Today in Johnson City History, Monday, September 9, 2024
A terrible storm, The Book Shop, ETSU's ACL and more
Tuesday, September 9, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported on a horrible storm that had recently visited the area. Readers learned that “Damage amounting to considerable total, made up of a number of occurrences over a large area, occurred in and near Johnson City between six and seven o’clock Monday evening, when this section was visited by a severe wind, rain and electric storm. Electric lights and power were interrupted for more than an hour, due to damage to the main transmission line, blowing of fuses and transformers, and in some instances broken wires in the city system. In Jonesboro, it is reported that the current, supplied from the hydro-electric plant on the Nolichucky river (sic), remained off during the evening and into the night, the town being in darkness.
“Telegraph and telephone wires suffered considerably over a large area, making it difficult to ascertain the details of just what damage may have occurred. Press wires (sic) in this section were put out of commission totally, seriously affecting East Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia circuits, which were silent during the night. The Associated Press circuit into Johnson City was protected later over a circuitously routed wire of the Western Union Telegraph Company.
“On the Johnson City lightning circuit, the effect was both general, and collective; the light circuits in different sections of the city being disturbed at various times, one section being in darkness while another was lighted; then all out, or part on, and with the street lighting system intermittent for an hour or more. It is reported that a broken wire put out of commission a section of the Southwest Addition; damage to a transformer affecting part of the fourth ward, and blown fuses putting the business district in darkness. The circuit was soon placed on the line from the auxiliary, and light and power resulted about eight o’clock.
“Several trees were reported blown down in the Southwest Addition and in the eastern section of the city; branches and leaves from shade trees were blown into the streets; boxes and other objects were tumbled about rapidly, and board coverings on new concrete work being done in the city were scattered by the high wind.
“Reports were also received that a few windows were broken, and some small building in outlying sections were blown over.
“The storm broke suddenly and was accompanied by a rather heavy rain, but of short duration, no great volume of water following to flood the streets or cause any considerable rise in streams.
“Growing crops were damaged to some extent, corn being blown down and gardens suffering considerably.
“A fire alarm in the early part of the storm proved to be false.”
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1924.
The Southwest Addition is now known as the Tree Streets Neighborhood.
Sunday, September 9, 1934: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that “Miss Anna Triche of Jackson, Miss., who recently came to Johnson City to make her home, will open to the public Tuesday The Book Shop at 302 South Roan street (sic). The shop is located between Market and Main street (sic) and offers for rental and for sale the best in the book market.
“Visitors will be welcome to browse in the shop at any time and are invited to leave a list of wanted books, which will be secured by the owners, if not in stock.
“Magazines will also be stocked for rental and sale and subscriptions offered at publishers’ prices.
“Miss Triche will be joined in the near future by her partner, Miss Mary Smith, also of Jackson, Miss. Both have been active members of the Jackson Business and Professional Women’s club (sic) and are well known business women of their former home.”
Saturday, September 9, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, Johnson City Chronicle readers read big, black, bold headlines: “Hitler Drives Poles Out Of Warsaw”.
Saturday, September 9, 1944: Eighty years ago today, World War II news continued. Johnson City Press-Chronicle readers were sad to read that “Mrs. Lucille Shafer Riley of 612 Hamilton street (sic) has been notified her husband Pfc. J. B. Riley, is a prisoner of war held by Germans.
“Private Riley, nose gunner on a Liberator bomber flying with the 13th Army Air Force in Italy was reported missing in action over Austria since June 26 of this year.”
Friday, September 9, 1949: Seventy-five years ago today, the following appeared in the Johnson City Press-Chronicle: “It still happens sometimes – that business of taking a fire to the firehouse for extinguishing!
“At 4 p. m. Thursday Company No. 2 put out a trash blaze in the city’s new garbage vehicle when the fire was brought to the station on West Walnut street (sic). The blaze developed while the vehicle was collecting garbage in the neighborhood, Chief L. L. Geisler said. He expressed belief the garbage crewmen had picked up hot ashes which set fire to trash in the truck.”
Monday, September 9, 1974: Fifty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported the reactions of several area residents upon learning that President Gerald Ford had pardoned former President Richard Nixon for the Watergate cover up. The pardon was issued on September 8, 1974. “Gerald Malcolm, principal of Stratton School: ‘In terms of presidential powers, he had the right to do it. In terms of the other people who have been sentenced, it seems unfair. I question the morality of it.’
“Grace Spurrell: ‘I think it will cause a bit of controversy for a while, but we need to get back to the business of government, I think it will turn out very well.’
“Bo Abernethy, architect: ‘I’m angry, and distressed that there’s a double standard of justice in the country. I think it’s the super cover up. Now we will never know the truth about the affair.’
“Paul Coleman: ‘I think his action was ill-advised and premature. I don’t think it takes into consideration the ultimate functions of our judicial system. It may be prejudicial to those defendants who are yet to stand trial.’”
Because today’s “Get Involved!” is so time-sensitive, I’[m repeating the same information from yesterday. If you want to meet some really nice people, hear interesting speakers and learn lots in the process, ETSU’s Alliance for Continued Learning (ACL) is for you. The classes - and I use the term loosely, because there’s no homework or prep work - meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from September 17 until November 7. The classes meet from 10 a. m. until noon in the Conference Room of Food City at 920 North State of Franklin Road. Until September 11, registration is $45 per person, so you don’t have much time to take advantage of that rate. After September 11, registration is $60, which is still a great bargain. Call the Office of Professional Development at ETSU to register or for more information. Their telephone number is 423-439-8084.
Some of the topics for the fall semester of ACL include “The Humbling Mystery of an Appalachian Sublime”, “Underwater Caves”, “Turning the Tide of the American Revolution: Overmountain Men and The Battle of Kings Mountain”, “The Johnson City Railroad Experience”, and “Mammals, Truffles, and Trees”.
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.