Today in Johnson City History, Monday, September 30, 2024
Thank you to my readers who have reached out to me regarding today's emailing. Computer issues were the woe arising from Helena, but truly, I have been very blessed.
Fashion trends, corn stalks, Pharmaseal and Johnson City Chemical
Tuesday, September 30, 1924: One hundred years ago today, the Johnson City Staff-News reported fashion news. With a dateline from New York, and a date from September 29, readers learned that “So widespread is the fondness for odd furs that Leopard (sic) skin now is being imitated in cloth for use on frocks. It is seen in the guise of vestees, collars and suits.
“Many of the early winter coats have a side facing of fur, which gives them the appearance of being fur lined. The real lining, however, is of silk – a less clumsy arrangement than an all-fur lining.
“Browns, grays, and skin tints continue today to prevail in hosiery. Some of the modish colors are blonds, ochre, banana, chamois, cinder, oriental pearl, suede, nude and gun metal.
“The present vogue of black with flesh color is well typified in the costume worn by the Dutchess (sic) of Westminster when she sailed from New York the other day. The Dutchess (sic) wore a black cloth ensemble suit, with a collar of fine white lace. Her gloves and stockings were flesh tinted and she wore black patent leather shoes with a single strap.”
Sunday, September 30, 1934: Ninety years ago today, according to the Johnson City Chronicle, “The ‘tall corn’ contest stages by the Chronicle-Staff-News last week came to an official and (sic) Saturday evening at 6 o’clock, first prize of three dollars in cash going to J. M. Gouge, Johnson City, Rt. 6, with an entry15 feet and 10 inches in length.
“Second prize of two dollars went to J. M. Bowman, Johnson City, Rt. 3, with an entry 15 feet and 2 inches in length.
“Other entries ranged from 11 feet and 8 inches long to 15 feet and 1 inch. Each stalk was a mammoth of the corn family and received favorable comment from County agent Raymond Rasson last week during a visit to this office. ‘The stalks are some of the tallest I have seen this year,’ he said.
“Winners may claim their prizes by calling at this office any time during this week.
“Other entries were made by the following parties:
“D. B. Woodby, Unicoi, Rt. 1 – 14 feet 11 inches.
“Lester Dean, 607 Franklin street (sic) – 12 feet 6 inches.
“D. C. Harrison, Jonesboro, Rt. 5 – 12 feet 10 inches.
“Charlie Miller, Sullivan County – 14 feet 6 inches.
“J. W. Byrd, Unicoi, Rt. 1 – 15 feet 1 inch.
“W. B. Watson, Johnson City, Rt. 3, 14 feet 8 inches.
“J. Mitchell Wiggins, Johnson City, Rt. 1 – 13 feet 11 inches.
“Robert Vines, Johnson City, Rt. 3 – 13 feet 9 inches.
“L. W. Webb, 43 Kentucky street (sic), 13 feet.
“Henry S. Bowman, Johnson City, Rt. 1 – 14 feet 8 inches.
“Miss Mae Tucker, Johnson City, Rt. 4 – 13 feet 2 inches.
“G. W. Street, Johnson City, Rt. 8 – 15 feet.
“J. A. Greene, 211 North Boone street (sic), 11 feet 8 inches.
“A. B. Hatley, 1206 Grover street (sic) – 12 feet 10 inches.
“Ray Bowman, Johnson City, Rt. 5 – 14 feet 3 inches.
“Mrs, Lora Connell, Jonesboro, Rt. 4 – 13 feet.
“Alvan Broyles, Chuckey (three entries – 14 feet 6 inches, 14 feet 2 inches, and 14 feet 8 inches.
“Frank Troutman, Unicoi – 14 feet
“Harry Wise, 1114 East Holston avenue (sic), 13 feet 10 inches.
“H. H. Story, Jonesboro, Rt. 8, 11 feet 13 inches.”
Three dollars in 1934 has the current purchase power of $70.48, according to www.in2013dollars.com.
Unicoi is both a county, as well as a community within the county.
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1934.
Chuckey is about 22 miles from Johnson City.
Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Tennessee Jeff Aiken, a Telford resident, says that 15 feet is still considered very long for a corn stalk.
Saturday, September 30, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, Johnson City Chronicle readers continued to read news of World War II. Big, black, bold headlines proclaimed, “Hitler Asks Peace On His Terms”.
Saturday, September 30, 1944: Five years later, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle headlines were still related to World War II. “Allies Advance At Opposite Ends Of Front” greeted readers.
Friday, September 30, 1966: According to the Johnson City Press-Chronicle, ”The apparent low bidder on the Pharmaseal Laboratories expansion of Johnson City was J. E. Green Co.
“Green, one of three bidders, made a low bid of $398,000 for the 34,000 – square foot planned expansion.
“The contract for the construction cannot be signed, until bonds authorized for the plant can be sold. Bonds which can be used for expansion were issued when Pharmaseal located originally.”
Monday, September 30, 1974: Fifty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported that “The Johnson City Chemical Company will begin operation today according to Carl Hinkle, Industrial Director of the Johnson City Area Industrial Commission.
“Located at Fairview and Steel streets (sic), the company will manufacture and ship farm fertilizer to authorized dealers in East Tennessee, Western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia.
“W. Bennett Spratlin, a native of Alabama, is the president and general manager of the firm which has eight full-time employees.
“The company purchased their 40,000 square foot building from Agrico Chemical Company earlier this month which had been in operation here since 1956.”
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