Today in Johnson City History, Thursday, October 10, 2024
Governor Peay in Greeneville, comings and goings, “Get Involved” follow up about ostomy, and more
Friday, October 10, 2024: A century ago today, the Johnson City Staff-News reported that “Governor Austin Peay reached Johnson City at noon Friday, on his speaking tour, of East Tennessee, arriving on Southern train No. 26 from Morristown, where he spoke Thursday night, after addressing an overflow crowd at Greeneville in the afternoon.
“Reaching Johnson City, the Governor was met by many prominent Democrats of this section, among whom were R. M. Barry, congressional candidate, Kenneth Fine, Paul B. Carr, Guy S. Chase, Oscar M. Fair, E. M. Slack, E. J. Suggs, Phil Weinberg and many others.
“Governor Peay, accompanied by his secretary, Cedric Hunt, and by newspaper representatives Ralph Perry and H. D. Harkreader, of Nashville, was taken directly to Elizabethton, where he is speaking this afternoon and from there he will go to Erwin, to speak tonight.
“On Saturday afternoon, he will speak at Kingsport, on the occasion of the laying of the cornerstone of the giant cotton there to be erected there by the Borden interests; and on Saturday evening, he will speak in Johnson City, at the Municipal Building. He will spend the night here.
“The further itinerary includes returning to Knoxville on Sunday morning and is scheduled to speak in LaFollette on Monday.”
Lafollette, Tennessee is about 142 miles from Johnson City. It is to the west, and slightly north of Johnson City.
Wednesday, October 10, 1934: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Press reported that “Contemplated pouring of concrete for seat bases at Keystone stadium was ‘rained out’ this morning.
“Mayor B. B. Snipes states that this work will be continued as rapidly as possible, consistent with TERA allotments.
“Sodding of the playing field is also in progress and much of this has been completed. Some of this part of the work is being continued ‘between showers’.”
Tuesday, October 10, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported several brief items in a column called “Brief Chronicles of Local Interest”. Some of the entries included the following: “Joseph P. Lyle, service station operator of 1507 West Walnut street (sic) near Mountain Home south gate, reported to police yesterday that someone had stolen a billfold containing $35 and a driver’s license from him.”
“Bill Mosier and Jim Onks, policeman, yesterday reported investigating a break-in at Henry Johnson elementary school on West Market street (sic). Loss was not immediately ascertained.”
“Police were asked yesterday by Mrs. M. R. Bellamy of 1510 Sullivan street (sic), Kingsport, to aid in locating a clarinet stolen from Dobyns-Bennett high (sic) school (sic).”
“Mrs. W. D. Cunningham, missionary to Japan, is to speak to members of the night division of the Women’s Missionary society (sic) of First Christian church (sic) tonight at 7:30 o’clock, it was announced yesterday.”
“Watauga Avenue Presbyterian church’s (sic) Men’s class will stage its monthly
‘get-together’ tonight in the home of W. A. McClain at Embreeville, announcement was made yesterday. Members are asked to first meet at the Colonial hotel (sic) not later than 6 p. m. today. Transportation will be furnished for those without autos, class leaders said.”
“Telford Parent-Teacher association (sic) will serve a variety supper Friday night, October 20, at Telford rural elementary school, leaders of the group announced yesterday. Proceeds will be used to purchase a globe and maps for the school.”
Mountain Home is now known as the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.
Embreeville is a community in rural Washington County, as is Telford.
Tuesday, October 10, 1944: Eighty years ago today, readers of the Johnson City Press-Chronicle learned that “The entrance gate to the East Tennessee State College was reopened to the public yesterday, after being closed for several days as a result of changes being made on the college roadways and improvements at the entrance, Dr. C. C. Sherrod, president, announced last night.
“Traffic has been limited throughout the college roadways for the past several weeks as a result of changes being made in the direction of the main drive, the roads in front of the boys dormitory and the road which leads from Carter Hall to the front entrance.
“Dr. Sherrod said all main thoroughfares of the campus has been concreted and the entrance has been changed and widened as a culminating point in a program of refinishing and beautifying the college buildings and grounds, started in early summer.
“Although the work is not quite completed, the president invites everyone to visit the campus and drive or walk around it at any time. New cast stone columns remain yet to be erected at the entrance.”
East Tennessee State College is now known as East Tennessee State University.
Monday, October 10, 1949: Seventy-five years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle put a grin on readers faces as they read the following from “Today’s Chuckle”:
“The guest in the house watched with amusement the small boy of the family who was amusing himself by driving nails into the furniture. Recovering himself, he said to his host, ‘Joe, isn’t that an expensive pastime your son has? How can you afford to let him to it?’”
“’Oh, it’s not bad,’ answered the father. ‘We get the nails wholesale.’”
This story originally appeared in Bass Facts.
Several days ago, I included information in “Get Involved!”about Ostomy Awareness Day, which was last week. Dr. Mary Long told me there is a support group that meets on the third Sunday of every other month at the Gray United Methodist Church. The next meeting is in November. For additional information, please feel free to contact J. Ronald Winter at tenecgal1@gmail.com or 423-542-2433.
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.