Nashville Then: 50 years ago in September 1970

Astronaut-scientist Dr. Karl Henize, center, is welcomed to Nashville by an official as a crew attended to his T-38 jet trainer plane that he flew here Sept. 1, 1970. Dr. Henize, 43, is in town to address the 36th annual convention of the Tennessee Telephone Association at the Sheraton Nashville Motor Inn.

Metro Trustee Glenn Ferguson, right, is surrounded by his office workers as he is sworn in for another term by Judge James M. Swiggart during a special ceremony at the Metro Courthouse Sept. 1, 1970.

Buddy Sadler makes a selection for the next song at the progressive music station WKDA-FM Sept. 1, 1970. Sadler, 29, has moved from newsman to disc jockey and now plays the progressive sounds on his own show at the station.

Goodlettsville High head coach Gene Porter, center, and players Andy Corn, left, and Phillip Baker play around during a photo session at the school Sept. 1, 1970. Corn, who played the tight end position the past two seasons, will be moving to the backfield this year.

Porter Wagoner, right, and Dolly Parton, left, discuss the upcoming episode before taping of his half-hour syndicated television show, "The Porter Wagoner Show," at the WSM-TV studios Sept. 2, 1970. Jo Coulter, center, puts finishing touches on the makeup in the dressing room.

Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, both right, greet some of their fans during a break in taping of his half-hour syndicated television show, "The Porter Wagoner Show," at the WSM-TV studios Sept. 2, 1970.

Dolly Parton performs a song during taping of the half-hour syndicated television show, "The Porter Wagoner Show," at the WSM-TV studios on Sept. 2, 1970.

All the pay phones are being used during the 32nd annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Sept. 2, 1970.

Walking horse lovers packed the grandstand during completion of the 32nd annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Sept. 2, 1970.

Capt. Charles Smith, left, and his wife, Lt. Sharon Smith, with their one-year-old daughter, Christy, receive a briefing from Brig. Luther Smith of Metro Nashville on some of their responsibilities as the new heads of the Nashville Magness Center of the Salvation Army Sept. 3, 1970. The Smiths came from Danville, Ky.

John Morrell's bacon company placed an ad in the Sept. 3, 1970, issue of The Tennessean to promote their product with Henry Gibson, TVs favorite poet, writing "The Ballad of Bacon" poem for it.

Lion cub Kibi plays in his cage at the Docktors Pet Center in 100 Oaks Shopping Center Sept. 4, 1970. The once playful 20-pound cub, acquired from the Pet Farm in Florida for a local country star, is now close to 50 pounds and too wild for the pet center to keep, according to manager Bernie Miller. Since the star hasn't been by to pick up the cub, Miller said they are in a dilemma about what to do with him.

Miss Janice Brandon, 18, of Shelbyville, Tennessee, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration queen, leans from her convertible to receive a silver tray, roses and a kiss from Bobby Vanatta, president of the Shelbyville Jaycees, at the 32nd annual celebration Sept. 4, 1970.

Vanderbilt junior quarterback Watson Brown (12) buckles up his helmet as head coach Bill Pace gets ready to send him in during a game type scrimmage at Dudley Field on campus Sept. 5, 1970. Brown has added a more dangerous passing game to his offensive repertoire for this season.

Trainer-rider Wink Groover is all smiles after Ace's Sensation won the $10,000 Grand Championship Walking Horse Stake during the 32nd annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Sept. 5, 1970. It was the sleek, black stallion's third try at the world title as he out strutted 16 competitors in the climax event.

Two-year-old Melissa Smith gets a lift to the rings from her father, Willard A. Smith, as her brother, Phillips, 6, looks on. It was her first try at swinging during their Centennial Park outing from their Fairfax Avenue home Sept. 6, 1970.

Two-year-old Melissa Smith hangs on to the rings after her father, Willard A. Smith, let go and is ready to catch her on a family outing in Centennial Park from their Fairfax Avenue home Sept. 6, 1970.

Two-year-old Melissa Smith is caught by her father, Willard A. Smith, as she lost her grip on the rings during a family outing in Centennial Park from their Fairfax Avenue home Sept. 6, 1970.

