Bob Cox's Yesteryear

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What humorous prank did WBEJ radio disc jockey Hap Henley pull to determine if people were listening to him on the radio?

A 1918 hand-drawn invitation was sent to a select group of guests for a fox hunt honoring Alf Taylor. Where was it held?

What business was located directly under Jobe’s Opera House at the corner of E. Main and Spring streets?

How did the Princeton Arts Center get its name and what was the original use of the building?

A July 11, 1884 obituary noted that a local 27-year-old resident died from flux. What is another name for flux?

In August 1937, the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus appeared on the E. Main Street circus grounds. Who was the major live attraction?

What unusual event took place in Johnson City in 1910 that dealt with the city’s founder, Henry Johnson?

During the city's 1897 July 4th celebration, the festivities moved from downtown to where to engage in water activities?

What company used a blue horse head to advertise “50,000 Prizes For All You Lucky Boys And Girls?”

In 1910, a successful local resident, Sam Guinn, patented and began manufacturing what innovation?

What three containers did rural mail carriers routinely encounter when delivering mail along country roads?

What favorite downtown eatery on E. Main Street in the 1940s was known as “Uncle Arthur’s Place?

Bob Taylor's book titled "Gov. Taylor's Love Letter to the Public" contains a chapter on drummers. What are drummers?

What was there in Ointments for Catarrh, a leading medicine of 1892, that caused a serious health concern?

Researching two old tin signs, Pedigo Co. and Pierces Quality Shop, reveal something unusual about business addresses along E. Main. What?

What was a handwritten poem composed during World War later typed on that was about the only thing available?

During Christmas 1909, one youngster asked Santa for a Morrow Coast Brake bicycle. What is the unique feature of this bike that made it so popular?

Howdy Doody, a popular kid's show in the 1950s, featured a puppet with 48 freckles on his face. What did they represent?

In 1890, Science Hill Male and Female Institute became three schools: Science Hill, Langston and a grammar school named what?

Years ago, youngsters frequently enjoyed the game of marbles, usually at recess. There were two versions: "funsies" and "keepsies." What was the difference?

Who two hospitals over time occupied 109 W. Market Street across the street from the Southern Depot?

The Unaka and City National Bank was taken over by what bank on Sept. 30, 1932?

What radio show sponsored by Pet Dairy Company aired each Saturday morning over WJHL-AM for area youngsters?

Tweetsie, the narrow gauge railroad, had a whistle that was more of a greeting than a warning with what exception?

True or False. Dinty Moore's eatery underwent four locations in Johnson City with two on E. Main Street and two on E. Market?

Pat Watson’s Trading Post on Spring Street in the 1950s was focused on exchanging and selling what kinds of products?

A reader submitted 30 valentines from 1952 that came from what downtown elementary school?

While steam radiators were once very popular in homes, they exhibited on annoying trait. What was it?

George and Mary Parker introduced what novel concept to their original restaurant that they learned in Washington DC?

Bob and Alf Taylor used to go to a popular site on Buffalo Mountain known as Waterspout for what purpose?

What was the lowest temperature that Ray A. Mettetal, an RFD mail carrier, ever experience on his route?

During December 1906, Gov. Bob Taylor submitted a depiction to The Comet newspaper, offering his views on what timely subject?

What unusual discipline did West Side School first grad teacher, Mildred Taylor, inflict on unruly students?

There were 16 clubs at Junior High School in 1940. All but one had a sponsor and three student officers. Which one amusingly had no student officers?

What food delicacies did owner Otto Burgner introduce to patrons of the Dutch Maid Drive-In, including one that he pioneered?

Five overseas East Tennessee Seabees sent V-Mail letters during Christmas to the Press-Chronicle for what purpose?

Why did mountaineer potters in the Unaka Mountains prefer the kick-wheel over a power-wheel?

What was the stated reason for the demolition of the Main Street side of Gumps and Jobe's Opera House upstairs in 1909?

Tweetsie made its final roundtrip run on Oct. 16, 1950, traveling from Johnson City to what North Carolina city?

What cultural event with a name meaning, “two moccasins tied together,” became an annual recreational and learning university?

What city school was purported held together by chewing gum put there by ages of students?

Where does Hacker Martin Mill that once stood along Cedar Creek in Gray, TN now reside?

Bob Williams opened Williams Grocery in 1938. Later, his son, Lee, assumed ownershop. Where was it located?

What W. Market jewelry store also contain a barbershop with a carnival horse where youngsters could sit while getting trimmed?

What occurred at 12:00 noon on Friday, July 15, 1949 from 200 miles away that had a big impact on Johnson Citians?

