Today in Johnson City History, Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Elizabethton High School happenings, college football scores, suggestions to save energy, and more
Thursday, September 25, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported to readers that “Earl K. Jensen, for many years a patrolman and traffic officer on the Johnson City police force, has returned from an extended trip to Europe, travelling during the past two and a half months.
“’Speedy’ returned looking natural. He states that he visited Sweden, Norway, England, Germany, France and other countries on a flying trip and found the Atlantic ocean (sic) much smoother than Tennessee roads. He admits, however, that his motorcycle can win a race from a passenger liner any day of the week.
“Although nothing official has yet been announced, there is a rumor current that Mr. Jensen may again become a member of the police force, returning to his old duties.”
Tuesday, September 25, 1934: According to The Elizabethton Star, “Last week Irene Shell Wall wore a lovely blue and white check jacket frock with white pique collar and cuffs. Irene always looks as if she had stepped out of a band box tho (sic).”
“Mary Alice Dungan is doing some very hard organization work on the Pep squad and we think when she gets behind anything it goes over.”
“A certain teacher when asked about the schools he had taught in, his degree, etc., he replied, ‘Just say I sprang up one night like a mushroom’ (that {sic} couldn’t have been you, could it, Mr. Grindstaff?)”
“Dick Oatoran seems to have something on his mind here lately. Well, here’s to you Dick – Better late than never.”
“One of the high lights (sic) of the week……Rev. Bowden gave an excellent; talk in Chapel, his theme was taken from the book of Hebrew (sic).”
“The Glee Club, under the supervision of Mr. Wright, seems to be making much progress and a program is expected of them in the near future.”
“Some former students were visiting here Friday. Ruth Allen, Bula Hardin and James Edens. I think that Ruth and Bula are going to the Teachers College, and Jimmy has cast his lot with Milligan.”
“Paul Estep is taking typing this year, as an outlet for his excess energy.”
The Teachers College and East Tennessee State College (below, in football scores) are now known as East Tennessee State University.
The Elizabethton Star is still being published.
Sunday, September 25, 1949: Seventy-five years ago today, Johnson City Press-Chronicle readers read above-the-masthead headlines proclaiming college football scores from the day before. East Tennessee State College scored a victory over Tennessee Wesleyan; the score was 19 to 6.
Locally, Emory & Henry defeated Milligan. Emory & Henry’s score was 27 to Milligan’s 7.
The University of Tennessee was victorious over Mississippi State, 10 to 6.
Tulane defeated Alabama by a score of 28 to 14.
UCLA defeated Iowa; the score was 41 to 25.
Michigan won over Michigan State by a score of 7 to 3.
Ohio State narrowly defeated Missouri by a score of 35 to 34.
Georgia Tech overcame Vanderbilt; Georgia Tech scored 12 points to Vanderbilt’s 7.
Wednesday, September 25, 1974: Fifty years ago today, in a story carrying the byline of Steve Nelson, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported that “Roy Taylor, manager of the Johnson City Power Board, sees the electric power situation as ‘serious.’
“His evaluation was based on TVA’s call for a voluntary reduction of power consumption by its service area of at least 20 per cent.
“’The shortage has been brewing for some time,’ Taylor said, indicating the rapid growth of the area and the continually increasing demand for power.
“Customers of the Johnson City Board are being urged to drastically cut their electrical use. Taylor credits the shortage to inadequate coal supplies for this winter. He said coal is used for generating three-fourths of the TVA power supply.
“TVA tries to maintain a 90-day supply of coal at its generating plants, but the present 47-day supply is declining.
“For several months, TVA has been burning 700,000 to 800,000 tons of coal per week to meet its service needs, while receiving only 500,000 – 600,000 tons of coal per week. The average shortfall of 200,000 per week is being met by drawing from stockpiles, causing the rapid decline in reserve supplies.
“Current estimates by TVA officials indicate a need for 20 million tons of coal this winter to generate the electric power that would normally be used. Available coal estimates indicate that approximately 16 million tons will be allotted to TVA, some four million tons short.
“TVA is moving coal by barge and rail from large stockpiles, Taylor said, but this is a costly and time-consuming measure and will not solve the shortage problems.
“The current coal supply problem is the result of a number of complex factors including the reluctance of coal companies to open mines because of uncertain market conditions, tightened restrictions governing mine safety and strip mining practices, a greatly increased demand for coal because of the petroleum and natural gas shortages, and diversions by some coal companies of TVA-contracted coal to other purchasers who pay much higher prices, and the recent miner’s ‘memorial shutdown.’
“A federal court judge ruled Tuesday that deliveries would be made to contracted firms such as TVA at the rate of 1,000 tons per week.
“’This will help,’ Taylor said, ‘however it’s going to take more than that to relieve the situation.’
“Increasing in importance on a daily basis are the nuclear power plants being construction by TVA. Once completed, the plants which take at least six years to build, will furnish most of the power needed by TVA subscribers.
“The Brown’s Ferry Nuclear Generating Plant has two units which product as much kilowatt power as Boone Dam. When a third unit goes into operation, the facility will be able to generate 15 times more than a dam of similar size and capacity.
“In the meantime, however, Taylor made the following suggestions which will help reduce the demand for electrical power:
“-Reduce thermostat to at least 68 degrees F. for heating;
“-Wear sweaters or similar outer garments while at work;
“-Raise thermostat to at least 80 degrees F. for cooling.
“-Turn off all lights not needed;
“-Turn off decorative lighting – reduce outside lighting to minimum protective level; and
“-Check buildings for insulation, weather stripping, automatic outdoor closing, etc.
“Taylor also said that much energy can be conserved by a conservative use of hot water – larger and fewer loads in the washer; larger and fewer loads of dishes in the washer and brief showers instead of baths;
“-Cook fewer hot meals – cook several foods at same time when using the oven;
“-Dry larger loads of clothes in the dryer but less often – line dry small amounts instead of using the dryer; and
“-Use of window drapes effectively for added insulation.
“A setting of 65 degrees will save 18 per cent (sic) more electricity than 68 will, and thermostats set at 60 degrees will save 44 per cent (sic) more electric energy than a 68-degree setting, he stated.
“’These temperatures may require a change of dress and life style,’ Taylor said, ‘but a little inconvenience and discomfort is much better than the suffering that would result from interruptions in electric service.’”
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