How many remember Hite’s Restaurant? Hite’s was an iconic landmark in Lexington. It was a place for good food and locals to gather.

On Columbia Avenue last week I was shocked to see the Rite-Aid building being demolished at the corner where Hite’s sat many years. The familiar shade tree stood in front and helped identify this spot.

Harry Hite opened Hite’s in a wooden frame building in 1947. It flourished over the years as improvements were made. A dairy bar with chocolate dipped ice cream cones was an addition. With curb service in early years, Harry had many carhops who took orders with pencil and pad. It was “the thing” in Columbia and, not to be outshined, Lexington had it too!

Hugh Rogers says he remembers Hamp and Raymond Caughman, Margaret and Shirley Jumper and Marvin Hendrix being involved. Marvin said it was the only place in town with lights on after dark.

Hugh maintains their barbecue sandwich, famous for the tooth-picked “sour” pickle on top, was the best.

Inside Hite’s, known as the 10-1 (10 am to 1 am) Drive In, there was a counter, a few stools and booths. Hugh says he remembers the barbecue pit for which it was famous and their own mustard based sauce. Harry’s brother assisted with cooking and preparing this southern favorite.

Also associated with Hite’s were Melvin Harmon, Zelma Backman, Dot Corley, Mary Lee Caldwell, Dan Harmon, Lib Edwards, Frances Rawl, Myrtie Harmon, Dorothy Corley, Jeff Fiebrich, Harold Benson, Stan Hite, David Shull and Darlene Shumpert.

Starting with a delightful hometown cook, his staff grew to 45 plus. Harry sold the business to Bob and Sue Maghan in 1980. They operated it until 1996.

At Harry’s side was Betty Ann, his devoted wife. The restaurant became a huge success although Harry was advised by town leaders not to open there as “it was just too far out” of town, The rest is history.

HAVE YOU ridden downtown lately? You will see banners noting the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote.

We celebrate this historic event in the Town of Lexington with a proclamation and flags. On August 17, Councilwoman Kathy Maness presented a proclamation signed by Mayor Steve MacDougall to the League of Women Voters. Debbie Dickinson accepted the proclamation for the league.

The Lexington Woman’s Club presented the town with themed flags commemorating the 100th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage. The print design incorporates the colors of red, white and blue. The flags read: Women’s Vote, Lexington, Centennial, Celebrating 100 years, 1920-2020. The letter “o” in the word “Vote” was replaced with a golden rose, the symbol for the passage of the 19th Amendment.

Xanna Bailey of Nephron Pharmaceuticals assisted the Lexington Woman’s Club with its one-of-a-kind design for the flag.

PAULA CALHOON reports the Lexington Network of Female Executives held their monthly meeting August 25 at Travinia’s Restaurant. Presiding was President Kathy Foster. Other officers are Bunnie Hagenlocher, Membership Chair; Bev Gunter, Treasurer; Beth McCrary, Secretary and Cindy Powell, Vice President.

Special guest was Angelle LaBorde, new Chamber President/CEO. Next meeting will be Sept. 22 at the Mediterranean Café.

THE LEXINGTON Shepherds Center met at Lexington United Methodist Church. Plans were discussed by acting Chair/Director Thomas Paige and acting Vice Chair/Assistant Director Joe Mayer and board members. Because of covid-19, it was decided to postpone the fall session. They hope the winter and spring sessions can be held.

Everyone hopes the new year will bring back the “normal” in some way.

ANNE BULL REPORTS that Ronnie and Joy Wingard have chickens again. After giving away their last brood, the empty nesters have just received 8 more baby chicks from Cullen Mathias, an 8-year-old neighbor who incubated the eggs himself.

They all have names. We are honored to announce one is named Daisy for me and another named Annie for Anne Bull. Joy now wants to add Peking ducks and Cullen is hatching a plan to do just that.

DURING THESE hot summer days, cool off with a pyramid shaped, rippled ice cream cone. So cooling. I tried it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Gene Trayer, Melissa Senf, Pat Ellis, Mary Ellen Judson, Grace Mellette, Tom Comerford, Kristen Turpen, Dave Wilson, Ed Lundeen, Keith Shah, Mark Burt, Valerian Couch, Jackie Corley, Jennifer Pryor, Connie Stuckey, Sandy Morgan, Tianda “Ti’ Winfrey, Lyman Whitehead, Betty Knotts, Nikki Rodgers, Jeremy Addy, Lucas Gamble, Ernest Shealy, Jr. Betty Sawyer, Theresa Scanlon, Alex Burnett, Benjamin Hayford, Barbara Mathias, Peri Rouillard, Alexandra Chalk, Brian Neeley.

WATCH FOR the big yellow school buses. They are on the road now.

Keep our children safe!