Today in Johnson City History, Wednesday, October 16, 2024
A burned little girl, Dear Abby’s sense of humor, and a unique way to “Get Involved!”
Thursday, October 16, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that “Little Charlotte Brown, five-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Brown, Jr., received severe and painful burns Wednesday morning, when her clothing caught fire while playing the yard of their home on East Unaka avenue (sic). At a late hour last night the child was reported as having reacted readily to medical treatment, with indications that the burns may not prove severe. The inury (sic) is said to be confined principally to the breast and arms.
“It is reported that Mrs. Brown was attracted by the calls of her daughter, and in extinguishing the burning clothing, sustained burns on her own hands. It has not been ascertained how the fire started, but it is presumed to have been due to a lighted match, secured from some unknown place, coming in contact with the clothing. She was given medical attention in her home.”
I talked to my good friend, Dr. Charles Mohler, about the above story, because I felt like it was about his mother. Indeed, it was. Chuck reported to me that his mother ended up having to go to Johns Hopkins for skin grafts for her stomach. During her recovery, she had to drink whole milk and yeast. Consequently, the remainder of her life, she avoided drinking whole milk.
Chuck also told me that as a result of the burns and skin grafts, he was born prematurely. Therefore, he spent the early days of his life in an incubator provided by Dr. J. R. Bowman of The Bowman Clinic, which was located directly across the street from the Appalachian Hospital, which later became Memorial Hospital. That part of the Appalachian Hospital, as well as most of Memorial Hospital, is still standing.
Tuesday, October 16, 1934: Ninety years ago today, The Elizabethton Start reported news about local court cases. Readers learned that “Circuit court, with Judge Ben Allen presiding, continued to try cases on the October criminal docket today.
“Cases disposed of yesterday and today were as follows:
“Landon Elliott, running house of ill fame, trial and not guilty.”
“Thad Whitehead, guilty of transporting and possessing liquor, fined $100 and costs.”
“Charles Landingham, reckless driving, trial and not guilty.”
“I. J. Buckles, public drunkenness, not a true bill.”
“T. C. Buchanan, operating a gambling machine, plea of guilty, fined and costs.”
“Jack Bradley, carrying a blackjack, not a true bill.”
Monday, October 16, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, the Johnson City Press reported several interesting events of local interest. Among them were “Rev. S. Kenney preached at the Christian church in Jonesboro Sunday at 11 a. m. and 8 p. m. The chorus of the Friendship Baptist church (sic) will render a musical and dramatic program at the church Thursday night.”
“Raymond Busby’s touch football team won a hotly contested game Saturday evening on the vacant lot between Hillcrest Drive and Fall street (sic). The opponents were the hard driving outfit captained by Rudy McAdams. The final score was 40 to 36. The two teams will play a game this afternoon at 4 p. m.”
“Nat Johnson, former member of the Johnson City theatrical group, is in the city after a tour of the Eastern states. Johnson is a leading dance artist. He will make his first public appearance at the Mountain Home theater under the auspices of the local recreational program.”
“Mrs. Angeline Owens of Morristown is visiting her son, Arthur L. Owens, at 302 W. Chilhowie avenue (sic).”
“The P.-T. A. of Langston high (sic) school (sic) will hold its regular monthly meeting at the high school Tuesday at 8 p. m.”
“Langston’s grid eleven will meet South Pittsburgh high (sic) school’s (sic) Bulldogs under the lights of the local athletic field Thursday night. Langston defeated Greeneville high (sic) last week, 25 to 0.”
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1939.
South Pittsburgh, Tennessee, is located about 245 miles from Johnson City. It’s southwest of Johnson City.
Sunday, October 16, 1944: Eighty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported several short news items. One of them was the following: “James Funkhouser, 621 West Main street (sic), city, was jailed late yesterday evening on investigation in connection with an alleged attempt to enter Big Burley Warehouse No. 1. Patrolman George Murray and Sergeant Ben Treadway, with the assistance of Desk Sergeant Earl O. Byrd at the police radio, apprehended Funkhouses (sic) before he left the premises, officers said.
Treadway and Murray also arrested a man listed as J. S. Reed, Jr., of Knob Creel Road, five minutes after he allegedly took some money from a cash register at Long’s Barbecue. Hearing for Reed, who is charged with robbery, will be in city police court Monday, officers said.”
Wednesday, October 16, 1974: Fifty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle published humorous, but wise advice in the “Dear Abby” column. A reader wrote:
“Dear Abby:’
“I’ve been dating this real neat guy who keeps telling me that I don’t have to worry about his getting me pregnant because he was injured while playing football. Should I believe him?”
‘The letter was signed, “Nancy.”
“Dear Abby” replied as follows:
“Dear Nancy:”
“No. It sounds to me like he’s trying to complete a pass. Kick him to the end zone.”
I love it when individuals see a need and undertake to fill it themselves. What a wonderful way to “Get Involved!”
I’ve known Joe Ebarb since high school; since then, our paths have crossed in the Johnson City Morning Rotary Club and several other community organizations. Joe is known far and wide as someone who gets things done. For that reason, I was not surprised when he told me a year or so ago that he was planning an adaptive camp for all ages. Shooting Stars and the FCA are partnering with free basketball for the first 50 sign ups at the old Science Hill gym on October 19 - this Saturday! Sign ups begin at 1:30, with the event being held from 3 until 5. There is no charge for this wonderful community service. For more information, feel free to contact Mr. Ebarb at 423-341-0133.
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.