Today in Johnson City History, Friday, September 6, 2024
School will start, curfew set and Get Involved!
Wednesday, September 6, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, with a dateline from Johnson City, the Chattanooga Daily Times reported that “It is expected that the city schools will open for organization next Thursday and Friday, regular work to begin on Monday, Sept. 11. The new books have not all arrived yet, but it is expected they will be here by next Saturday, at latest.”
The Chattanooga Daily Times is now published online as the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Johnson City did not publish a daily newspaper in 1899; however, The Comet was published weekly.
Saturday, September 6, 1924: A century ago today, with a dateline from Atlantic City, New Jersey, and a date of September 5, the Johnson City Chronicle reported “Behind closed doors and with the window blinds carefully drawn, 15 judges inspected the charms of 73 girls from various parts of the United States today, preparatory to selecting the most perfectly formed and fairest of face as ‘Miss America, 1924.’
“The beauties wore scant bathing suits, of the type known as the ‘two in one.’ It has a short skirt – very short, and the censors do not permit girls thus attired to reach thebeach. A city ordinance imposes a fine for public appearance in this suit. So the contest was staged in the class room (sic), with only the 15 girls and the 73 girls present.”
Thursday, September 6, 1934: Ninety years ago today, in a column entitled “Ten Years Ago Today”, the Johnson City Chronicle reminded readers of the following events: “Miss Margaret Herndon will leave this week for Salem College, where she will attend school this year.”
“Mr. Charlie Ffolliott will leave Monday for Troy, New York, where he will enter school.”
“Mr. Billy Givens is leaving for Maryville College this week.”
“Mrs. Harry Range and son, Harry Garner Range, are spending several days in Knoxville.”
“Mr. William Sells is recovering from a throat operation at Jones hospital (sic).”
Salem College is a private women’s liberal arts college located Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It was founded in 1772 as an elementary school. Winston-Salem is about 196 miles from Johnson City. It is east, and slightly south, of Johnson City.
Maryville College is located in Maryville, Tennessee, which is about 123 miles from Johnson City. It lies in a southwesterly direction from Johnson City.
Jones Hospital was a private hospital in Johnson City.
Wednesday, September 6, 1944: Eighty years ago today, according to the Johnson City Press-Chronicle, “Strict enforcement of Johnson City’s 9:30 p. m. curfew law was announced yesterday by Mrs. Ben H. Taylor, juvenile judge. The curfew whistle blew last night for the first time in several months, reminding youngsters to get off the streets.
“With the fall opening of Johnson City schools (several indecipherable words) move necessary to prevent juveniles from loitering away from home during the late hours, Mrs. Taylor explained.
“Police officers have been notified to investigate children under the age of 17 years who are on the streets after the 9:30 p. m. curfew sounds. Ample time will be given (several indecipherable words) authorized recreation gatherings, the judge said.
“’The juvenile court is not attempting to control children’s rest hours,’ Mrs. Taylor pointed out. ‘However, with school work (sic) demands, minors should be given ample time for rest. We are anxious to allay as much of the late-hour practice as possible.’
“Children out after 9:30 o’clock at night will not be stopped if accompanied by responsible adults.
“The curfew siren was out of order during the latter part of August but has been repaired for immediate service.”
Tuesday, September 6, 1949: According to the Johnson City Press-Chronicle, seventy-five years ago today, “A man listed by investigating officers as Charles Bradley, Elmo street (sic), was treated at Veterans Administration Hospital, Mountain Home, for severe knife wounds above the heart. He became involved in an altercation at West Market and Fall streets (sic), according to Patrolmen Byrd, Painter and Langston.”
“John R. Taylor, 43, of city, route (sic) 1, employee of East Tennessee State College, was given emergency treatment at Appalachian Hospital Sunday after a car door closed on his left index finger. He was dismissed after treatment.”
“Roy Lyons, 36, of city, route (sic) 5, was treated at Appalachian Hospital early yesterday for chest injuries received when struck by a car. Patrolmen Paul Bashor and James Michaels answered the emergency call to the hospital.”
“Lawrence Anderson of Piney Grove section was bound to grand jury action at the fall term of Washington County Circuit Court when arraigned in city court yesterday on a larceny charge. He allegedly took a quantity of gasoline from a truck parked on Cherry street (sic) late Saturday night. Arresting officers were Captain Tom Howell and Sergeant Leslie Cloyd. He was unable to make the $500 bond specified by Judge John Fain and remained in jail.”
According to www.in2013dollars.com, $500 in 1949 is now worth about $6608.
The Veterans Administration Hospital, Mountain Home, is now known as the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.
East Tennessee State College is now known as East Tennessee State University.
The Appalachian Hospital was a forerunner of Memorial Hospital, which was a forerunner to the Johnson City Medical Center.
And now, let’s Get Involved! Get Involved is an occasional feature that encourages civic engagement, features ways for people to meet other people in the community and serves as a resource for assisting others.
J. D. Banks is an active member of the Telford Ruritan Club. According to www.ruritan.org, the organization was charted in 1928, with the mission “To create thriving communities across America”. How wonderful is that?
The Telford Ruritan Club has two events that are close at hand. Their community-wide yard sale will be held on Saturday, September 28 from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. There’s no cost to shop or to browse, but sellers will need to pay $10 per 8-foot space, which includes one table. There’s a $10 charge for each additional table, and the Club has tables available on a first-come, first-served basis, until their supply is exhausted. Crafters are welcome to sell their wares, as well. The yard sale will be held outdoors, unless the weather is inclement. For additional information, call Dan at 216- 276-7638 or Glen at 734-673-3720.
In addition to the yard sale, the Club is sponsoring a winter clothing drive. Donations are accepted from the community every Sunday in September from 2:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon. The winter clothing drive donations will be collected at the Ruritan Club building. The donations will be distributed to needy local community members during the month of October, so this is the perfect time to clean out your closets of those jackets, coats, hats, mittens gloves and scarves you no longer need. All sizes are needed and welcomed.
The Ruritan Club building is located at 101 Telford School Road in Telford, which is a community in rural Washington County.
J. D. Banks, thank you for this information and for your involvement in the community.
Truly, it takes several people to put together something like you’ve just read. I express profound appreciation to Heidi Dulebohn and Stephanie McClellan Houk for their thoughts and encouragement.
Grateful appreciation is expressed to Collin Brooks for his social media expertise. If you need assistance with your social medial needs, call him at 423-735-8755.
Will Riddle, owner of Riddle Technology Services, can help you with all your computer and computer-related needs. He’s the best! Call him at 423-480-4024.