Today in Johnson City History, Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Hot weather, Harris Manufacturing Company helps the war effort
Wednesday, September 10, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported front-page news: “A telegram received here Tuesday was to the effect that the condition of J. E. Crouch was somewhat improved. Mr. Crouch is under treatment to the Martinsburg, Indiana, sanitarium, Mrs. Crouch having left Saturday last to be at his bedside.”
Monday, September 10, 1934: Ninety years ago today, The Elizabethton Star reported several brief news accounts regarding the health of area residents. Among the news accounts were the following: “Mrs. B. B. Goodwin, route (sic) no. (sic) 3, Butler, was admitted to the St. Elizabeth hospital (sic) Sunday, for medical treatment.’”
“Miss Dellno Roberts, route (sic) no. (sic) 4, Elizabethton, underwent a major operation at the St. Elizabeth hospital (sic) Sunday.”
“Miss Ada Johnston, route (sic) no. (sic) 3, Johnson City, underwent a major operation at the St. Elizabeth hospital (sic) yesterday.”
Butler is a community in rural Johnson County and is located about 28 miles from Johnson City. It is east of Johnson City.
St. Elizabeth Hospital was the forerunner of Carter County Hospital, which was the forerunner of Sycamore Shoals Hospital.
The Elizabethton Star is still in publication.
Sunday, September 10, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, The Elizabethton Star reported on the weather conditions. “Tennessee sweltered in the hottest weather of the season during the last week with new marks in the ‘torrid weather league’ established in many cities.
“Paris reported 101 degrees today, highest reported in the state.
“Temperatures at Nashville and Knoxville jumped to 98 today, setting a record for the five year at the East Tennessee city, Nashville has 98 Friday for the hottest day.
“The weatherman could see no respite for the state until Monday.”
Meanwhile, Elizabethton was also having weather woes. The newspaper reported that “Elizabethton experienced the hottest day of the year Saturday when, after a series of days in which the mercury shot up and down, the official thermometer registered 94 degrees.
“And that, says, Sgt. Hample Hyder, is two degrees hotter than the previous hottest day.”
Sunday, September 10, 1944: Eighty years ago today, in an article carrying the byline of Jim Callaway, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle alerted readers that “One of the largest ammunition and shell loading plants of its kind is located in Johnson City and there (several indecipherable words) is not an ounce of explosive in the whole factory.
“And yet the shells turned out by the Harris Manufacturing Company probably have done as much, if not a lot more, to save the lives of Americans in the armed forces, than have many of the thousands on top of thousands, of items turned out by plants engaged in defense work.
“To date, approximately 100,000 shells have been turned out by the plant, and so well constructed are they that some of them are still in use all over the world. You see, the Harris Manufacturing Company shell isn’t exactly like other shells. It is a dummy and is used for practice work and for training gun crews, especially aboard ships carrying gun crews, and on escort vessels. It helps save ammunition too.
“This shell is the well known three-inch 50 caliber dummy cartridge, which is universally used all over the world. The practice cartridge made here is of the exact size, shape and weight as the real one. It has to be because the crews that handle the practice item, also have to handle the real thing.
“The dummy weighs twenty-five pounds, and is a combination of metal and wood. It contains 15 separate and different parts.
“But dummy 3-inch shells aren’t the only thing that Harris Manufacturing Company makes for the war effort. They also make tent pegs, both long and short, by the thousands. Earlier this year the company took the contract to make the pegs, and to date over 4,000,000 have been turned out, boxed and shipped. And each day thousands more are added to the total number.
“The story back of this war production starts back in 1898, when W. P. Harris first opened his woodworking plant. It wasn’t a large affair like the present-day concern, but it grew, and in 1910 was incorporated under the present name, Harris Manufacturing Company. The company concentrates on oak and maple flooring, and for almost 35 years between 90 and 95 per cent (sic) of its entire production was flooring or flooring products.
“In 1942 the organization developed its own method of prefinishing flooring. Flooring was manufactured, sanded, filled, finished, waxed and polished, ready to be placed in the building. That meant the minute construction was finished the house could be used, No further attention to the floor was needed. Prefinished flooring was of inestimable value in government housing projects and its production in 1942 and 1943 was a full-time job.”
Saturday, September 10, 1949: According to the Johnson City Press-Chronicle, “Fireworks, scheduled for 11 o’clock tonight will bring the four-day Washington County Fair at Gray to a close.
“The event has drawn capacity crowds, with yesterday’s special events topping all days. The auditorium, where 4-H and Home Demonstration club dress revues were held, was taxed to capacity long before the of parade of fashions was inaugurated.
“An amateur program is set for 2:30 p. m. today with cash prize awards, along with a musical program on the outdoor platform by Jack Lane’s radio performers.
“Fair officials said last night all those that have not had an opportunity to visit the agricultural, cattle and other displays should avail themselves of that opportunity today. No exhibits will be removed from the booths until late tonight.”
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.