In 1956, what radio station broadcast a remote "Musical Penthouse" atop the Dutch Maid Restaurant in Elizabethton from Monday through Saturday?

When Franklin D. Roosevelt closed all banks in early 1933, what bank had scrip printed that could be used while currency was frozen.

What grammar school once stood on a hill at the intersection of West Main and Watauga?

Travelling to Johnson City in 1912 was done two ways, by farm wagon and by ferry. Where was the ferry located?

If we could travel back to downtown Johnson City on Jan. 9, 1908, we would find no model T cars anywhere. Why?

View Masters cards had v-notches on them for what purpose? How many stereo views were on a card?

What fountain in downtown Johnson City began bubbling on July 7, 1922?

What three reasons likely caused Beckner's Jewelers to close in late 1985, just months shy of its 100th birthday?

Why was the "Lady of the Fountain" named after Walter P. Brownlow?

What automobile dealership was located between the Silk Mill and Fire Hall at 401 W. Market in 1939?

When early Rescue Squad members responded to emergencies, did their respective employers pay them for time not worked?

What mountainous barrier impeded the progress of early pioneers as they made their way through the Wilderness Trail?

What did the Darling Shop and the London Kirkpatrick Hardware have in common?

City resident remembers her father's revelation about his playing poker with Al Capone in what downtown hotel in the 1920s?

What famous hero of the Battle of King's Mountain, SC became the governor of the short-lived State of Franklin?

Earl Hicks Produce was located for years on W. Market at Commerce. Where was the storage facilty that he rented located?

What did the city do to help passengers transition from riding electric trolleys to boarding gas engine buses?

A 1939 SHHS "Commercial News" student publication mentioned that a student brought an antique typewritter to typing class. What was unusual about it?

What name was given to individuals in 1910 whose job was to detect contageous diseases and isolate them from the public?

Science Hill's new gym was officially dedicated on Nov. 21, 1961 with a basketball game with what visiting team?

What treasure trove of information was contained in the 1921 edition of Science Hill's "The Wataugan?"

Performances at Soldiers' Home's Memorial Hall had to conclude by 9:30 p.m. each day for what two reasons?

Johnson City's trolley system operated from 1892 until 1931, traveling to four destinations several times a day. Where was the trolley barn?

What ingredient was in Jamaca Ginger that caused partial paralysis, a malady known as "Jake Leg," when ingested?

What popular downtown drugstore was located on the first floor of a two-story building with "King" and "1907" engraved across the top of it?

Gwen Terasaki's book and motion picture dealt with her relocating to what country? What famous actress played her part?

What was the name of the 25-acre “lovers’ lane” hideout that was once situated along the Holston River just below what is now Boone Dam?

What product was associated with five red and white signs that once populated major highways?

The "Lady of the Fountain" was moved in 1937 from its original Fountain Square location to what nearby site?

The Comet newspaper noted improvements made to the city in 1904. What were they?

What remedy did Artie Isenberg, an early horse-riding physician, prescribe to two youngsters who had eaten too many mulberries?

"Sleep," "Walking the Dog," Cat's Cradle," and "Shoot the Moon," were terms associated with what favorite activity at the Red Shield Boys' Club

What brand of automobiles did H.R. Parrott Motor Co. in Johnson City sell?

About 1950, Some of the guys at the Boys' Club spent their free time at the shop of “Brownlow, the Radio Man” on Walnut Street. Why?

What East Market Street downtown hotels shared the same location over the years?

What four distingished guests visited Johnson City in 1918 while on an outdoor camping expedition?

What did the "f" and "t" symbols pn the South and Western Railroad Co. Train Schedule Mean

What four turntable speeds were standard on record players in the 1940s and 1950s?

Name the short dedicated Tennessee History teacher at Junior High School who had a strained voice and somewhat cranky disposition?

What unique fire safety device did Martha Wilder School have that was the envy of other schools?

What movie theatre in downtown Johnson City featured the first 3D movie to be shown?

What two grammar schools in Johnson City located less than a mile apart once shared the same name?

What well-known business was located adjacent to the Carnegie Hotel in the early 1900s?

In 1901, Bristol, Tennessee was Overrun by hobos during the visit of what famous lawyer?

Johnson City's annual Preaching Mission became a reality during lunch at what popular downtown eatery in 1955.

The Dutch Maid Drive-In came about after the owners purchased the Dixie Maid and changed its name. Was this in Elizabethton or Johnson City?

The Hart and Houston Store that once occupied 315-317 E. Main moved in 1928 to 300 E. Main and acquired what new name?

