Today in Johnson City History, Saturday, November 23, 2024
Johnson City happenings in 1899 and "Get Involved!"
Thursday, November 23, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Comet reported a variety of brief news accounts, with most of the accounts featuring news about local residents. There were also some advertisements mixed in with the news items. Some of the news accounts, as well as the advertisements, follow. “On Wednesday of this week Mr. and Mrs. W. N. DeGroat celebrated their golden anniversary at their home on Spring street (sic). A number of the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present and enjoyed the occasion. Besides an abundance of good things, the dinner table contained a water pitcher that had been in the family over 100 years. This is the oldest ‘growler’ in the city, and here’s hoping that it may continue to ‘rush’ it on many returns of the season.”
“R. C. Hunter was in Knoxville Monday.”
“Go to the Bazaar to get Xmas presents next Tuesday.”
“Stuart Wilder was down from Chestoa Tuesday.”
Chestoa is located in rural Unicoi County.
“Radishes and lettuce at the Bazaar, and plenty celery.”
“Born to Mr. and Mrs. John Landreth, last Sunday night, a son.”
“You can get fresh taffey at the Bazaar and a cake for Thanksgiving.”
“Marion Crumley came down from Elk Park yesterday to vote.”
Elk Park, North Carolina is about 30 miles from Johnson City.
“Legal business called John H. Bowman and J. B. Cox to Erwin last Monday.”
“Everybody come out next Tuesday and be served to quail and toast at the Bazaar.”
“Prof. J. B. McMillan and wife are in the city, and will remain during the winter.”
“Mrs. C. N. Estes and children visited relatives in Greene county (sic) several days this week.”
“S. B. White still sells the Wilson and Silva heaters. He has sold one hundred and fifteen this fall.”
The S. B. White Company is still is business.
The following news item appeared previously, but in a slightly different form. “A. B. Bowman has moved to the city and is occupying the Frank Evans’ residence on Roan street (sic).”
“Mrs. R. A. Wood and Miss Eliza Wood are visiting Rev. and Mrs. J. W. Rogan and Flemington, N. J.”
“George A. Ross returned form Petros last week and is spending a few days with homefolks. He has resigned his position at the State mines to accept a situation with the Knoxville Journal and Tribune.”
Petros, Tennessee is about 145 miles from Johnson City; it is west, and slightly south of Johnson City.
“Sam Millard spent Sunday in Bristol.”
“Rev. D. T. Buck was in the city yesterday.”
“Squire Sam Gray came to the city Tuesday.”
“J. W. Crumley went to Bristol Monday on a business mission.”
“Mrs. J. B. Cox, who has been very ill with typhoid fever, is now convalescing.”
“Mrs. Lou Sevier of Jonesboro, is visiting Mrs. Tate L. Earnest on Spring street (sic).”
“The advertisement of Cargille’s Art Gallery on the first page of this issue will interest you if you love or are lovable.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Frank McCorkle and little daughter, of New York, are visiting Mr. and Mrs. B. D. Lyle in the suburbs.”
“Mr. Wm. E. Uptegrove is in the city. He is accompanied upon his trip by a New York capitalist who is interested in hardwood veneers.”
“The children will serve you to lemonade at the Bazaar from their well, and sell you a large lemon off of their tree, which will surprise you.”
“S. D. Rothermell succeeds Mr. H. L. Williams as pension examiner for this territory. He is now in the city and will make Johnson City headquarters.”
“The First Tennessee was mustered out Wednesday and the boys started for home Wednesday evening. They will reach Nashville next week where a royal welcome will be tendered there.”
“D. J. Hickman has moved his family from Union City, Tennessee, to Johnson City and will reside here in the future. They are occupying the Frank George residence. It is a most estimable family and Johnson City extends a royal welcome. Mrs. Hickman is a sister of Dr. J. W. Cox and brothers of this city.”
The Earnest family continued to be in the news. “Mrs. F. W. Earnest returned Monday from her visit in Virginia and will spend the winter with her son Tate L. Earnest, this city.”
“The Ladies’ Aid Society of the first M. E. Church, will have their annual dinner on Thursday, December 7th, 1899. Watch for their ‘ad’ next week.”
“The secretary of state has granted a charter to the Intermount Iron & Timber Co., of Washington county (sic). The capital stock of the company is $25,000. The incorporators are T. S. Rhodes, S. C. Williams, W. J. Sproles, John H. Bowman, A. N. Molesworth and M. B. Weiler.”
“Mr. R. P. Edan and Mrs. R. P. Edan, of Lenoir, are the guests of Mr. and
Mrs. U. S. Archer on Myrtle street (sic). Mr. Edan is cashier of the Lenoir City Bank.”
Lenoir City, Tennessee is about 133 miles from Johnson City. It lies in a southwestern direction from Johnson City.
“The children of our old friend, Mike Hyder, at Piney Flats, have again placed the Lyle orphans under obligations to them by the gift of a beautiful supply of popcorn and hickory nuts. May they live long and prosper.”
“Mrs. C. H. Jennings has returned to Johnson City to reside and she is now occupying the Sellers residence on Holston avenue (sic) with her children. Mr. Jennings is still in Chicago in the employ of Uncle Sam. Johnson City society will be pleased to know that Mrs. Jennings has returned to the city to reside.”
“The Herald Square Opera Company that is billed for next week at the Opera House comes to us with the best endorsements any company ever came to our city with. We have been permitted to examine a number of press clippings and do not hesitate to say that is really a first-class attraction and will merit a liberal patronage.”
“During the last week H. W. Pardue placed a large steer in front of his store on Main street (sic), and allowed his customers to guess at its weight, offering $5.00 for the nearest correct guess. More than 400 guesses were recorded, and the animal was weighed at 5 o’clock Saturday, drawing1080 pounds. It was found that the 42nd guess by J. T. Ellis was exactly correct and he was promptly awarded the $5.00 in gold”
Five dollars in 1899 is now worth about $190.16, according to www.in2013dollars.com.
It’s a bit late, but you can “Get Involved!” today by attending Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Christmas Extravaganza! It will be held at the church, which is located at 201 East Watauga Avenue. Admission, which is $1, goes to benefit the Community Outreach Program, which includes local organizations that help folks in need. There will be lots of vendors, so this is a chance to do some Christmas shopping!
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.