Today in Johnson City History, Thursday, September 19, 2024
The railroads, a Lutheran church, a death, a wedding and a unique way to "Get Involved!"
Tuesday, September 19, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, the Chattanooga Daily Times reported news with a dateline of Johnson City, and a date of September 18. “By authority of the president of the Ohio River and Charleston Railway company (sic), Samuel Hunt, of Cincinnati, chief engineer, and Superintendent A. N. Molesworth, here closed a contract with J. C. Lipscomb, of Gaffney, S. C., for the construction of fifteen miles extension to the before named railroad from Unaka Springs, Tenn., to the mouth of Caney River, N. C. The contract was closed on Tuesday of last week, but for particular reasons has not been given out until today. Mr. Lipscomb agrees in this contract to be at work inside of fifteen days from date of contract, and is expected to be on the ground the latter part of this week with his supplies and outfit and a large force of laborers. The contract calls for the completion of the work by June 1st, next, but Mr. Lipscomb intends to push the road to a finish by the first of March, if possible.
“The money, $250,000, for this purpose, was voted at a meeting of the directors held in Philadelphia a few weeks ago, and is now in (the) bank, subject to draft as the work progresses; $50,000 of this amount is being used to repair and put in good shape the road from Johnson City to Unaka Springs, the balance, $200,000, to go to the construction of the fifteen miles’ extension and the erection of a first-class bridge across the Nolichucky river (sic) at Unaka Springs.
“The extension will be through the roughest part of the original survey of the old ‘Three C’s’ Road, and it is expected that after the road is built through the mountain at this point it will not be long until the road will be constructed on through to Marlen, N. C.
“When the line is completed to the mouth of Caney river (sic) it will open for development one of the richest magnetic iron and timber sections in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. And will be the means of greatly increased activity in the already large lumber and iron industries both rolling stock and the regular and about Johnson City. It will necessitate the better equipment of the road with rolling stock and the regular running of two or more trains daily in order to handle the immense lumber and ore traffic, which will be created.
“The timber and magnetic ores penetrated by this road are controlled by Dr. W. J. Sproles and Attorney S. C. Williams, of this place, who are responsible for securing the building of the extension. They intend to dispose of the timber to mill men and manufacturers who will get it out and place it on the market.
“Negotiations are now well and favorable advanced with New York and Pittsburg iron men for the erection of two 150-ton furnaces at Johnson City, which are to use exclusively these magnetic ores, manufacturing a high grade magnetic of pig.
“Everybody in Johnson City seems happy over this news, and are hopeful that it is only the beginning of grander and more extensive industrial development.
The newspaper also reported that “The death of J. S. Miller on last Friday evening was a severe loss. Mr. Miller had only been sick about ten days, and his death was a surprise to many except the family, who realized his dangerous condition two or three days prior to his death. The deceased was about 73 years of age. He leaves a widow and two children, Mrs. N. W. Lyle, of this city, and J. E. Miller, of Atlanta, Ga. The remains was (sic) taken to Shelbyville, his old home, for interment."
Finally, readers learned that “Friday evening at the home of the bride, in this place, Dr. J. H. Caldwell officiated at the marriage of Miss Laura Darden to Mr. Charles Collette, of Knoxville. The bride is the popular daughter of the late Capt. W. A. Darden, who was supervisor of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina railway. The groom is an employe of the Southern railway at Knoxville, and is a most worthy and exemplary young men.”
Unaka Springs is located near Erwin.
Two hundred, fifty thousand dollars in 1899 has the current purchasing power of about $9.481 million, according to www.in2013dollars.com.
The Chattanooga Daily Times is now published online as the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Johnson City did not publish a daily newspaper in 1899; however, The Comet was published weekly.
Friday, September 19, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Staff-News reported that “Initial steps will be taken next Sunday morning to establish a Lutheran congregation in this city. This will be the occasion of the first Lutheran service in Johnson City since more than fifteen years ago. The court room in the Municipal building (sic) has been obtained for the morning worship and will be the scene of the first meeting of local Lutherans and others interested in the new denomination.
“The pastor in charge, Rev. Claire P. Schulz, will deliver the sermon. It will be his first sermon since his ordination and installation into the office of the ministry September 7th at Wartburg, Tenn.
“The young minister has become missionary at large in East Tennessee. He has taken a local residence at 101 W. Millard St., and states that he is eager to get in touch with all Lutherans in this section of this state who are not being served by other Lutheran pastors. Arrangements will be made to serve as many places as possible. This city, however, will continue to be headquarters for Lutheran activities in upper East Tennessee.
Wartburg, Tennessee is about 251 miles from Johnson City. It is southwest of Johnson City.
Have you ever wanted to “Get Involved!” in a particularly unique and exciting way? If you have, make certain to continue reading!
Today, September 19th, is a special day for local resident Angela Caito, and she’s asking the community for a unique birthday gift this year. Angela has been hard at work on her faith-based feature film Spiraling, and now she’s looking for support to take the next big step in bringing the project to life.
Spiraling, based on the book “Spiraling,” that Angela published in 2023, tells the inspiring story of a young man struggling with addiction, and how the power of friendship and renewed faith helps him find redemption. Angela believes the film has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of many.
As part of her birthday wish, Angela is asking for donations to help fund the creation of a proof-of-concept video. This important video will help the film team show potential investors the heart and potential of Spiraling. To complete the video, Angela needs to raise $6,000 to cover the costs of filming so they can pay the production crew including camera, sound, and lighting, as well as the actors and city fees that they need to pay to film at some of the locations.
Plans for this film include film festivals, a limited theater viewing as well as being shown on streaming services online.
Angela is hopeful that with community support, she can start filming as soon as next week. Whether you can give $5, $50, or more, every bit counts toward making her dream a reality. As a thank you, all donors will be listed in the film credits when the movie is completed.
If you’d like to help fund this film, donations can be made through CashApp ($AngelaCaito), PayPal (Paypal.me/AngelaCaito), or via Facebook Messenger. You can also email Angela for more information about the movie or to help with funding at info@spiralingmovie.com.
Angela’s passion and dedication to Spiraling is clear, and she’s excited to see where this next chapter takes her. Let’s help her celebrate her birthday by bringing this inspiring film closer to reality!
You can follow the film on social media at:
https://www.facebook.com/spiralingmovie
https://www.instagram.com/spiralingmovie/
Or on the website at:
http://spiralingmovie.com/
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.