Tennessee State junior quarterback Clifford Brooks (14) hands the ball to running back Jake Meyers (31) during picture day at Hale Stadium on campus Sept. 6, 1970. Meyers, 6-foot-2, and 220 pounds from Jackson, Miss., is wearing a cast because of a fractured wrist, but will start in their season opener against Alcorn A&M in the Freedom Bowl at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Tennessee State junior quarterback "Jefferson Street" Joe Gilliam (12), who attended Nashville's Pearl High, poses with head coach John Merritt during picture day at Hale Stadium on campus Sept. 6, 1970. Gilliam is battling fellow junior Clifford Brooks for the signal-calling duties.

Blues singer Arthur Prysock, left, is all smiles as he is greeted by Hal Neely, a representative of Starday-King Records, upon his arrival at the Nashville Municipal Airport Sept. 7, 1970. Prysock will be appearing at the King of the Road Motor Inn.

Sen. Albert Gore, front right, dances to the tune of "Hello Albert" with Mrs. Fay Caruthers of Franklin while campaigning during the Labor Day celebration sponsored by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers at Franklin city park Sept. 7, 1970.

Albert Gore Jr., center left, helps out his father, Sen. Albert Gore, center right, on a campaign stop at the Labor Day celebration sponsored by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers at Franklin city park Sept. 7, 1970.

Mrs. Douglas O'Connell of 911 Maynor Avenue holds two tomatoes Sept. 9, 1970, one weighing two pounds, one ounce, the other one pound, five ounces, which she grew in her home garden.

Model Barbara King wears the patterned all-weather coat from Beene Bazaar over a sweater dress during Gene Kittrell's annual fall outing fashion show at the downtown Cain Sloan Department store Sept. 10, 1970.

Golf tour pro Lee Elder, left, renews acquaintances with Charles Owens and Knoxville pro Joe Campbell before a practice session Sept. 10, 1970, at the Shelby Golf Course, site of the upcoming Ted Rhodes Championships tournament.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate John J. Hooker Jr., second from right, walks between Decca Records' Owen Bradley, left, and Harold Hitt, right, president of the CMA, during a tour of the Music Row industrial area Sept. 11, 1970.

Evyan Perfumes' collection of First Lady dolls dressed in replicas of their inaugural gowns will be on display in Nashville this week at the downtown Castner-Knott Department store as part of the Fashion Week promotion. Castner-Knott's display manager Gleen Barbee sets up the miniatures of Mrs. John F. Kennedy, left, Mrs. Teddy Roosevelt, Mrs. Richard M. Nixon and two others Sept. 11, 1970. The coterie includes all the 19 White House hostesses since 1860, beginning with Mary Todd Lincoln.

Members of the Exchange Club of Nashville celebrate its 50th anniversary during a banquet at the Sheraton Motor Inn Sept. 11, 1970. Sharing a moment are Homer B. Gibbs Jr., left, club president, with his wife, Joseph Martin Jr., club president-elect, and his wife, and Astronaut Fred Haise Jr., who is the guest speaker at the event.

Hendersonville High back William Douglas (41), top, plows through a bevy of East High defenders and teammates for a one-yard touchdown that put them ahead 6-0 in the second quarter at East High Sept. 11, 1970. Hendersonville is off to a fast start in the AAA Eastern Division race with a 21-0 victory. Douglas also threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Zean Hollins in the second quarter.

Overton High quarterback Lewis Cobb (12) leaps for joy with head coach Nick Coutras following the game's only touchdown, a 32-yard pass to Gary Winslett from Cobb, against title-favored Father Ryan High Sept. 11, 1970. Overton won 7-0 to move on top of the AAA Western Division race.

A layer of detergent foam floats down the Cumberland River from Metro's central waste treatment plant at 1600 Second Avenue North Sept. 12, 1970. The foam, moving away from the city, is not harmful to aquatic life according to a spokesman for the Tennessee Stream Pollution Control Board.

