Today in Johnson City History, Saturday, November 9, 2024
Comings and goings in and near Johnson City, The Normal School,
Thursday, November 9, 1899: The Comet reported several short news articles of local interest. Some of the articles included the following: “John H. Bowman was in Bristol last Tuesday.”
“Miss Lottie Hobson, of Bristol, is visiting relatives in the city.”
“Mrs. L. B. Caldwell and son Harry, have gone to their new home at Highland Park. Rev. L. B. Caldwell is stationed there this year.”
“Regular service will be held next Sunday night at 7 o’clock at he Episcopal Chapel, corner Roan street (sic) and Watauga avenue (sic) by the Rector, Rev. Russell K. Smith. All are invited.”
“The Bazaar on the 28th day of this month, to be given by the Ladies’ Aid Society of the 1st Presbyterian church (sic), will be very nice. Presents will be sold, and in the evening oysters will be served in any style.”
“Estes has moved The Market into the store room recently vacated by Mrs. Crawford. His advertisement tells you that he carries the best line of meats it is possible to purchase, and all customers received the most courteous attention.”
“Mr. Chas. B. Dickey and Miss Ellenors (sic) Foster, both of Portland, Me., were married on the morning of Oct. 28th at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hunt of Johnson City. Rev. R. F. Wertz, pastor of the Watauga Avenue Presbyterian Church, performed the ceremony. Immediately after the wedding, which was exquisite in every respect, the couple started on an extensive trip through the south, after which they expect to return to Portland, where a newly furnished home is awaiting them.”
Readers were advised to “Remember the Bazar (sic) Nov. 28th, where there will be something to sell to everybody. People in the country who expect to come (to) town any time during that week, make it a point to come on that day and get a good dinner for 25 cents, buy a cake for Thanksgiving and also a Christmas present for your wife and children.” This announcement was from the Ladies’ Aid Society of the First Presbyterian Church.
“The Democrats will nominate a candidate for alderman in the 2nd ward Friday evening. All democrats (sic) are requested to be at the White Elephant at 6:30 p.m.”
“The republicans (sic) have nominated aldermen in three wards as follows: W. I. Hart, 2nd ward; John Hatcher and T. W. Sizemore, 3rd ward; F. H. Wofford, 4th ward. No nomination has yet been made in the first ward.”
“John H. Bowman went out to Unicoi yesterday and took his gun. He also wore his hiking clothes and every bird that rose in front of him capitulated. After capturing 57 of the feathered fill-up-you-knows he consented to come home. The birds were in splendid condition - even the promise of a mess is sweet and refreshing.”
“Rev. A. A. Ferguson, pastor of the Christian church (sic), began a protracted meeting at that church on last Sunday evening. The meeting starts off with large audiences and good interest. That building is too small to accommodate the audiences already. Rev. Ferguson is a preacher of power and good results are expected.”
Sunday, November 9, 1924: A century ago today, exciting headlines greeting readers of the Johnson City Chronicle. Readers learned that the “Normal School To Become State Teachers’ College”.
The State Teachers’ College is now known as East Tennessee State University.
Friday, November 9, 1934: According to the Johnson City Chronicle, “The Colonial David Henley Chapter U. S. D. 1812 met Tuesday afternoon, November 6, at the home of Mrs. S. H. Carr, on East Holston, with Mrs. Paul B. Carr, hostess.
“President, Mrs. G. G. Croley, presided over the meeting, which was opened by prayer, the Pledge to the Flag and the American’s Creed, led by Mrs. F. M. McNees.
“Mrs. L. W. McCown, chairman of the Gravemarking Committee, reported the location of two 1812 soldiers’ graves.
“A letter asking for contributions to Carr Creek and Carcassonus Schools was read from Mrs. James J. Wagner, State chairman of that committee.
“Mrs. L. W. McCown and Mrs. John W. Lacy gave interesting reports of the Virginia State Council, which met in Bristol.
“Mrs. Adelaide Taylor read a splendid paper, ‘Women of 1812,’ written by Miss Mae Walker. The chapter voted to send this paper in the Reciprocity Bureau of the National Society.
“At the close of the program the hostess served an elaborate salad course, after which the members enjoyed a delightful social hour.”
Thursday, November 9, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, war headlines dominated the news, as Johnson City Press readers read that “Nazis Blame English and Jews For Fruitless Attempt To Kill Hitler”.
Thursday, November 9, 1944: Eighty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported that “Miss Rhea Sever of Long Beach, Calif., home on a two week’s visit with her parents, Mr. And Mrs. C. W. Seaver, Spring street (sic), was honored at a party given Tuesday evening by Mesdames O. J. Jackson, M. H. Allison, and Miss Rose Reynolds, at the home of Mrs. Jackson, Jonesboro highway (sic).
“Bingo and radio were the diversions of the evening. In the Bingo games prizes were presented each guest.
“Refreshments were In keeping with the Thanksgiving season. Fall flowers decorated the home.
“The guests were Mesdames Lester Scott, Ann Parson, M. H. Allison, A. J. Jackson, Justine Bacon; Misses Rhea Seaver, Nellie Barnes, Frances Bewley, Elizabeth and Earnesteen (sic) Mallicotte, Mary Elsie White, Dorothy Darden, Louise King and Rose Reynolds.”
Bill Darden reports that Dorothy Darden was his, and his brother, Steve’s aunt. She was part owner, and worked at Hannah’s, a clothing store that was located in downtown Johnson City for many years. In addition, Miss Darden walked to work every day from her home on Poplar Street. She was a staunch advocate of the downtown area, and resented the big box stores, as well as the other downtown merchants, that moved to the Mall in the early 1970s.
Steve reports that their Aunt Dorothy was a member of Munsey, the Monday Club, as well as an amazing gardener. She loved to play Canasta, and enjoyed playing with the younger children in the neighborhood well into her senior years. He also notes that she was quite the expert at removing splinters!
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.
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