Today in Johnson City History, Thursday, September 12, 2024
Defense Test Day, an airshow, time for a dean, and more
Friday, September 12, 1924: A century ago today, Johnson City Chronicle alerted readers that “All of Johnson City is expected to join today in the observation of Defense Test Day, the celebration of which is occurring simultaneously in all parts of the nation.
“In the city, plans are made for patriotic mobilization of all the people, the exercises to take the form of a parade at four o’clock, followed by a program at the Municipal auditorium, where short addresses will be made, and appropriate music rendered.
“The test is designed to show the total strength of the country, not alone in man-power (sic), but in patriotic spirit, and to co-ordinate all forces in preparedness for insuring and enforcing peace.
“It has been urged that all houses be decorated with the colors displayed prominently, and that business houses close during the afternoon.
“The parade will form on East Market street (sic), in front of the Colonial hotel (sic) at four o’clock in the afternoon and march through the business section to the Municipal building, where the patriotic program will be held.
“It was announced last night that the two companies of the national guard, companies A and C, of Elizabethton, would be in Johnson City to take part in the parade. They will lead the Elizabethton parade at one o’clock and will be brought of (sic) Johnson City by members of the local Lions Club, who will send a number of cars after the 120 men in the two companies.
The following was the parade formation: Police and firemen, grand marshal and staff, American Legion and all ex-service men, National Guard, organized reserve, women’s service organizations, the Red Cross, Boy Scouts, school children, civic societies, fraternal orders and other civilian participants.
The program was as follows: The Rev. W. E. Sweeney would give the invocation, followed by music by Mrs. Evan S. Rees and Arthur T. Earnest. Speakers, who were limited to three minutes each included Mrs. Munsey Slack, E. C. Ottinger, George N. Barnes, Lee F. Miller, George C. Sells, Ben Taylor, and Prof. J. H. Byers.
The Rev. R. B. Platt would pronounce the benediction, while W. B. Ellison would serve as the grand marshal and have Munsey Slack as his deputy marshal. Major Nelson Campbell was the Chief of Staff, assisted by Belmont Collette and Adam Bowman.
The assistant marshals included the following: “Sam W. Price, Dr. J. C. Moss, Dr. E. T. West, Harry Faw, Fred Lewis, C. B. Coe, Harry Smith, Guy L. Smith, Leslie Driver, Ed Wagner, Pat Horton, C. E. Rogers, Charley Cargille, H. H. Dye, Captain Atkinson, Captain Neves, Colonel Evan Rees, J. R. Simmons.”
The recruiting committee was composed of Munsey Slack, Joe P. Summers and Dr. J. P. Lamb. The recruiting committee assistants were “Belmont Collette, O. E. Hutchens, D. R. Beeson, George C. Sells, R. N. Parker, George T. Wofford, R. I. Dabney, Clyde Smith, A. T. Hart, H. C. Black, Evan Rees, C. E. Rogers, L. D. Gump, Bob Wiley, W. A. Starritt, Hodge Mathes, Mrs. Ralph Boyd, Mrs. Frank B. St. John, Mrs. Allen Harris, C. L. Hensley, J. H. Byers.”
Wednesday, September 12, 1934: Ninety years ago today, The Elizabethton Star reported that “Betsy Cyclones held a long scrimmage session yesterday afternoon in preparing for the opening exhibition with the Milligan College Freshmen Saturday night under the flood lights at the local park.
“The game is slated to get underway at 8:15. The time was set later than the remainder of the scheduled games in co-operation with the business establishments, which close at eight o’clock on Saturday.”
Milligan College is now known as Milligan University.
The Elizabethton Star is still being published.
Tuesday, September 12, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, Johnson City Chronicle readers read front-page, big, black, bold headlines: “Poles Halt Nazi Advance On Warsaw”.
Tuesday, September 12, 1944: Five years later, Johnson City Press-Chronicle were still seeing big, black bold headlines about World War II on the front page. “Americans Fighting On German Soil, First Army Stabs 5 Miles Into Reich”.
Monday, September 12, 1949: Seventy-five years ago today, in an article with the byline of Kenneth Morrell, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle informed readers that “Thousands gazed in amazement yesterday afternoon as nationally known pilots completed spine-tingling flying maneuvers at the annual airshow at Tri-Cities Airport.
“The airshow, sponsored jointly by Junior Chamber of Commerce organizations of Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City, was the second of its kind to be held at Tri-Cities.
“Each of the three cities occupied separate parking sections at the airport in order to simplify traffic directions.
“(Estimates of the crowd ranged from 25,000 to 50,000.)”
Thursday, September 12, 1974: Fifty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported that “The dean for the East Tennessee State University medical school here may soon be chosen.
“Dr. Ed Allen made this report last night to the board of directors of the Appalachian Regional Center for the Healing Arts (ARCHA) as they met on the ETSU campus.
“Dr. Allen said the search committee advising the university president had reviewed and interviewed several applicants, but he did not comment further.
“The question of adding to the board representatives of insurance companies and chiropractors was also discussed but tabled until there is more communication with local chiropractors and a nomination by the insurance companies.
“ARCHA also endorsed a bill, now in the House of Representatives, which would put all local health planning organizations under control of the governor and the U. S. Department of Health Education and Welfare.
“Under this plan the governor would be directed by HEW to give priority to one local planning group in each area. Chairman Edgar Hatcher Jr. said that there is no guarantee that ARCHA would be given priority.
“Executive director Gary Jennings reported that the federal government has been matching funds on an 60-40 basis since June, instead of the previous 50-50. This added $15,000 to the center’s budget, he said.
“An internal assessment committee to evaluate ARCHA’s progress was appointed. The center will be assessed by HEW in November or December.
“A vote was also taken to approve all business conducted at the June 14 meeting, where a quorum was not present.
“Among the June business approved was the election of executive officers and the awarding of four certificates of need to nursing home (sic ) for more beds.
“The board instructed the executive director to get bids on liability insurance that would give 100 per cent coverage to all board members and the director. The director was authorized to accept the lowest bid.”
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