Today in Johnson City History, Monday, October 7. 2024
A retail institution, the Frolic Night Club, the American Legion, Johnson County crops, and more
Tuesday, October 7, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle informed readers that “Miss Babe Slaughter of the Masengills Store will leave Tuesday for New York to purchase additional womens’ appearel (sic) for the Masengill store in Johnson City. A large stock of newest lines will be secured, and Mr. Masengill expects to have these on display at an early date.”
Masengill’s was an institution in Johnson City for well over a century; it was a cherished store for apparel for all important occasions. The window displays were always eye-catching.
Sunday, October 7, 1934: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Press alerted readers that “Guest night was celebrated Friday evening at the new Frolic Night club (sic), located at Austin Springs on the old Bristol Highway.
“There was dancing and a group of songs by Bill Toohey, considered one of the most popular singers in this section. Groups from Erwin, Bristol, Kingsport, Elizabethton and Johnson City were present for the program.
“The club is planning a series of such programs. On Sunday nights at 12:01 a. m. there will be ‘midnight rambles.’
“Tex Swan is master of ceremonies for the club. Various featured entertainers will be presented, it is planned.
“The management is providing entirely new entertainment for every evening. The show is clean, new and the orchestra is one of the past that could be secured, managers asserted.”
Austin Springs is a community in Johnson City; in 1934, it was not in the city limits.
Saturday, October 7, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle published an article entitled, “Why I Belong to the Legion”, written by Frank D. Hannah. Mr. Hannah wrote, “One cannot but admire the firm stand our new National Commander Kelly, who was elected at the Chicago convention, took in proclaiming when his comrades were prevailing upon him to take a definite stand on certain legislation, ‘We are not here to make laws but uphold them.’ No one knows better than a Legionnaire what war really is, having been through the World War. Today from over all the country you hear, ‘Keep our sons from this terrible conflict.’ Yes – but be prepared.
“The Legion is proud of its standing in this community – for the work it has done and will do for the family of their comrades who are in the Veterans Facility.
“Too much cannot be said for the wonderful work being done by the auxiliary. They have been faithful to their trust and have done much to eliminate the suffering of the underprivileged and crippled children of the World War veteran.
“Now that the annual membership drive is being made in this our local post, won’t you, if you are eligible, make your application at once and join this post so that you may do your duty to your comrades who have gone on and to their widows and children who may need the help of this post. We all have a responsibility at this time – let’s not shirk it.”
The “Veterans Facility” referred to above is now known as the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.
Saturday, October 7, 1944: Eighty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported to readers that “Harvesting of an estimated 200,000 bushels of apples in Shady Valley in Johnson county (sic) is in full swing, according to Hugh Felts, assistant district agent of emergency farm labor.
“Felts, who said the labor shortage in picking the apples was the greatest problem, declared the crop the best ever harvested, not only in quality, but in quantity.
“The Johnson county (sic) bean crop, he said was almost harvested, although approximately 2,000 bushels of beans are being sold daily on the cooperative market in Mountain City. The crop, he said, would total about 600,000 bushels – the same as last year – and the next few days would see the end of the market.
“Workers, numbering 240, who were brought to Mountain City to assist during the bean picking season, were taken to Camp Jackson, N. C., last Sunday, where they will assist in the harvest of peanuts and sweet potatoes, Felts said.
“’Our greatest problem now,’ the agent said, ‘is to secure labor for the apple harvest.’ However, he pointed out, that since farmers had been completed the bean harvest and that tobacco had practically all been cut, it is believed the apple harvest will not suffer greatly.
“He said anyone interested in picking apples could contact Paul Barr, orchard manager.”
Mountain City, Tennessee is about 44 miles northeast of Johnson City. It is located in Johnson County.
Friday, October 7, 1949: Seventy-five years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported that “Scores of geography and science students at East Tennessee State College, along with other Johnson Citians, witnessed a total eclipse of the moon last night.
“The eclipse, which occurred between 8 p. m. and 10:33 p. m., was described by one of the students as ‘something we don’t see very day.’
“The eclipse was announced in classes yesterday by science teachers, students explained.”
East Tennessee State College is now known as East Tennessee State University.
Monday, October 7, 1974: Fifty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported that “D. A. Harrell, Rt. 8, reported a laundromat vandalized over the weekend. The firm, located on West Market, had its coin boxes forced open and the change taken. The incident occurred sometime Sunday night.”
“The residence of Dr. William O. Hale, 707 E. Watauga, was entered sometime Saturday and several guns and rifles are reported missing. According to the investigation now under way, entry was gained into the residence by tampering with the rear lock.”
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