Today in Johnson City History, Thursday, October 24, 2024
Happenings in and around Johnson City, Hopwood's Annual Quilt and Craft Show and more
Friday, October 24, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Staff-News gave readers a glimpse into the lives of several area residents, as well as those with ties to the community. Among those glimpse were the following: “Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Watson and Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Watson of Saltville, Virginia will arrive Saturday by motor to be the guests of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Goode at their home in the Southwest Addition.”
“Mr. R. C. Mottern spent Thursday in Bristol attending the Arma Grotto Ceremonial.”
“Miss Elizabeth Cass left Friday for Morristown where she is spending the week-end (sic) as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Donaldson.”
“Mrs. John P. Lamb and Mrs. Thad A. Cox spent Wednesday in Greeneville where they were the guests of honor at the opening meeting of the Wednesday Music Club.”
“Mrs. J. W. Wallace and Mrs. Guy Miller spend the day Thursday in Elizabethton as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. James Barnes.”
“Miss Helen Dixon of Elizabethton attended the County Club Dance Thursday evening.”
“Miss Mary Cook of Chattanooga is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. R. David Barton in the Miller Apartments.”
Mrs. Mottern continued to be in the news. “Mrs. R. C. Mottern has as her guest at her home on East Holston Avenue Mrs. John Frank Williams of near Milligan College.”
“Little Miss Dorothy Cates of Knoxville is the attractive guest of Master Edward Zane Jr., of East Unaka Avenue.
“Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Carr leave Friday by motor for Roanoke, Virginia where they will be the guests of relatives.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Percy J. Conner plan to move the first of the week into their home on East Holston Avenue.”
“Mrs. James B. Worley Sr., and daughters, Mrs. Vance Jones and baby son, Mrs. James B. Worley Jr., and Miss Mary Frances Worley returned Thursday by motor from Bristol where they spent the past two days visiting relatives.”
“Mrs. C. A. Buckles of Pomona, California, remains the guest of her sister Mrs. R. L. Fine.”
“Little Dorothy Heartley is ill at the home of her grandparents on the Jonesboro Road.”
“Mrs. R. L. Fine, who had a tonsil operation at the Jones Hospital on Tuesday, is recovering nicely at her home on the Jonesboro Road.”
“Mrs. T. J. Houts and son Marshall of Chattanooga spent the week-end (sic) with Mrs. D. W. Hammer.”
“Mr. ,and Mrs. E. J. Lacock of Fort Bragg, N. C., spent Tuesday as guests of Miss Lola Nave.”
Saltville, Virginia is about 72 miles from Johnson City. It is north, and slightly east, of Johnson City.
The Southwest Addition is now more commonly known as the Tree Streets.
As referred to above, Milligan College referred to a community in rural Carter County, as well as Milligan College. Milligan College is now known as Milligan University.
The Jones Hospital was a private hospital.
Wednesday, October 24, 1934: Ninety years ago today, The Elizabethton Star reported sad news on the front page. “An orphan boy, between the age of twelve and fourteen, would like to become a member of some Carter county (sic) family.
“The youth is staying at the county farm.
“R. M. Enser, poor commissioner, said today the boy is intelligent, and is a good worker. Any person interested in making a home for this youth should get in touch with Mr. Enser.”
The Elizabethton Star is still in publication status.
Tuesday, October 24, 1944: Eighty years ago today, Johnson City Press-Chronicle readers learned of several news items in a regular column called “With The Police”. Some of those news items included the following: “Junior Sherrill, 16, whose grandmother lives at 1607 East Fairview avenue (sic), has been missing from his home since last Thursday, police were informed.”
“A can of peas and a pound of lard were reported missing following a break-in Sunday at the home of Edward Johnson, Johnson City, route (sic) 4.”
“Patrolmen Biddix and Blankenship, reported they found Pearl Prayter lying injured back of an automobile plant on Wilson avenue (sic). She was treated at Appalachian Hospital for bruises and abrasions inflicted, she told the officers, by her husband, John Prayter, of 112 King street (sic), Bristol, Va. She was dismissed from the hospital after treatment.”
“S. S. Jones reported his automobile was damaged about 12:30 a. m. Monday when an ‘old model’ black car struck it at its parking place at Hillcrest and Hamilton streets (sic).
The driver did not stop, he told police.”
“Kathryn Jones at 711 Montgomery street (sic) reported a billfold containing about $125 was stolen from her purse at a Johnson City rooming house. Capt. Tom Howell and Patrolman Gray said the billfold was fold with the money gone.”
“Capt. Tom Howell and Patrolman Martin investigated a reported tire theft from Quality Esso Station No. 2 on Market street (sic) Sunday night.”
In addition, “Howard Doty, 28, Unicoi, route (sic) 1, received treatment for a cut on his thumb and index finger.”
Monday, October 24, 1949: Seventy-five years ago today, according to the Johnson City Press-Chronicle, “City commissioners will hold an adjourned session at 4 p. m. today to consider repeal of two ordinances, Recorder E. J. Quillen said.
“The board will discuss repeal of two related ordinances governing house-to-house selling passed in 1939. A number of routine matters likely will be taken up, it was indicated.”
Remember Hopwood Christian Church will hold their annual quilt and craft show tomorrow and Saturday at the church, which is adjacent to the campus of Milligan University. Tomorrow the show will be from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening. On Saturday, the show will open again at 10, but will close at 4 in the afternoon. Admission is free, and you can get a great start to your Christmas shopping needs at the craft show!
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.