What lesser-known cowboy actor and western songster made 28 movies, most showing at the Liberty Theatre.

Johnson City was once called Johnson's Tank for a water tank that stood on property that later became the site of what?

One of the most significant events in history occurred at the Majestic Threatre on Monday, Sept. 17, 1928. What was it?

On March 30, 1976, McElyea Shoe Repair and Harness Shop went out of business. The yellow building built in 1907 was located where?

What is the very impressive moniker that the Chamber of Commerce gave Johnson City in its 1921 annual booklet?

John Buda, owner of John’s Sandwich Shop, was famous for what yummy fast food product?

My new book is available!

Click here to view on Amazon.com

Journey back to the time of the vaudeville era, radio jamboree, and old-time hillbilly music. This trip comes courtesy of a suitcase lost for 50 years documenting the career of Fiddlin’ Charlie Bowman and his fellow performers through photos, personal letters, and newspaper clippings.

A note by Tony Russell

The joy of this book is that in its scores of images we see every step of Charlie Bowman’s journey. A list of his wins in fiddling contests. In stage makeup among the pranksters of The Hill Billies. In the sharp-suited Rice Brothers Gang, the only band member wearing the hillbilly’s check shirt and overalls. Promotional ten-by-eights, newspaper ads, radio logs, postcards, record labels, telegrams, letters ...

Bob Cox's Yesteryear: 700 Northeast Tennessee history articles are currently uploaded on this website with new ones being added weekly. Use the "Search" button on the top left to locate a desired subject. Use quotes to narrow the search.

Do you enjoy reading about the history of Northeast Tennessee and surrounding area? If so, welcome to "Bob Cox's Yesteryear" website (aka "Archives of Yesteryear"), containing my local history columns and features, most of which have appeared on Monday's History/Heritage page of the Johnson City (Tennessee) Press newspaper: www.johnsoncitypress.com.

Since new articles are being added weekly, check back frequently. Also, use the "Search this site" button at the left or click on "article catagories" to find subjects of interest. Use quotation marks to narrow your search. Click on the photos along the right side and the corresponding article will be shown.

Subjects deal with the glorious beginnings of this beautiful Appalachian mountainous region. My primary focus lies mainly within Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina, with particular emphasis on Johnson City, Tennessee. Click on any photo along the right side and you will be directed to the corresponding article. I am currently in the process of adding many new photos to my articles.

Click on "Photo Galleries" at the top left to preview all the photos contained in my articles. The rotating questions at the top can be answered by clicking on them, which takes you to the article that contains the answer. So now ... sit back, relax and return with us to those glorious carefree days of yesteryear. I can be reached at boblcox@bcyesteryear.com.

Another great fully developed history website to explore is Henry's website: www.johnsonsdepot.com.

Plans for 3-Phase John Sevier Hotel Came up Short in 1930s

In September 1928, the Johnson City Chronicle announced that there were plans to proceed with the second of three expansions of the John Sevier Hotel. The first one, having 130 beds, was completed in 1924 on property adjacent to the Southern Depot. The second unit was to be appended to the south side of the first.

03-26-2012

Lodging

Readers Response Over the Years to My Montag Blue Horse Article

Since I wrote a column in August 2006 about Atlanta’s Montag Brothers Paper Company’s clever Blue Horse awards marketing promotion, I have received a steady flow of flow of comments. My column noted that literally millions of Blue Horse heads were exchanged for cash and prizes, making Montag one of the largest paper companies in the industry by 1950.

03-19-2012

Schools

Gentry Brothers Famous Shows Wowed Johnson Citians in 1915

Tuesday, September 14, 1915 was an exciting day for circus lovers in Johnson City. At 6:00 a.m., as the sun slowly began to disperse the darkness in the morning sky, the first array of circus trains began to appear in the city.

03-12-2012

Entertainment

New High School, Other Amenities Suggested in 1946

My History/Heritage page feature last week dealt with the opening of a new Science Hill High School at N. Roan Street and John Exum Parkway. A different location was proposed in 1946 when C. Howard McCorkle, then principal of the school, sent a letter to the Johnson City Planning Commission proposing a 4-part program:

03-05-2012

Schools

1950 Milligan College Student Publication Spelled Out Draft Rules

The Selective Service Act was implemented during Woodrow Wilson's presidency in 1917 because the government wanted to ensure that the country’s military services had enough qualified men.

02-27-2012

Military

Out with the Old and In with a New Science Hill High School in 1961

Monday, March 6, 1961 was a much-anticipated day for Science Hill High School students. On that date, the majestic old downtown high school building that was razed and rebuilt in 1910 on what students referred to as “The Hill,” ceased to be the city’s main high school.

