Today in Johnson City History, Thursday, March 27, 2025
A new park, a Science Hill win and much more
Tuesday, March 27, 1900: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, the Knoxville Sentinel reported two short news stories, both with datelines from Johnson City. Readers learned that “Rev. J. L. Bachman, D. D., arrived here on the yesterday evening vestibule, to conduct a series of meetings at the First Presbyterian church (sic for Church). He preached his first sermon last night.”
As used above, a vestibule was located at the end of a railway passenger car; it was an enclosed entrance.
“A fatal accident occurred at the Carnegie furnace here. A man, Mathew Hardin, son of George Hardin, was killed by the falling of the elevator space while he was at work. A physician was called, but nothing could be done, as the neck of the man was broken.
“The cable, which hoisted the heavy elevator, snapped in twain, thereby causing the fatal accident. Hardin was making the trip up the shaft for another employe.”
The Knoxville Sentinel is now published as the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Friday, March 27, 1925: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported news with a dateline from Newport and a date from March 26. Readers learned that “Congressman Carroll Reece came to Cocke County today for the purpose of securing additional data to furnish the Park Commission in determining the boundaries of he Great Smoky Mountain National Park and to obtain as much information as possible concerning the accessibility and availability of the territory in the county which is proposed to be included in the survey of the park.
“Under the bill authorizing the establishment of the park, which is in accordance with the provisions of the bill originally introduced by Congressman Reece, will extend from the Little Tennessee River on the South in Blount County, through Sevier County to the Big Pidgeon in Cocke County, including Clingman’s Dome, Gregory Balk, Mount Le Conte and Mount Sterling.
“Mr. Reece stated that in the former report of the commission Mount Sterling along with these other points was given favorable mention and expressed the belief that a thorough survey of the territory along Pidgeon River would develop the fact that an entrance to the north end of the park will be easily accessible by way of Mount Sterling. This point is only 20 miles from Newport and can be reached by pike road to within four miles of the edge of the proposed park, while the Tennessee and North Carolina railroad operates into Mr. Sterling and along the south side of Pidgeon River for several miles through the land proposed to be included in the Park.”
Newport is a town located approximately 58 miles from Johnson City. It is southwest of Johnson City.
Thursday, March 27, 1930: Ninety-five years ago today, the Kingsport Times reported news with a Johnson City dateline; the news was reported by the Associated Press. Readers learned that “Declaring that Jamacia ginger was the cause of his partial paralysis, Robert Godsey, a barber, filed suit today for $10,000 against the operators of a small (indecipherable), from which he alleged he bought the ‘jake.’ The defendants are George and D. C. Harrell. More than 100 persons in this section have suffered from a strange malady that results in partial paralysis.
Ten thousand dollars in 1930 is now worth about $190,000, according to www.in2013dollars.com.
The Kingsport Times is now published as the Kingsport Times-News.
Wednesday, March 25, 1935: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that “Lifting a garbage barrel filled with heavy pieces of concrete has resulted in painful injuries to Dewey Stout, city employe, who is ill at his home on Buffalo street (sic for Street), according to D. Curtis, in charge of the city’s rubbish collecting activities.
“The concrete was in the bottom of the barrel, and covered with tin cans, which made it appear deceptively light. He urged that Johnson City residents exercise moderation in filling barrels with heavy material.
“’ If the weight is very great the man will have to do one or two things: either try to lift it or dump the
contents to the ground and pick them up separately,’ Mr. Curtis pointed out. ‘The first way is dangerous; the second a time-waster.’
“The garbage collection department, however, is constantly received improved cooperation, he remarked.”
Thursday, March 27, 1975: Fifty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle informed readers that “The Science Hill Hilltoppers recorded their first victory of the season yesterday at Cardinal Park as they defeated the Greeneville Green Devils, 4-2, in a Big 9 Conference Contest.
“Charlie Randolph of the Hilltoppers and Mike Armstrong of the Green Devils hooked up in a real pitcher’s duel for most of the afternoon as each team managed only three safeties.
“The Green Devils drew first blood as they pushed across a run in the first frame and then went out in front, 2-0, with their other tally in the third.
“The Hilltoppers bounded back in their half of the third inning, however, with a single run and then iced the contest with a three-run outburst in the fifth.
“Randolph got things off to a promising start in the fifth inning as he drew a bases on balls. Gordon Story advanced him to second base with a sharp single and Derek Carrier then doubled home the first run.
“Mike Byrd walked to load the bases for the Hilltoppers and Morgan Littleford came through with a single scoring the other two runners.
“Randolph meanwhile had settled down and was in command of the situation. He issued only two walks and fanned one as he went the route for the Hilltoppers.
“The win yesterday over the Green Devils gave Randolph a 1-1 mark on the season.
“Chris Ogles was the top batsman for the Green Devils as he doubled and singled in collecting two of the three hits given up by Randolph.
“The Hilltoppers will swing back into action tomorrow as they travel over the Kingsport to do battle with the Dobyns-Bennett Indians.”
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