Today in Johnson City History, Tuesday, February 17, 2026
The Navy, PTA, a ball game, an important Kiwanis visit and more
Saturday, February 17, 1776: Two hundred and fifty years ago today, “In the first cruise of a Continental Navy squadron, Commodore Esek Hopkins sails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in command of eight ships with orders to destroy British shipping in the Chesapeake Bay and protect merchant shipping off the Carolinas.” (Source: https://www.history.navy.mil/today-in-history/february-17.html)
February 17, 1897: On this day, according to Chase’s 2026 Calendar of Events, the PTA was founded. “Founders’ Day is a reminder of the substantial role that the PTA has played locally, regionally and nationally in supporting parent involvement and working on behalf of all children and families. It honors the PTA’s founders Phoebe Apperson Hearst and Alice McLellan Birney.”
Wednesday, February 17, 1926: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported news with a dateline from Elizabethton and a date of February 16. The information came via Special Correspondence. “The Elizabethton Bulldogs won an exciting game from the fast Braemar quintet here tonight by the score of 23 to 17. The contest was a whirlwind affair throughout, and both teams showed great strength however, the Bulldogs’ defense was probably the outstanding factor in the locals’ victory.”
Braemar is a community in rural Carter County. The way in which the community got its name is quite interesting: William Flinn was affiliated with the Pittsburgh Lumber Company, a prominent business in the Braemar community at one time. “William Flinn named the ‘semi-company town’, which was located about a half mile southeast of Hampton, Tennessee, Braemar, after his family home, called Braemar, which was in Pittsburgh’s Highland Park district.” (Source: The Laurel Fork Railway of Carter County, Tennessee by Doug McGuinn)
Tuesday, February 17, 1931: Ninety-five years ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that “Approximately two hundred Kiwanians, representing fourteen clubs in the Kentucky – Tennessee district, attended the luncheon yesterday at the John Sevier Hotel in honor of International President Raymond Crossman of Omaha, Neb., who was a guest of the Johnson City club.
“President Crossman spoke on the value of a civic club to a community and to the members of such a club. ‘The aim of Kiwanis is to build and that aim will be lived up to not only by the Johnson City club but by all the clubs of Kiwanis for generations to come. No man can improve a community alone but through co-operation and fellowship, cities have been built,’ President Crossman said.
“The participating by all members, in all of the Kiwanis aims and projects, both local and national, was urged by President Crossman. ‘Kiwanis not only builds the communities but also builds up the character of its members who in turn transfer that character and the golden rule of living to whomever he comes in contact with.’
“In closing the president urged the attendance of all Kiwanians at the coming convention which is to be held at Miami, Florida.
“District Governor E. B. Bowery, who introduced the International President, said that during his time as a Kiwanian he could always remember Kiwanis as being an association of men who meet in a friendly atmosphere and who carry the standard of the golden rule of living throughout their daily living. After the introduction of President Crossman by E. B. Bowery, the members sang, ‘Welcome Ray’ to him, which was highly appreciated.
“The past presidents of the Johnson City club were introduced to the International President and Kiwanian members by Joe Summers, chairman of the reception committee and the first president of the Johnson City Kiwanis Club.
“The introduction of the presidents and members of all the visiting clubs was made by President Hannah, of the local club. Of the Kentucky-Tennessee district the following cities and number of Kiwanians from each were represented: Kingsport, 18; Erwin, 15, Elizabethton, 10; Pikeville, Ky., 6; Middlesboro, Ky., 5; Jonesboro, 4; Morristown, 3; Chattanooga, 3; Harlan, 2; Knoxville, 2, Newport, 2; Bristol, 20, and the International President from Omaha, Neb.
“The presidents of the Optimist club (sic for Club), the Rotary club (sic), Monday club (sic), Business and Professional Women’s club (sic), and the president of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce were the invited guests of the Johnson City Kiwanians.
“E. A. Coleman, of the local club, was formally introduced by District Governor Bowery, as the new Tennessee - Kentucky district treasurer.”
Erwin is located in Unicoi County and is about 18 miles from Johnson City.
Pikeville, Kentucky is about 119 miles from Johnson City and is north and very slightly to the west of Johnson City.
Middlesboro, Kentucky is about 112 miles from Johnson City, in a northwesterly direction. It is on the state line.
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1931.
Morristown, Tennessee is located about 66 miles from Johnson City. It is almost due west of Johnson City.
Harlan, Kentucky, is about 87 miles from Johnson City. It lies in a northwesterly direction from Johnson City.
Newport is a town located approximately 58 miles from Johnson City.
Monday, February 17, 1936: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Press reported news with a dateline from Elizabethton. Readers learned that “June Atha Van Huss, 7, was responsible for considerable excitement Saturday night in the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Powell Van Huss, 203 Perry street (sic for Street), and to the police department.
“June left home at 1:30 in the afternoon to attend the theater. When she didn’t come home at the expected hour, parents notified the police. After an extensive search, she was found at 10:15 Saturday night, slouched down in the seat, asleep.”
Monday, February 17, 1941: Eighty-five years ago today, the Johnson City Press reported that “Dr. James A. Denton, 79, for 53 years a resident of Johnson City, and since 1937 a member of the city board of commissioners, was found dead in bed at his home on East Main street (sic for Street) about 6 o’clock Sunday morning. Death was attributed to heart disease and apparently had occurred several hours before discovery was made.”
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