02-27-2012

Schools

Press Reader Comments on People Named in C.E. Rogers Article

My January 9 column concerning the retirement of former Johnson City School Superintendent, C.E. Rogers, prompted a letter from Ms. Pat Willard, who commented about several of the people mentioned in the article.

02-20-2012

Schools

What was the Name of This 1950s “Mom and Pop” Eatery?

In 1953, Johnson City had 62 mostly “Mom and Pop” restaurants in the Johnson City area. Most were located within a short distance of the downtown Fountain Square area for the convenience of shoppers and workers.

02-13-2012

Eateries

Recalling Jiffy Burger, Science Hill High School’s “J” Club”

Lewis Brown commented on my Nov. 21 reader response column in which Thomas Beckner mentioned the Krystal-type hamburger place in Johnson City that was across from the old Hamilton Bank building on E. Main. Tom believed the burgers were five or ten cents each. He said he could still recall the smell of the place.

02-06-2012

Other

Henny Was to Two Local Residents What Mickey Mouse Was to Disney

In 1958, the late Dorothy Hamill, Johnson City Press-Chronicle writer, interviewed the executives of Dale and Carroll Productions, a local animated cartoon production enterprise.

01-30-2012

Entertainment

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What humorous prank did WBEJ radio disc jockey Hap Henley pull to determine if people were listening to him on the radio?

A 1918 hand-drawn invitation was sent to a select group of guests for a fox hunt honoring Alf Taylor. Where was it held?

What business was located directly under Jobe’s Opera House at the corner of E. Main and Spring streets?

How did the Princeton Arts Center get its name and what was the original use of the building?

A July 11, 1884 obituary noted that a local 27-year-old resident died from flux. What is another name for flux?

In August 1937, the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus appeared on the E. Main Street circus grounds. Who was the major live attraction?

What unusual event took place in Johnson City in 1910 that dealt with the city’s founder, Henry Johnson?

During the city's 1897 July 4th celebration, the festivities moved from downtown to where to engage in water activities?

What company used a blue horse head to advertise “50,000 Prizes For All You Lucky Boys And Girls?”

In 1910, a successful local resident, Sam Guinn, patented and began manufacturing what innovation?

What three containers did rural mail carriers routinely encounter when delivering mail along country roads?

What favorite downtown eatery on E. Main Street in the 1940s was known as “Uncle Arthur’s Place?

Bob Taylor's book titled "Gov. Taylor's Love Letter to the Public" contains a chapter on drummers. What are drummers?

What was there in Ointments for Catarrh, a leading medicine of 1892, that caused a serious health concern?

Researching two old tin signs, Pedigo Co. and Pierces Quality Shop, reveal something unusual about business addresses along E. Main. What?

What was a handwritten poem composed during World War later typed on that was about the only thing available?

During Christmas 1909, one youngster asked Santa for a Morrow Coast Brake bicycle. What is the unique feature of this bike that made it so popular?

Howdy Doody, a popular kid's show in the 1950s, featured a puppet with 48 freckles on his face. What did they represent?

In 1890, Science Hill Male and Female Institute became three schools: Science Hill, Langston and a grammar school named what?

Years ago, youngsters frequently enjoyed the game of marbles, usually at recess. There were two versions: "funsies" and "keepsies." What was the difference?

Who two hospitals over time occupied 109 W. Market Street across the street from the Southern Depot?

The Unaka and City National Bank was taken over by what bank on Sept. 30, 1932?

What radio show sponsored by Pet Dairy Company aired each Saturday morning over WJHL-AM for area youngsters?

Tweetsie, the narrow gauge railroad, had a whistle that was more of a greeting than a warning with what exception?

True or False. Dinty Moore's eatery underwent four locations in Johnson City with two on E. Main Street and two on E. Market?

Pat Watson’s Trading Post on Spring Street in the 1950s was focused on exchanging and selling what kinds of products?

A reader submitted 30 valentines from 1952 that came from what downtown elementary school?

While steam radiators were once very popular in homes, they exhibited on annoying trait. What was it?

George and Mary Parker introduced what novel concept to their original restaurant that they learned in Washington DC?

Bob and Alf Taylor used to go to a popular site on Buffalo Mountain known as Waterspout for what purpose?

What was the lowest temperature that Ray A. Mettetal, an RFD mail carrier, ever experience on his route?

During December 1906, Gov. Bob Taylor submitted a depiction to The Comet newspaper, offering his views on what timely subject?

