Today in Johnson City History, October 22, 2024
Cold and warm weather, record-setting sweet potatoes, checking your absentee ballot link and more
Thursday, October 22, 1891: The Comet reported news about the weather. “The beautiful snow has already made its appearance in the vicinity of Johnson City. Wallace Hahn, who came down from Cranberry Tuesday, reported that snow was falling there thick and fast.
“Yesterday the top of Roan Mountain was perfectly white with snow. It was plainly visible from this city. The temperature was very much modified yesterday afternoon, but the snow was so heavy that it still lingered.”
Cranberry, North Carolina is about 32 miles from Johnson City. It is southeast of Johnson City.
Wednesday, October 22, 1924: One hundred years ago today, the Johnson City Staff-News informed readers about the Southern Exposition; news about this initially appeared here last month. “A somewhat peculiar and unusual fact about Johnson City’s efforts to be in line with Asheville, Charlotte, Spartanburg, Chattanooga, Roanoke, Staunton, Henderson, Hot Springs, Honaker and scores of other cities showing their wares at the Southern Exposition in New York next January, is that the people as a whole, in the city and vicinity, are doing the job voluntarily, without an intensive ‘drive’ or ‘campaign’ by any club, organization, committees, of specially appointed leaders.
“The credit for accomplishing, undertaking – if anybody wants it – belongs to the people of Johnson City and vicinity, interested in the development of this territory and they are the ones who will get the benefits of increased business, additional industries, bringing employment and more pay rolls (sic), tourists pouring through this region of scenic grandeur, who spend an average of $11 per day and general forward growth.
“A fund necessary to place a Johnson City exhibit in the exposition is being raised; and a glance at this list now totalling (sic) about $1,800 shows that by far the larger portion has come from hundreds of individuals not listed as industrial and commercial leaders, and contributing sums of 50 cents and $1; with the frank comment general that proportionately few arge (sic) interest have as yet given substantial sums.
“Although a minimum estimate as to a proper space to exhibit the resources and possibilities of this section calls for an outlay of $2,500, it is determined that Johnson City will be there, big or little, even if a little niche is to be occupied with the present sum, along with the elaborate showings – of smaller cities.
“A clearing house has been established by this newspaper, through which the contributions may be centralized as a matter of convenience, with credit for the success of the movement going to those who give and make it possible. This paper takes its place along with the progressive people of the city and region – has contributed $100 to the fund and will give that sum to the person submitting the best slogan to be used at the Johnson City exhibit.
“Contributions may be brought or mailed to this office or to the temporary office of the fund, corner of Spring and Tipton Streets; a coupon being attacked for this purpose.”
Monday, October 22, 1934: Ninety years ago today, The Elizabethton Star reported that “G. A. Smith, a prominent farmer at Cardens Bluff, dug two of the largest sweet potatoes last week probably every grown in this section of the country.
“The largest of these potatoes weights exactly four pounds thirteen ounces. It is 15 inches in length and 17 inches in circumference. The other weighs four pounds twelve ounces. This one is 17 inches long and 14 ½ inches around. They are of the Portorican (sic) variety.”
Cardens Bluff is a community in rural Carter County.
The Elizabethton Star is still being published.
Sunday, October 22, 1944: Eighty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported news of area births. “Mr. and Mrs. Ray Millins, 205 Jackson avenue (sic), announce the birth of a seven-pound two-ounce son, John Ray, October 19, at the Appalachian Hospital.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Bailey, 134 Alabama street (sic), have named their daughter, born October 9 at the Appalachian Hospital, Donna Elizabeth. Mrs. Bailey is the former Nora Jean Pope.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Robert Whisman, 914 West Hillcrest, announce the birth of a daughter, Carolyn Jane, October 14 at the Appalachian Hospital.”
The Appalachian Hospital was a forerunner of Memorial Hospital, which was a forerunner to the Johnson City Medical Center.
Sunday, October 22, 1950: According to the Johnson City Press-Chronicle, “Ten cases of food poisoning were reported during the last week by the Washington County Health Department.
“Other diseases reported included cancer, five; gonorrhea, three; influenza, one; measles, two; meningitis, one; mumps, two; pneumonia, two; polio, one; rheumatic fever, one; scarlet fever, one; syphilis, two; and whooping cough, 4.”
Tuesday, October 22, 1963: The Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported news about the weather. “You know what the weather today and tomorrow will be. Yep, that’s right. Generally fair and warm with low humidity both today and tomorrow.
“The temperatures should be in the low 80s today.
“The 9 p. m. readings yesterday at the Tri-Cities Weather Bureau showed the temperature at 62, humidity of 50 per cent, and the barometric pressure at 30.19 and rising slowly.”
Tuesday, October 22, 1974: Fifty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle carried news with a dateline from Nashville. Readers learned that “A contract for the construction of a new bridge with approaches on State Roue 81 over Nolichuckey River in Washington County is expected to be let for bid here Nov. 18.
“Estimated cost of the project is $1,585,000, with a length of seven-tenths of one mile.”
Voting in an election is a splendid, and very easy way to “Get Involved!”. Ever since it became an option, I have voted early - with three exceptions: I am ashamed to say that I neglected to vote in the primary the summer that my mother was on her death bed. I could have absentee voted, and why I did not think to do so, I do not know. For a variety of reasons, I absentee voted in the August election this year, as well as in the November election.
My good friend and former managing editor of the Johnson City Press, Stephanie McClellan Houk, recently told me that folks who absentee vote can go online and ensure their vote has made it to their local Election Commission office. I’m happy to report that my ballot made it to the Washington County Election Commission office last Thursday, which was only two days after I mailed it. Thank you, USPS!
Now, here’s that link: Vote.org/ballot-tracker-tools. I urge you to check your absentee ballot, if you elected to vote in that way this year.
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.