Zermatt sits in the lap of her owner, Paula Sharp, 13-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pat Sharp, at Hillsboro High School Sept. 13, 1970. They are ready for the Nashville Kennel Club's show to be held at the Municipal Auditorium. Zermatt will be shown in both the local and open class for St. Bernards.

Breaking ground for the new First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill are Ola Jenelle Martin, 7, front left, and Mrs. Emma J. Hynes, representing elder members. Looking on are Clinton Jones, back left, building fund chairman, the Rev. Kelly Miller Smith, pastor, and Dr. Lloyd C. Elam, chairman of the groundbreaking program. The new structure is expected to be completed in late 1971.

The elephants of the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus cool off with water before the start of the one-day appearance of the circus in Nashville Sept. 13, 1970.

High-flying trapeze artists perform during the one-day appearance of the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus in Nashville Sept. 13, 1970.

Four-year-old Kenneth Franklin Allen, center, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Allen of Dalewood Drive, watches with rapt attention as a high-flying trapeze artist performs in the big top during the one-day appearance of the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus in Nashville Sept. 13, 1970.

New York milliner Jack McConnell, a Lewisburg, Tennessee, native, shows off some of his fall collection at the Gus Mayer Department store in Green Hills Sept. 14, 1970.

Carol and Rev. Jimmy R. Snow display some items they purchased on their recent trip to Egypt and Israel at their residence in Nashville Sept. 15, 1970. Snow is pastor of Evangel Temple, Assembly of God Church at 3838 Dickerson Road. Rev. Snow is the son of country music legend Hank Snow and Mrs. Snow is the daughter of Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper, also country music stars.

Actress Agnes Moorehead, left, and writer-director John Farris go over a scene from "Dear Dead Delilah," a feature film currently being filmed in a private Brentwood, Tennessee, home Sept. 16, 1970. The suspense drama is being locally produced by Jack Music Inc.

A worker helps put together one of the rides on the midway as final preparations are made for 65th annual Tennessee State Fair at the state fairgrounds in Nashville Sept. 16, 1970.

They say you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. But, sometimes, you can't even lead a cow to the water. Carl Wilson, 14, left, a ninth grader at Central High School, leans from his tub of foot-cooling water to help Jeff Oliver, 10, of Marshall County, pull his cow, Candy, to the water at the state fairgrounds in Nashville Sept. 16, 1970. Candy is entered in one of the livestock shows during the 65th annual Tennessee State Fair.

Pete Sayers, an Englishman, kicks off WSM-TV's "Morning" show with a song live at 6 a.m. in the studio atop the hill on Knob Road Sept. 17, 1970. Sayers has been doing the show for three years now.

RCA recording artist Becki Bluefield performs one of her songs during the WSM-TV's "Morning" show in the studio Sept. 17, 1970.

Co-host Ed Bruce performs during the WSM-TV's "Morning" show in the studio Sept. 17, 1970. Bruce, who also performs at the Carousel in Printers Alley, joined the show a year ago.

The Blades of Blue Grass, with members Debbie Daniels, left, Jimmy Demps, Pam Daniels, Blake Williams and Terry Mills, performs after leaving Sparta, Tennessee, at 4 a.m. for a guest slot on WSM-TV's opening program of the day, the "Morning" show Sept. 17, 1970.

The Blades of Blue Grass of Sparta, Tennessee, performs for the cameras in the studio as a guest of WSM-TV's "Morning" show Sept. 17, 1970.

Ronnie Prophet is closing out WSM-TV's "Morning" show with his rendition of "Understand Your Man," in the studio Sept. 17, 1970.

WSM Radio's "Waking Crew" host Dave Overton, left, shares a moment with singer-songwriter Teddy Bart, one of the three vocalists on the program, in WSM's studio on Knob Road Sept. 17, 1970.

Vocalist Teddy Bart, top center, performs with a band during WSM Radio's "Waking Crew" in the studio Sept. 17, 1970.

