Today in Johnson City History, Monday, December 30, 2024
City stats, lots of holiday dancing!
Saturday, December 30, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Knoxville Sentinel reported news with a dateline from Johnson City. Readers learned that “It might be of interest to many to know that this city closes the year with 6,000 people. It has an area of four square miles, fifty stores, four railroads, sixteen factories, ten shops, five schools, 1,400 school children, twelve doctors, ten churches, sixteen lawyers, eight saloons, two hotels, one restaurant, one water tank, one bank water works and street car plant, two fine hotels not yet opened, six democrats (sic for Democrats) for ever half dozen republicans (sic for Republicans) and two policemen.”
The Knoxville Sentinel is now published as the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Sunday, December 30, 1934: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that “The Girls’ Cotillion Club Dance – the only event of the year which is given with the girls in the role of gentlemen and the men in the part of date, is muh (sic for much) anticipated and attended by hundreds of college visitors and members of the various younger sets.
“Among the forty-odd attractive young girls who were guests at the annual dance Wednesday afternoon at the ball-room (sic for ballroom) of the Hotel John Sevier were, from Jonesboro, the Misses Elizabeth Grigsby; Kathleen Haws, Marjory Shipley, Elizabeth Shipley, Mary Grigsby, Kingsport, Mrs. Lawson Reams, Mrs. Lindsay Johnson, Misses Isabelle Grant, Hope Palmer, Margaret Morgan, Martha Thornton, Dot Kredar, Bristol, Misses Jean Warren, Ruth Beaver, Jean Bowers, Zelda Pollez, Maxine Brandt, Julia Johns, Frances Kinsinger, Ameila Martin, Lyle Flannigan, Frances Lynch, Katherine Torbett, Marlene Whittaker, Maxine Hanow, Elizabeth Wells, Erwin, Misses Mary Hatler, Clara Toney, Lillian Hines, Virginia Cook, Virginia Boyd, Beatrice Yelton, Pete Boyd, Anna Lawson, Mary Honeycutt, Elizabethton, Mrs. Foster Earnest, Misses Roberta Taylor, Dot Selmen, Ruth Selmen, Ira Jones, Mrs. A. Holtzhauer, Greeneville, Miss Allee Le Rue and Miss Smith, of Chattanooga.”
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1934.
Saturday, December 30, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, according to the Johnson City Chronicle, “The annual Christmas party by the Merry Wives club (sic for Club), honoring their husbands and several friends, was held Thursday evening at the John Sevier ballroom and proved a delightful social event.
“Donner was served at 7 o’clock. The season’s colors of red and green were carried out in the decorations. The long table was ornamented by evergreens and silvered sprays running its length and at intervals there were gaily wrapped Christmas packages, that proved to be souvenirs. A Christmas plant marked the central adornment. Places were found by Yuletide cards that were matched by the couples with the third part designating their place at the table. A three-course turkey menu was served.
“Mrs. Samuel H. Carr, president of the club, gave the welcome address.
“Mrs. John L. Hankins introduced a novel game of your dilemma and its cure. Mrs. H. C. Black presided in the awarding of the souvenirs.
“Henry Whitehouse read an original poem dealing with the Merry Wives club (sic). Dr. John L. Hankins read an original poem about his vacation in Alaska last summer. This was given by request of the guests.
“Mrs. Harry Whitehouse presided over the progressive original game of Santa Claus. Paul B. Carr proved the lucky winner of the trophy.
“Before the delightful evening came to a close, Christmas carols were sung.
“Those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Black, Major and Mrs. L. A. Ballew, Dr. and Mrs. John L. Hankins, Dr. and Mrs. John Shown, Elizabethton; Dr. and Mrs. Schram, Kingsport; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel H. Carr, Mr., and Mrs. Paul B. Carr, Mr. and Mrs. James T. St. John, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Starritt, Mrs. C. E. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Whitehouse, Dr. and Mrs. J. G. Moss, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Cox, Bristol; Mr. and Mrs. Walter T. Martin, Dr. and Mrs. W. R. Hendrix, Mrs. R. F. Brewer, Mr. and Mrs. John Masengill, Dr. and Mrs. U. G. Jones, and Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Gordon.”
Saturday, December 30, 1944: Eighty years ago today, The Elizabethton Daily Star reported news pertaining to World War II to readers. Readers learned that “Holding the honor of being one of eight women chosen for an important assignment from several thousand is Cpl. Edith Robinson of 629 Broad street (sic for Street).
“Cpl. Robinson is now stationed at Camp Betrick Me., assigned to a secret duty in connection with the Chemical Warfare Service.
“At the time of her enlistment, she was employed by the North American Rayon Corp. in the chemical laboratory.
“Cpl. Robinson enlisted in the WAC July 1943. She received her basic training at Fort Oglethorpe and has been assigned to Camp Betrick ever since.
“She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Robinson.”
The Elizabethton Daily Star is now published as the Elizabethton Star.
Friday, December 30, 1949: Seventy-five years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported that “Three new members were introduced and the 27th anniversary of the Hurstleigh Club was marked at the annual holiday dinner-dance of the group Wednesday night at the Johnson City Country Club.
“About 150 members and their out-of-town guests were present for the dinner, and 300 attended the dance, which followed immediately.
“Estel Harman and Dr. Ray Fields were co-chairmen of the arrangements for the affair. On the invitations and dinner reservations committee were George Oldham, and Dub Smith, and decorations were in charge of Alfred Abernethy and Charles Gordon. On the reception committee was Dr. Charles Wofford; Frank Thompson was dinner committee chairman, and Al Bryan, music arrangements.
“Seasonal decorations were used in the clubroom, and tables held Yuletide and New Year motifs.
“Officers introduced were Alan Gump, president, Bob Harkins, secretary and Harry Vowell, treasurer. The new members recognized are Dr. and Mrs. Jack Gordon, Major and Mrs. George Zohrlaut, and Dr. Malcolm Campbell, whose guest was Mrs. Ann Boyle of Clarksburg, West Va.
“Members of the Club who have been out-of-town but were back for the occasion were Mr. and Mrs. Graham Morison of Washington, D. C., Mr. and Mrs. Bob Taylor of Knoxville, and Mr. and Mrs. Dub Wood of Knoxville.”
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