What unusual discipline did West Side School first grad teacher, Mildred Taylor, inflict on unruly students?

There were 16 clubs at Junior High School in 1940. All but one had a sponsor and three student officers. Which one amusingly had no student officers?

What food delicacies did owner Otto Burgner introduce to patrons of the Dutch Maid Drive-In, including one that he pioneered?

Five overseas East Tennessee Seabees sent V-Mail letters during Christmas to the Press-Chronicle for what purpose?

Why did mountaineer potters in the Unaka Mountains prefer the kick-wheel over a power-wheel?

What was the stated reason for the demolition of the Main Street side of Gumps and Jobe's Opera House upstairs in 1909?

Tweetsie made its final roundtrip run on Oct. 16, 1950, traveling from Johnson City to what North Carolina city?

What cultural event with a name meaning, “two moccasins tied together,” became an annual recreational and learning university?

What city school was purported held together by chewing gum put there by ages of students?

Where does Hacker Martin Mill that once stood along Cedar Creek in Gray, TN now reside?

Bob Williams opened Williams Grocery in 1938. Later, his son, Lee, assumed ownershop. Where was it located?

What W. Market jewelry store also contain a barbershop with a carnival horse where youngsters could sit while getting trimmed?

What occurred at 12:00 noon on Friday, July 15, 1949 from 200 miles away that had a big impact on Johnson Citians?

In 1956, what radio station broadcast a remote "Musical Penthouse" atop the Dutch Maid Restaurant in Elizabethton from Monday through Saturday?

When Franklin D. Roosevelt closed all banks in early 1933, what bank had scrip printed that could be used while currency was frozen.

What grammar school once stood on a hill at the intersection of West Main and Watauga?

Travelling to Johnson City in 1912 was done two ways, by farm wagon and by ferry. Where was the ferry located?

If we could travel back to downtown Johnson City on Jan. 9, 1908, we would find no model T cars anywhere. Why?

View Masters cards had v-notches on them for what purpose? How many stereo views were on a card?

What fountain in downtown Johnson City began bubbling on July 7, 1922?

What three reasons likely caused Beckner's Jewelers to close in late 1985, just months shy of its 100th birthday?

Why was the "Lady of the Fountain" named after Walter P. Brownlow?

What automobile dealership was located between the Silk Mill and Fire Hall at 401 W. Market in 1939?

When early Rescue Squad members responded to emergencies, did their respective employers pay them for time not worked?

What mountainous barrier impeded the progress of early pioneers as they made their way through the Wilderness Trail?

What did the Darling Shop and the London Kirkpatrick Hardware have in common?

City resident remembers her father's revelation about his playing poker with Al Capone in what downtown hotel in the 1920s?

What famous hero of the Battle of King's Mountain, SC became the governor of the short-lived State of Franklin?

Earl Hicks Produce was located for years on W. Market at Commerce. Where was the storage facilty that he rented located?

What did the city do to help passengers transition from riding electric trolleys to boarding gas engine buses?

A 1939 SHHS "Commercial News" student publication mentioned that a student brought an antique typewritter to typing class. What was unusual about it?

What name was given to individuals in 1910 whose job was to detect contageous diseases and isolate them from the public?

Science Hill's new gym was officially dedicated on Nov. 21, 1961 with a basketball game with what visiting team?

What treasure trove of information was contained in the 1921 edition of Science Hill's "The Wataugan?"

Performances at Soldiers' Home's Memorial Hall had to conclude by 9:30 p.m. each day for what two reasons?

Johnson City's trolley system operated from 1892 until 1931, traveling to four destinations several times a day. Where was the trolley barn?

What ingredient was in Jamaca Ginger that caused partial paralysis, a malady known as "Jake Leg," when ingested?

What popular downtown drugstore was located on the first floor of a two-story building with "King" and "1907" engraved across the top of it?

Gwen Terasaki's book and motion picture dealt with her relocating to what country? What famous actress played her part?

What was the name of the 25-acre “lovers’ lane” hideout that was once situated along the Holston River just below what is now Boone Dam?

What product was associated with five red and white signs that once populated major highways?

The "Lady of the Fountain" was moved in 1937 from its original Fountain Square location to what nearby site?

The Comet newspaper noted improvements made to the city in 1904. What were they?

What remedy did Artie Isenberg, an early horse-riding physician, prescribe to two youngsters who had eaten too many mulberries?

"Sleep," "Walking the Dog," Cat's Cradle," and "Shoot the Moon," were terms associated with what favorite activity at the Red Shield Boys' Club