WSM Radio's "Waking Crew" band performs in a Knob Road studio Sept. 17, 1970. The musicians are saxophonists Jack Gregory, clockwise, back to camera, Cecil Bailey and Newt Richardson; drummer Doug Kirkman; Bill Pippen, substituting on bass for Bill Humble; trombonists Dutch Gorton and Beverly LeCroy; guitarist Jack Shook; and leader and trumpeter Bill McElhiney. Joe Layne, out of the picture, plays piano. The "Waking Crew" is the only radio program in the country using a live band for a non-network show.

WSM Radio's "Waking Crew" host Dave Overton, left, swaps sports notes with Tennessean sports editor John Bibb during the program in the studio Sept. 17, 1970. It's one of the most popular segments of the program.

Singer-actor Mayf Nutter is ready to hit the road after visiting the Starday Studio in Nashville Sept. 17, 1970. Nutter has appeared several times on "Gunsmoke" as Festus' cousin.

About 200 members of the Nashville Big Orange Club were on hand for the first meeting Sept. 17, 1970. Among the Tennessee supporters are Jim Cowan, left, Big Orange president, Coach Jim Wright, Hal Wantland, Neal McMeans and Charlie Rosenfelder, the latter three all former Vols stars now living in Nashville.

June Carter and Johnny Cash perform a duet together during a taping for the season premiere of "The Johnny Cash Show" at the Ryman Auditorium Sept. 17, 1970.

Guest Neil Diamond performs during a taping for the season premiere of "The Johnny Cash Show" at the Ryman Auditorium Sept. 17, 1970.

Guest Arlo Guthrie performs during a taping for the season premiere of "The Johnny Cash Show" at the Ryman Auditorium Sept. 17, 1970.

Singer and actress Liza Minelli and host Johnny Cash perform a duet during a taping for the season premiere of "The Johnny Cash Show" at the Ryman Auditorium Sept. 17, 1970.

With hardly any riders available because of the threat of rainy weather, a fair employee works on the railing around the Swingin' Gym on opening day of the 65th annual Tennessee State Fair at the state fairgrounds in Nashville Sept. 18, 1970.

A mid-afternoon downpour at the 65th annual Tennessee State Fair sends a worker scurrying across the midway in search of a dry area on opening day at the state fairground in Nashville Sept. 18, 1970.

Mindy McBride, right, of Highland Park Drive in Nashville, holds a stuffed animal that her boyfriend Bob Duling of Windsor Towers in Nashville won for her between downpours on opening day of the 65th annual Tennessee State Fair at the state fairgrounds in Nashville Sept. 18, 1970.

Is the corn-on-the-cob at the Tennessee State Fair good? Just ask Mrs. Joanne Thain, left, or Mrs. Gayle Barnhill, both of Brentwood. They enjoy theirs on opening day of the 65th annual fair at the state fairgrounds in Nashville Sept. 18, 1970.

A group of space enthusiasts get a close look at the command module that carried three U.S. astronauts to man's first walk on the moon Sept. 18, 1970. The capsule, along with some moon rocks and astronauts' spacesuits are on display at the National Guard Armory on Sidco Drive.

Montgomery Bell Academy tailback Bob Lattimer (11) takes off for a 19-yard touchdown jaunt against the defense of Antioch High Sept. 18, 1970. MBA won 13-7 over the state's fourth-ranked Antioch team that suffered its first loss of the young season.

Teddy Bart, center, of WSM-TV autographs a copy of his book, "Inside Music City," for Mrs. H.I. Strong, right, while Max Komisar looks on during a signing at the Mills Book Store in 100 Oaks Shopping Center Sept. 19, 1970.

Vanderbilt quarterback Watson Brown attempts to break free from a couple of The Citadel defenders as the Commodores won their second victory of the season with a 52-0 victory at Dudley Field Sept. 19, 1970.

Metro trustee Glenn Ferguson stands Sept. 20, 1970, in front of a $111,000 apartment building on 16th Avenue South which was acquired recently by the city and is being demolished to make way for the proposed Music Row Boulevard.

The bride, Claudia LeMoine, on the shoulder of Tony LeMoine, the best man, pulls up to the minister, L.E. Cranford, standing left, and the groom, Vernon Phillips, to recite marriage vows 50 feet above the ground during the Tennessee State Fair Sept. 20, 1970. The couple are two of the high wire aerialists performing during the fair and held the wedding after a show.

