Today in Johnson City History, Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Sickness going around, referendum update, Appalachian Christian Village Fair, and pointers from Polly
Monday, November 6, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, the Knoxville Sentinel reported news to its readers, with a dateline from Johnson City. “The Southern railway is having a new coat of paint put on its water tank. This tank holds sixty-nine thousand gallons of water and forms the nucleus about which Johnson City has grown. In fact, the first name given to the town was ‘Jobe’s Tank.’”
“L. E. Davis is here from Wilkes county (sic), N. C., and has put men to work on repairing and otherwise improving his business house on Railway street (sic).”
Wilkes County, North Carolina, is about 86 miles from Johnson City. It is east, and slightly south, of Johnson City.
“J. D. Woodruff, who has recently removed from Shell Creek, Tenn., to this city contemplates building cottages on some vacant lots that he owns here.”
“Dulany Bros. have removed their insurance office from Main to Spring street (sic).”
“One of the largest frosts for years was seen here yesterday morning. Almost like a snow.”
“P. M. Wilson, of Lexington, Ky.; W. T. Plummer, Jr., of Lynchburg, Va., John A. Jobe, of Knoxville, and J. H. Huddle, Wytheville, Va., are at the Piedmont Hotel.”
Lynchburg, Virginia, is about 236 miles from Johnson City. It is northeast of Johnson City.
Johnson City is about 105 miles from Wytheville. Wytheville is also northeast of Johnson City.
“W. T. Rogers, of the N. C. & St. L. railway, has been in the city several days on business.”
“The coming candidates for aldermen may be seen, but not heard yet. It is a kind of still hunt. The republicans (sic) claim they will carry all the wards but the First. But talk is cheap, and the democrats (sic) are giving due attention to what the radicals say.
“Thad A. Cox, chairman of the democratic (sic) club, has issued a call for conventions to be held in all the four wards, next Wednesday night, to select candidates.”
The Knoxville Sentinel is now published as the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Thursday, November 6, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Staff-News reported news with a dateline from Jonesboro, which was spelled that way at the time. The date of the news was November 5. Readers learned that “The people of Jonesboro and surrounding section were enabled on the night of the election to receive the complete returns both by Associated Press and Radio placed in circuit court room (sic) of the court house (sic) for the benefit of parties. This was made possible by contributions of lack (sic) business men (sic). A. L. Shipley had charge of the Associated Press and J. G. Smith the Radio.
“A large audience was present on the occasion.”
Tuesday, November 6, 1934: Ninety years ago today, The Elizabethton Star, which is still being published, reported that “Miss Rachel Kingsbury will entertain the Tuesday evening (sic) bridge (sic) club (sic) this evening at eight o’clock, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ritts on west (sic) G street (sic).”
Monday, November 6, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, the Johnson City Press alerted readers that “Johnson City physicians today said recent damp raw weather has caused almost an epidemic of sore throats and head and chest colds in Johnson City. Pointing to his own swollen tonsils, one doctor said half the population seemed to be suffering throat pangs but that bright, clear weather, such as the city is enjoying today, should cause most of the trouble to clear up.”
Monday, November 6, 1944: Eight years ago today, according to The Elizabethton Star, “The Junior Chamber of Commerce will not meet Tuesday night, postponing this regular weekly meeting until the following Tuesday, it was announced today by Don Tetrick, president.
“The meeting this week is omitted because Tuesday is election day.”
Sunday, November 6, 1949: Seventy-five years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported that “A light Washington county (sic) vote is forecast in Tuesday’s referendum on calling a state constitutional convention.
“Observers are predicting a total far under the big figures often achieved in exciting county elections involving personalities. Some say the vote will not go far above 3,000.”
For comparison, according to census records, the population of Washington County was about 59,750 in 1950.
Thursday, November 6, 1969: The Johnson City Press-Chronicle informed readers that “It’s fair time at Appalachian Christian Village. The fourth annual Village Fair will begin today at 2 p. m. until 9 p. m. and tomorrow at 10 a. m. until 9 p. m. The admission is free, but proceeds from sales of crafts, ceramics, potted plants, quilts, candles and many other items offered for sale will be used to equip the nursing wing of Appalachian Christian Village.”
Appalachian Christian Village was known as Cornerstone Village for a while; it is now known as Abundant Christian Living.
Wednesday, November 6, 1974: Fifty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle carried the following letter in “Polly’s Pointers”:
“Dear Polly –
“My Pet Peeve is with mothers who carry uncovered baby bottles inpublic (sic). We do not carry our food and drink exposed to germs, dirt and insects and downtown pollution in all sorts of weather. Still there are mothers who do this to their very own tiny infants. When baby cries a bit he gets a dry rubber nipple stuck into his mouth. To me this is the worst pollution there is.”
The letter was signed by “Mrs. S.”
Polly’s Pointers was a popular column that published household hacks, as well as pet peeves. Polly’s Pointers was written by Polly Cramer.
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.
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