl! We’ll “see ya real soon.”

One of the things I love most about PARIS! Magazine is our ability to combine the exciting present with the noteworthy past. That’s the case in this 20th anniversary issue, which opens with Nancy Elliott’s sweet memories of her parents’ Red House Antiques store, followed by Steve McCadam’s cure for spring fever. Spoiler alert, the tonic involves a fishing pole.

Our town’s quest for better health is celebrated with three, exciting pieces including horseback riding therapy; help for Parkinson’s patients; and a new, local outpatient opportunity for addiction.

Dr. Josh Coleman explains the finer and funnier points of Rotary Club, while Interim Chamber Director Rachel Steedly offers timely news about the upcoming Tennessee River Jam. Speaking of entertainment, don’t miss Iris Shepherd and her music video appearance with two musical greats. There’s lots more, including travel, gardening, cooking, dining, and calendar of events.

Before closing, we pause to bid a fond, PARIS! farewell to one of our town’s most beloved merchants. Charles Hopkins — or Mr. Charles, as he was known to many — left us in early February. For decades, this passionate businessman made certain that the gentlemen who shopped at the Toggery were the best dressed men at the office, at the party, on the golf course, or at a wedding. He donated his time and vast experience to Downtown Paris and the activities that made it a shopping destination for locals and tourists, alike.

Our holiday cover in 2012 featured Mr. Charles getting Santa ready for his annual debut during Downtown’s North Pole Family Fun Day. And that’s the way many of us will remember this Paris icon, as the individual who made sure everyone, even Santa, always looked his best.

We already miss you, Mr. Charles.

Smantha

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In This Issue

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REMEMBER WHEN: One Man's Junk is Another Man's Treasure: Remembering The Red House Antiques and Museum

When Highway 79 was still a two-lane road, an interesting landmark was seen on the way to Kentucky Lake — the Red House Antiques and Museum, owned by Gene and Sophia Snider. Drivers could see the shop for miles because of the huge windmill in the parking lot. The store was part curio shop, part antiques, and part museum. And everyone remembers Oscar the spider monkey! Read More >>

GREAT OUTDOORS: SPRING FEVER Can be Tolerated Yet the Cure Still Evades

By Steve McCadams

Nothing quite compares to spring fever. Around the Kentucky Lake region it’s known to run rampant this time of year without discrimination. Fishermen and most everyone falls under its spell. Both young and old. The poor and rich. Famous and unknown. So far, modern medicine hasn’t come up with a cure for it, no pill in a bottle. Magic potions make claims, but none can touch it. Read More >>

REMINISCENCE: F. W. WOOLWORTH CO. The Store With Everything Anyone Could Want

By Shannon McFarlin

From the response we received when we posted an old photo and short history of the Woolworth Store on our Facebook page, it appears that many people still harbor affectionate feelings for the former mainstay in downtown Paris. Read More >>

AROUND OUR TOWN: Able Farms, Where Restoration and Wholeness Begins

By Shannon McFarlin

It’s been a long and winding road, but the organizers of ABLE Farms can finally see light at the end of the road. ABLE Farms started, as most things do, as the germ of an idea among people wanting to continue the good work of the Hoof Beats of Hope. Read More >>

HEALTHY IDEAS: FIGHTING BACK, Rock Steady Boxing Program

By Sway Clement

Rock Steady Boxing Paris (RSBP) is an affiliate, non-contact boxing program designed to help those living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) fight back against the disease and the daily symptoms that they endure. RSBP was established in April 2021, with the dream to help those in the Paris community living with PD to live a healthier, stronger, longer, and more active lifestyle. Read More >>

SPOTLIGHT: Recovery Is Possible, Local Ministry Licensed for Outpatient Program

By Karen Geary

There is one thing for certain: a person doesn’t get up one morning and say, “Well, I think I will become an addict today.” It is a dependency often beyond one’s control, and be it drugs or alcohol, the habit is not easily conquered alone. Read More >>

FACES & PLACES: People & Events About Town

Don’t miss this fun section chock full of the latest happenings in Paris and Henry County. In one of many scenes in this edition, Dan Knowles greeted guests to the arts exhibit opening of Prescott Smith’s art. The paintings and sculptures are on display at the Paris Academy for the Arts through April 27 Read More >>

FEATURE: PARIS ROTARY CLUB One Profits Most Who Serves Best (Country Ham)

By Joshua Coleman

What exactly is the Rotary Club? Is it a group of people that like to spin around in the chairs? Or maybe individuals that enjoy sitting in a circle? While both of those sound like great fun, the Rotary Club is much more than that. Read More >>

FEATURE: Get Ready for Tennessee River Jam

The Tennessee River Jam is excited to announce its highly anticipated return for 2024, featuring an electrifying lineup headlined by country legends Little Texas and renowned rock band Sister Hazel. The event is scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 1 in Downtown Paris. Read More >>

FEATURE: Iris Shepherd Plays for Dolly

Local violinist Iris Shepherd of Henry, Tennessee, found herself thrust into the limelight when she was chosen to appear in the latest music video by iconic musicians Dolly Parton and Melissa Manchester. The video, set to Manchester’s song “Midnight Blue,” features Iris playing the role of a “busker” performing for the legendary duo. Read More >>

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: Imagine - The World Is Our Stage!

By Rhonda Stanton

Summer is coming, and that means KPAC Young Artists Theatre and KPAC Players programming will go into full swing. This summer, our 5–9 year old performers will present “Disney Pixar’s Finding Nemo KIDS” and our 10-14 year old performers’ show is “Dear Edwina JR” from the creators of “Junie B. Jones the Musical.” Read More >>

JUST FOR FUN: Spring Crossword Fun

It’s a joyous egg hunt in the crossword puzzle fun in the spring issue of PARIS!
Read More >>

IN THE GARDEN: Cheers to 20 Years!

By John Watkins

Where does the time go? Can it really be 20 years since PARIS! Magazine began its inaugural run? What an amazing accomplishment by the publishers and editors and also to the community to continue producing and supporting this great regional magazine! Read More >>

A COUPLE OF TRAVELERS: EASTBOWN & DOWN! The Travelers Head to Warriors Path

By Susan Jones and John Nichols

Last May found us heading east with our camping pals, Kim and Calvin Martin. We fell in love with two fantastic Tennessee State Parks: Edgar Evins and Warriors Path, where we added a new camping buddy to the mix. Read More >>

A COUPLE OF TRAVELERS: EASTBOWN & DOWN! The Travelers Head to Warriors Path

By Susan Jones and John Nichols

Last May found us heading east with our camping pals, Kim and Calvin Martin. We fell in love with two fantastic Tennessee State Parks: Edgar Evins and Warriors Path, where we added a new camping buddy to the mix. Read More >>