Vanderbilt head football coach Bill Pace, left, and players Mack Brown, John Burns and Johnny Miller check out the new street sign on the drive leading to the new McGugin Center on campus Sept. 20, 1970. The "Jess Neely Drive" sign is in honor of the 72-year-old Commodores athletic director.

The hairstyling and drying area of Gazebo Salon on Hillsboro Circle in Nashville is flooded with light from a center atrium. Hairstylist Dale Cannon, standing, from Sacramento, California, checks on a client in the sprawling 4,500-square-foot beauty salon concept Sept. 21, 1970.

Jerry Starr, front, of Murray, Kentucky, shows Susan Henley, standing left, Debbie Walker and Debbie Webb, all of Nashville, the best way to milk a cow at the 65th annual Tennessee State Fair at the state fairgrounds Sept. 21, 1970.

Robert L. Lawrence Jr., left, Metro director of water and sewer services, show Metro Mayor Beverly Briley a letter from his son, Navy Cmdr. William Porter Lawrence, a prisoner of war in Hanoi, in the mayor's office at the Metro Courthouse Sept. 22, 1970.

The four newest and youngest broadcasters of WSM-TV, Huell Howser, left, Pam Ice, Charles Fancher and Jean Mamlin pose in the studio on Knob Road Sept. 23, 1970. The Mod Squad, as they are sometimes called by other WSM staff, work in the areas of radio and television news, public affairs and special programming.

John Egerton, left, signs his new book, "A Mind to Stay Here," for Mrs. William O. Smith as co-author Al Clayton waits his turn during a signing at the Mill's Book Store in Hillsboro Village Sept. 24, 1970.

Gov. Buford Ellington, left, shares a moment with famous bandleader Duke Ellington in his office at the state Capitol Sept. 25, 1970. Gov. Ellington made Ellington a Tennessee colonel before the "Duke" and his orchestra made their appearance with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

Mrs. John M. Rivers, left, shuts her eyes to protect them against the spray of champagne as she christens the Motor Vessel John M. Rivers at the Nashville Bridge Company for the Ingram Barge Company Sept. 25, 1970. Looking on are Mr. and Mrs. E. Bronson Ingram and Rivers, president of South Carolina Broadcasting Company.

Vanderbilt University freshmen Pat Carter, left, and Kathy Nolan reach for the Frisbee while enjoying an afternoon in the brisk autumn air in Centennial Park Sept. 27, 1970.

Heavy construction equipment levels the land Sept. 28, 1970, that will become the Opryland U.S.A. theme park and new home of the Grand Ole Opry.

Spokesmen for Nashville's music industry and Metro Trustee Glenn Ferguson, top right, discuss plans for the proposed Music Row Boulevard between 16th and 17th avenues during a gathering Sept. 28, 1970. The spokesmen, Hubert Long, sitting left, Frances Preston and Harold Hitt, and Lucky Moeller, top left, and Larry Moeller, are urging the city to honor its promise to build the boulevard.

TWA Airlines' passengers at the Nashville Municipal Airport prepare to go through a metal detection device Sept. 28, 1970, which began operating here to detect the presence of weapons. The devices are to protect passengers against would-be hijackers.

The new rabbi of the West End Synagogue, Rabbi Aziel C. Feliner, center, works on a script for celebration of the Jewish New Year, "Rosh Hashanah," with Mrs. Herbert Moskovitz, left, executive secretary of West End Synagogue and Cantor Bernard Glusman Sept. 29, 1970.

Work crews set up fences around the construction site of the new Opryland U.S.A. theme park Sept. 29, 1970.

Arthur E. Kreatschman, left, national director of the Gourmet Cooking Forums Presented by Sears, is in Nashville to announce a new kind of gourmet school to start classes here in October. Posing with Kreatschman and some of the food that will be taught are the instructor Jack Favier, co-owner of the Silver Wings Restaurant at the Statler Hilton, and coordinator Donna Nadeau Sept. 30, 1970. The courses will start Oct. 14 at the Madison Sears store and Oct. 15 at the downtown Sears store.