Today in Johnson City History, Sunday, November 17, 2024
Lots of news about lots of things
Thursday, November 17, 1887: The Comet reported that “The brick depot at Jonesboro was destroyed by fire last Sunday night. It caught from a car load (sic) of hay that had been run under the shed, and is supposed to be the work of an incendiary. It was one of the best depots along the line. Johnson City would gladly have furnished them a depot to burn or will now take pleasure in leading Jonesboro the one here if they will move it to their town.”
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1887.
Thursday, November 17, 1891: According to The Comet, “A young lawyer has his ups and downs, so thinks T. A. Cox, no doubt. He had his first case before a country magistrate Saturday. He rode fifteen miles to get there. The magistrate would have dismissed the case, but Thad was too willing, and the magistrate, after the manner of all country magistrates, was sort of down on the man from town, and Thad was compelled to make a long and strong pull to save himself.”
Saturday, November 17, 1917: The Daily Johnson City Staff reported several short news accounts. One of them read as follows: “One of the most delightful dances of he season was the suffragettes dance given last night at the Avalon. Music was furnished by Miss Kathleen Brown and Roland Frick. About thirty couples enjoyed dancing from eight until twelve.”
As a reminder, women gained the right to vote in the United States in 1920.
“Mrs. H.H. Carr and sister, Mrs. John F. Boyd returned from a visit to Mrs. Carr’s daughter, Mrs. Peter Nehr in Newark, N. J. While away Mrs. Carr made several visits to New York City. Mrs. Boyd, after stopping over a day here proceeded to Hendersonville, N. C.”
Hendersonville, North Carolina is about 84 miles from Johnson City. It is almost directly south of Johnson City.
“Born Saturday to Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bowman, a son, who will bear the name of Harold Allen.”
“Dr. John M. Crowe will deliver one of his celebrated and popular lectures in the West Academy at Chucky on Tuesday evening, November 20th.”
Chucky is about 22 miles from Johnson City.
“Prof. Sol. Rollins, of Boone’s Creek, is a visitor here today.”
Saturday, November 17, 1934: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported sad news about a prominent area resident. “Henry P. Bridges of Johnson City and Baltimore is in a serious condition at a Hagerstown, Md., hospital after an operation for the amputation of his left hand which was mangled Thursday by the accidental discharge of his gun while hunting at the Woodmont Rod and Reel Club on the Potomac River about 50 miles from Washington.
“Bridges, a veteran hunter, was with a party of about fifty sportsmen taking advantage of the opening of the hunting season at the Woodmont club (sic), where the accident occurred.
“It is understood that Bridges was using a new gun which he had not become familiar with when it suddenly fired. The full discharge struck his hand and injured the member so badly that the amputation operation was found necessary.
“Mrs. Bridges rushed to Hagerstown immediately upon hearing of the accident.”
The Bridges moved to Shelbridge, now the home of the President of East Tennessee State University, in or around 1928. Mrs. Bridges’ given name was Shelby, so Shelbridge combined both her given and surname. Shelbridge is located at the corner of North Roan Street and East Eleventh Avenue.
Friday, November 17, 1939: Eight-five years ago today, according to the Johnson City Chronicle, “Sheriff Earl Sell’s deputies reported today they captured a 60-gallon liquor still and destroyed 200 gallons of mash recently in the ‘Pinnacle’ section near Buffalo mountain (sic).”
“Taking part in the raid were Federal Investigators Joe Thomas and Burr Christopher, Deputy Sheriffs Clint Odom and Rex Odell and Unicoi county (sic) Deputy Sheriffs Suggs and Correll.”
Thursday, November 17, 1949: Seventy-five years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported that “Corporal Howard L. Hodges, whose parents Mr. and Mrs. Waldon F. Hodges live in Johnson City, has been serving in Guam for the past year.
“Prior to his enlistment in the Air Force, Hodges was employed at the Leon Ferenbach nylon factory.”
“Hodges entered the service in October, 1947, at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina. He was previously assigned at Chanute Field, Illinois, where he attended an aircraft sheet metal school.
“Hodges recently returned to the United States for reassignment.”
Sunday, November 17, 1963: The Johnson City Press-Chronicle advertised the Elvis Presley was starring in “Fun in Acapulco”. The movie was playing at the Majestic Theater.
Sunday, November 17, 1974: Fifty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle published humorous, but wise advice in the “Dear Abby” column. The words are still appropriate today, half a century later. A reader wrote the following to Dear Abby:
“Dear Abby:
“I have just returned from a baby shower where the family dog was allowed to wander around among the guests. The dog is very friendly and quite lovable, so nearly all the guests petted him, and the dog licked their hands. This included people who were preparing and serving the food, as well as those who had their fingers in the candies, handling baby presents, etc.
“I noticed that after playing with the dog nobody washed their hands before eating.
“We teach children to wash their hands before they eat. Doesn’t that go for dog-lovers, too?”
The letter was signed, “Disgusted”.
Dear Abby replied: “Dear Disgusted:”
“It should, but for some reason most dog-lovers do not feel contaminated after playing with a dog.”
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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