Today in Johnson City History, Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Football, a chill in the air, juvenile crime, Dear Abby and more
Monday, October 2, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Knoxville Journal and Tribune reported news with a dateline of Johnson City, and a date from October 1. Readers learned that “The Watauga Lightning and Power Co., under the local management of John Sanders, is putting in a dam on Watauga river (sic), below DeVault’s ford, four miles from this place, for the purpose of using the power obtained therefrom for lighting this city, instead of using steam power, as now furnished by the plant here.
“The company also intends to light Jonesboro in this manner. The scheme is a practical one and may result in the operation of a street car (sic) line by reason of its cheapness.”
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1899.
Thursday, October 2, 1924: One hundred years ago today, the Johnson City Staff-News reported that the “Johnson City High and the Normal football elevens hooked up in one of the hardest scrimmages of the season on the Normal grounds. Both teams showed considerable strength but the Normalites had the advantage over the high school lads and kept them on the defense most of the time. The Normal team was not the same eleven that faced the high school a week ago and showed rapid development into a real football machine while on the other hand the high school presented a well working team which kept the Normalites on the go all of the time.
“Coach Luck is whipping his men into good shape, and the scrimmage yesterday brought out some promising material. Robinson, a recent addition to the squad working on left end Wednesday and shows all the makings of a real football player. His height and weight will put him in a good position for one of the wing berths. Leonard, Easterly, and J. B. Robinson of last year’s eleven were back in the line-up and showed good form.
“This will be the last scrimmage for the high school before their game with Galax Virginia on Friday, as Coach Davidson doesn’t want to take any chances with the team. Gervin, regular quarter, sustained an injured ankle in the scrimmage yesterday but it is thought that he will be able to enter the game Friday. Light practice will be held today which will be the final session before they enter the game Friday.”
Johnson City High is now known as Science Hill High School.
The Normal School is now known as East Tennessee State University.
Galax, Virginia is about 141 miles from Johnson City. It is northeast of Johnson City.
Tuesday, October 2, 1934: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Press reported news about the weather. Readers learned that “With a thermometer reading here of 50 at 3 o'clock this morning, according to official records at Veterans Home, Johnson Citians put on an extra blanket, and then dusted off the old waist coat before venturing out.
“The city and section, enjoying one of those nights which caused some to remark of ‘frost,’ opening of chestnut burrs and ripening of persimmons, just joined with the balance of the country in celebrating the prologue of winter. But it promises to be brief.
“To the weatherman, says The Associated Press, this weather is mothing remarkable – but to that barometer of the average citizen’s feelings, the man on the street, it’s just plain chilly!
“Attempts to get the weatherman to stand good for statements that cold weather ‘was blowing its blustery way into the South in early October’ failed utterly – he didn’t see anything unusual on the weather map.
“’Twas a different story with the man in the street. His coal collar was hitched higher. His hands were in his pockets and he began to think of having last year’s overcoat cleaned. He shivered in the chill air.
“There was this bit of authority about the weather. At the Atlanta police station, the desk officer said everything was quiet – it had been too cold for anybody to do anything.”
The Veterans Home is now known as the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.
Monday, October 2, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, Johnson City Press readers read bold headlines: “Russo-German Partners Draft Italy For Role of Mediator With Allies”.
Sunday, October 2, 1949: Seventy-five years ago today, Johnson City Press-Chronicle readers learned that “Two young boys were turned over to Johnson City juvenile authorities yesterday in connection with a $236 robbery at the home of Jimmie Spario, 313 West Pine street (sic), Detective Caption Buford Tunnell said.
“The boys, one nine and the other 10, surrendered $188.99 of the stolen money after police completed nearly a whole day of investigation of the crime, which is alleged to have occurred some time Friday night while the Sparios were not at home.
“According to Tunnell, entrance to the house was gained through the basement
“The money, which included three checks amounting to $140, was taken from a drawer in the bedroom.
“Tunnell, who was assisted in the investigation by Detective Sergeant Leslie Cloyd, said hearing for the youths probably would be Monday morning.”
Wednesday, October 2, 1974: Fifty years ago today, readers read the in the “Dear Abby” column:
“Dear Abby:
“A Florida wife gripes because the bug spray her husband uses on their property makes him passionate. This is a problem?
“Is it possible to find out what brand of bug spray her husband uses? And if the brand name isn’t available, could you please ask her to send her husband?”
The letter was signed “Could Use Him In Omaha”, but “Dear Abby” had no reply.
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.