Today in Johnson City History, Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Happy Valley's early days, TVA dams and more
Thursday, October 30, 1924: One hundred years ago today, the Johnson City Staff-News informed readers that “An auction sale of a part of the old Taylor farm, cut into lots and made the ‘Happy Valley’ addition to Johnson City, located on and near the pike between Johnson City and Elizabethton, which has been the talk of the people of the surrounding country for some time, will take place on October 31st, rain or shine.
“This property has been doubled in value since the completion of the paved road and is a very desirable location for home sites, as well as being property that will increase in value year by year.
“Many cash prizes will be given at the sale, including a Ford car. Also a band concert and speeches by well known men of both Elizabethton and Johnson City. A barbecue and a good time will be shown to all who attend and a welcome will be extended to everyone, whether interested in buying property or not.
“Full announcement of the sale, description and terms appear elsewhere in this issue.”
Tuesday, October 30, 1934: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that “Fire at the residence of John Tester, 607 West Tenth avenue (sic), was extinguished before arrival of fire engines, Monday morning. No damage was done.. The house is owned by Joe Greer. Engine number four, and salvage truck responded.”
Monday, October 30, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, the Johnson City Press reported that “Waterfront” was showing at the Liberty Theatre, while the Majestic was showing “Thunder Afloat”. “The Angels Wash Their Faces” was playing at the Theatre, and “Goodbye Mr. Chips” was at the Tennessee Theatre.
Sunday, October 30, 1949: Seventy-five years ago today, in an article with the byline of Kenneth Morrell, Johnson City Press-Chronicle readers learned that “Local public opinion overwhelmingly favors the construction of two more Tennessee Valley Authority dams in the Tri-Cities area.
“After S. C. Taylor, director of state parks, announced recently that TVA has plans for the dams, people began speculating as in when and how they might be built.
“Even the somewhat stunned audience in which Taylor made his announcement does not compare with some of the local slants on the situation.
“Some of the persons who would be materially affected by the dams are somewhat hesitant in saying ‘yes’ to something which would destroy their homes and farms. Others in the latter group, however, did not mind saying, ‘we want the dams built no matter whose houses have to be moved.’
“The TVA, according to reports of local residents, already owns a considerable amount of land in the lake area. The government also has title to a large percentage of the wooded areas, it was reported.
“Property owners in Spurgeon’s Island and Wexler’s Bend communities and surrounding area, where the dams are surveyed, only want ‘a chance to get their money out of our land,’ one man said. ‘The government won’t pay us what the land and building costs us,’ he said. The elderly man did admit, however, that TVA would help him find another farm.
“Others living in the immediate lake areas agreed they did not mind the dams taking their homes, ‘as long as we can find another place to live.’ They expressed their willingness to sacrifice their homes of several years in order that the dams might be built. Elderly residents, who have made their homes in the lake area most of their lives, ‘would hate to leave because it’s home.’ Some of those in the latter group explained that the particular community in which they live has been ‘a traditional family home’ for many generations.
“Unofficial dam survey maps show backwater from the two dams extending about 30 miles, at least three miles above Bluff City. The dams are surveyed about 10 river miles apart. The Spurgeon’s Island dam site, which would be built about 100 feet high at Spurgeon’s Knob, would probably be greater in generating electricity while Wexler’s Bend, estimated at 40 feet, would be used as a flood control. The TVA has not released to the public officials exact details of the two proposed dams.
“According to top officials of TVA, undisclosed surveys are being made of dam areas in upper East Tennessee. However, an official said, no definite plans have been laid for the construction of the dams. It is expected that TVA will seek approximations for the dams at the next session of Congress which convenes in January, although TVA officials in Knoxville denied such plans.
“Whom will the dams benefit most? That question remains unanswered. Kingsport, Johnson City, Bluff City, and upper East Tennessee as a whole would ‘benefit greatly’ by the dams, many say.
“Mayor Howard Patrick, representing Johnson City, said: ‘The construction of two more TVA dams would make the Tri-Cities Area a leading summer resort. It would also aid the local unemployment situation, not the mention the primary purpose of the dams.’
“City Manager D. W. Moulton of Kingsport, and chairman of a committee designated to choose a state park site in East Tennessee, said the dams would be a ‘great benefit to the Tri-Cities Area, especially from the recreational point of view.’ He, too, referred to electrical power and flood control as the main reasons for building dams.
“Mayor James Taylor of Bluff City said that ‘most of the town’s residents are ‘for’ the dam while those whose property might be damaged are ‘against’ it.’ The mayor added, ‘Those of us who own property along the river might be taken for backwater, are few in comparison to those who want the lakes. He explained that some of the river lands along South Holston are ‘pretty good farms.’
“The lake region, not counting the many tributaries of South Holston and Watauga Rivers, is largely located in Sullivan county (sic). The Wexler’s Bend site is located in Sullivan county (sic) altogether along with the 10 miles of backwater. Spurgeon’s Island site is split between Sullivan and Washington counties (sic), the river marking the boundary for about 12 miles. Washington county’s (sic) west boundary, on its side of the river, is only a few hundred feet before the Spurgeon’s Island site.
“About 16 river miles in the Watauga River, which joins the Holston just south of the Spurgeon Island area would be used for backwater flow, according to unofficial maps. Places in the immediate lake area along Watauga River include Hall Ford, Derrick’s Bend, Mackyfield Bluff, and others farther southeastward along the river.
“The lake region is somewhat ridgy. It includes parts of Hunt Ridge, Dunlap Hollow, Ayers Ridge, Dunlap Hollow, Miller Ridge, Cook Valley, Rutherford Ridge, Chestnut Ridge, and Rock Springs Valley. The lake area, in some cases, includes only extensions of the ridges.
“People who would likely be most affected by the water live between the dams at Moody Bluff, Hemlock, Shipley’s Ferry, Brown Island, Dorn Bluff, Baker’s Bluff, Talley Island and Spurgeon’s Island.
“The fate of the two dams rest in the hands of TVA and the United States Government, who also hold in their hands the destination of Tri-Cities Areas as an industrial, agricultural, and recreational ‘first place’ in the nation.”
Spurgeon’s Island was near Boone Lake, and Wexler’s Bend was near Fort Patrick Henry Dam.
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