Today in Johnson City History, Saturday, October 19, 2024
1899 happenings, and "Get Involved!" to help victims of Helene
Thursday, October 19, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Comet reported several short news articles that were of interest to local folks. Some of them include the following: “The County Board of Health has decided to quarantine against Bristol and hereafter no one from Bristol will be allowed to enter Johnson City or Jonesboro except with a certificate of health.”
‘“Miss Nora Cunningham met with a painful accident this morning while enroute to school. She stumbled over a loose plank in the sidewalk on Watauga avenue (sic) near Stuard (sic) street (sic) and fell, injuring herself so severely she was unable to walk and had to be taken home in a buggy.”
“Dr. H. H. Carr is in Knoxville this week.”
“Miss Lula Butler, of Jonesboro, is visiting J. R. Taylor and wife.”
“N. W. Taylor, the Asheville artist, is visiting relatives in the city this week.”
“Miss Mae Smith, of Henderson, N. C., is visiting Miss Lila Taylor on Pine street (sic).”
“Miss Florence Beckner is here from Sullins College spending a week with homefolks.”
“C. W. King has returned to his home at Los Angeles, Calif., after spending some time with relatives here.”
“Miss Ethel Mathes, of Washington, D. C., is visiting her aunt, Mrs. D. S. Taylor, on Maple street (sic).”
“Miss Mary Wagner and brother Joe, returned to their home at Mountain City Tuesday after spending several days here with relatives.”
“Carlo, a fine specimen of doghood belonging to P. H. Wofford, was killed by a train on the Southern at the Roan street (sic) crossing last Monday.”
“Rev. L. B. Caldwell will preach next Sunday morning at the M. E. Church, and Rev. E. B. Caldwell, of New York, will fill the pulpit in the evening.”
“The Johnson City Public Library will be open on Wednesday and Saturdays from 3 to 4 o’clock, instead of 3 to 5, as it has done during the summer months.”
“Mr. Will T. Erwin and Miss Mary Swadley were married today at Marbleton, Tenn., the home of the bride. The contracting parties have many friends in this city who extend best wishes.”
“The Bee Hive has been greatly improved by two sky-lights (sic) between the office and the Main street (sic) entrance. The proprietors, Messrs. Ward & Friberg, are up-to-date people and want to make the burdens of their customers as light as possible.”
“J. W. Crumley has closed a contract with J. D. Weaver for the erection of a store house on the lot between the Dobson building (sic) and the M. E. Church. The building will be 25 x 75 feet and two stories high. The second floor will be devoted to offices. Work was commenced upon the structure this morning.”
“Aunt Katie Caruthers, one of the few inhabitants around whom Johnson City has grown up, died Tuesday afternoon at her old home in the northern portion of the town. She has lived in the little old log cabin on her farm for years all alone. During the boom she sold the farm but retained a life interest. The land now goes to Dr. J. Hl. Preas. Aunt Katie was about 90 years old and was well known by the older inhabitants and like by all regardless of her peculiarities.”
“W. W. Whiteside is visiting his parents in this city for several days.”
“Squire S. H. Gray was in the city on business last Monday. He is one of the most enterprising farmers in the county, is a prominent member of the County Court and a regular reader of The Comet. His calling and election is sure.”
“John H. Bowman has just been retained in the biggest suit of his life. The client is under age (sic), but Mrs. Bowman been appointed guardian ab initio and the infant boy’s interests will receive the most careful attention. The Comet extends congratulations.”
“Mrs. Guy L. Smith entertained in a very charming manner last Tuesday afternoon at her pretty home on Second avenue (sic). A number of invitations had been issued and a long line of private carriages were drawn up in front of the house, while the guests were discussing the latest fads and daintiest delicacies.”
“Yesterday afternoon Mrs. S. W. Wilson gave a farewell tea to a large number of her friends. She will leave in a few days for Alabama to spend the winter. Mrs. Wilson is a charming hostess and was at her best on this occasion and the afternoon was most delightfully spent. Mrs. Wilson’s departure will be generally regretted.”
“The Johnson City Public Library is now located in its new quarters over the store of Hawkins Bros. They occupy two rooms, one of which has been given free by the generosity of Judge H. C. Hart.
“The Library has passed a very successful year considering the little support it has had from the public.
“About one hundred new books have been added beside the Encyclopedia Britannica of thirty volumes. About one hundred dollars has been made by entertainments, and to this sum is added forty-five dollars derived from subscription fees, making a total of one hundred dollars and forty-five dollars.
“The Library is strictly for the benefit of the public and is an attempt to fill a long felt need.
“Every citizen should take an interest in this effort of the few who are laboring under difficulties.
“The magazines, twelve in number, that are subscribed for at no small expense, are allowed to be taken from the room for three days. This alone is well worth the small subscription fee of one dollar a year, which comes within the means of all.
“Let us be more public-spirited and help on the good work.”
Henderson, North Carolina is about 259 miles from Johnson City. It is almost due east from Johnson City.
Sullins College was a college for women; it was located in Bristol, Virginia. It is now closed.
Marbleton is a community in rural Unicoi County.
A guardian ab initio is a temporary guardian.
I believe that what is now Fairview Avenue used to be Second Avenue, but I am not certain. Does anyone know?
The Comet was published weekly in 1899. I do not have access to any other newspapers that may have been published in Johnson City at that time.
A reminder about a way to “Get Involved!” and help the community at the same time. Tomorrow from 4 until 6, you’re invited to a special dinner at Watauga Brewing Company. Tickets are $125 each and proceeds will benefit local Helene victims. There are just a few tickets left. You can purchase yours on the Watauga Brewing Company Open Table reservation site under the “Experiences” tab. Thank you to Mina McVeigh for letting us know about this very important event!
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.