Today in Johnson City History, Saturday, December 21, 2024
Things women have invented, the weather and much more
Thursday, December 21, 2024: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Comet reported that “We never believed much in this moon theory in regard to making garden. Some people say that seed planted in the dark of the moon will all go to root but if planted in the light of the moon all will go to tops. That’s all moonshine talk, but we do believe that when young people live a mile or two in the country and want to get married at 8 o’clock in the evening they should get married in the light of the moon, not for any effect it might have on them, but for the convenience of the officiator. Last night at 7:30 we started for the home of Bob Bailey, about 1 ½ miles east of the city. It was dark, the road was muddy and after wading through several mud holes knee-deep, and falling into innumerable gullies, we were lost. We came back toward town until we found where we were ‘at,’ took our bearings over and started again. This time we made the trip and found the party anxiously awaiting our arrival. In a short time, Mrs. Bailey, a most charming matron, had the parlor arranged in the most appropriate manner, and opening a connecting door the bridal party came in and took their places on the south side of the room. Standing in front of a roaring fire we soon tied the nuptial knot that united the lives of Mr. John Sneed and Miss Tiny Able. Several friends of the contracting parties were present and the congratulations were profuse and hearty. Mr. Sneed is a sober and industrious young man and is worthy of the good woman he has won. Yesterday she was Able, today she is not, but we wish Mr. and Mrs. Sneed a long life of happiness and prosperity.”
Readers learned of “Some of the Things Women Have Hought (sic for Thought) of and Patented” in an article by the same name. Let’s learn! “A bicycle skirt.
“A non-refillable bottle.
“An improved dust pan.
“Improved window sash.
“An improved medicine glass.
“An adjustable quilting frame.
“Fastener for bottles, jugs, etc.
“An improved duplex dress shield.
“An improved self-heating sadiron.
“A telescope-shaped miner’s lantern.
“Abdominal support and bandage.
“An improved device to aid the hearing.
“A table implement for holding green corn.
“A protecting pocket or screen for ranges.
“An ingenious machine for hanging wall paper (sic for wallpaper).
“A device for supporting flexible gas pipes or tubes.
“A shoe upper made of one piece of material and joined by one seam only.
“An improved refrigerator wherein the shelves revolve, giving ready access to the contents.
“A scissors holder consisting of a metal loop, with ends bent backward and safety pin attachment.
“A combination of curling tongs and stove or heater for same, with fuel, and all combined in a pocket case.
“An ingenious work table provided with handy little pockets and drawers which pull out just where wanted.
“An ingenious hinged garment stretcher, which simulates the human form, and when not in use folds into a small compass.
“A sectional blackboard for school purposes, with sections so arranged as to permit several scholars to work at once without interference.
“A lapboard which, instead of being made in ordinary shape, is made round, and prevents any possible looseness in the outside material, as the board has practically the curve of the body.”
The news of Mrs. Epps’ death has previously been mentioned in this column; however, this account provides slightly differing details. “After a long and painful illness Mrs. J. H. Epps died last Sunday morning at her home in Jonesboro. The deceased was a noble, christian (sic for Christian) woman and leaves a husband and four little ones to mourn her death. She was a sister of Geo. W. Hardin and Mrs. W. J. Matthews, of this city, and had many friends here who will read with sorrow the announcement of her death.”
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1899.
In other news, “Mr. J. Matt Martin, of Boones Creek, and Miss Sudie Sizemore were married at the residence of the bride in this city yesterday forenoon and left immediately by private conveyance for the groom’s home.”
“The rock work for the bridge over the Wautuga (sic for Watauga) river (sic for River) at DeVault’s has been completed and will be inspected by the county officials today. If accepted the work upon the superstructure will proceed at once. The iron work has already been shipped from Birmingham.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Jas. A. Martin visited Bristol relatives last Tuesday.”
“Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Burrow, of Bristol, are visiting the family of Hon. Robert Burrow.”
“Hon. Baxter Taylor was admitted to the bar during Circuit Court at Jonesboro last week.”
“Judge Thomas Curtin and C. J. St. John were down from Bristol attending Law Court this week.”
“Joshua Carter, an old and respected citizen of this county, dropped dead at his home four miles south of Jonesboro, on the 16th inst.”
“Inst.” is an abbreviation meaning “In the same month.”
“The eclipse of the moon came off on time last Saturday night, but Johnson City had not been billed and the show was given to a small audience.”
“The City Grocery Company has changed hands, W. M. Belton selling his interest to D. A. Jobe and C. S. Williams. The business will be continued at the old stand.”
“W. I. Burgess has sold his grocery store and good will to S. I. Boring. The stock will be invoiced in a few days and Mr. Boring will take charge about the first of the year.”
“Geo. R. Brown will go out of the restaurant business about December 22nd, and will spend two or three months in New York. He will be accompanied by Mrs. Brown, and daughter, Miss Kittie.”
Sunday, December 21, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle, which was combined with the Johnson City Staff-News for the Sunday editions, reported that “Johnson City’s part in the scheduled cold wave arrived Saturday night and this morning, with a temperature of 15 degrees above zero reported about midnight; gradually dropping, but not expected to reach a record low figure. A reading at 5 o’clock showed 22 degrees; the drop to midnight being about normal for the season. Zero weather is not anticipated in this immediate region during the present cold wave, which reached very low figures in the Middle West, but appears to have weakened before reaching this mountainous section. Last night was perfectly clear, following cloudy and light showers on Friday, which, in turn, had been preceded by an unseasonable warm spell.
“Reports from points west indicate a breaking of the cold snap and present indications are that rising temperatures may be expected before Christmas.”
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