Bob Cox's Yesteryear

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

1930 SHHS Home Economics Department Created Diet with Catchy Name

A January 1930 Johnson City Chronicle newspaper clipping concerning a unique program promoted by Johnson City High School’s (Science Hill) Home Economics Department had an eye-catching title, “Menus Planned by Students for Fat Folks.”

10-18-2010

Schools

1925 Ford Drew Hoards of Anxious Buyers to Showrooms

In 1925, an acknowledgement was made that although several automobile manufacturers had been building motorcars since 1900, it was the inimitable Henry Ford who produced a vehicle that exceeded the realm of manufacture to become an institution.

10-11-2010

Conveyences

Whalen, Mountain Heroine Averted Train Wreck in 1874

Today’s column is the story of Julia Whalen, a young girl unknown in the annals of East Tennessee folklore except for one brief moment of valor displayed in a near train collision in the vicinity of Carter’s Station (Elizabethton) on the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia (ETV&G) Railroad in December 1874.

10-04-2010

Conveyences

Civil War Book Further Corroborates White Rock Collapse Story

This past January, I wrote about White Rock Summit, the tallest peak on Buffalo Mountain that collapsed in 1882, as reported by several newspapers around the country. The massive rockslide was precipitated by two weeksof steady rain that flooded a sizable portion of East Tennessee that extended west to Knoxville. Damage was widespread.

09-27-2010

Local Sites

Carter Memories: 1983 Book Still the Standard for Capturing Early Tales of Famous Family

Over the years, countless old-time Appalachian music lovers have pleasant memories of attending the Carter Family Fold in Maces Springs, VA on Saturday nights. Located in Poor Valley just outside Hiltons in the beautiful Clinch Mountains of Southwest Virginia, the quaint atmosphere of the rustic Fold is a favorite setting for those who love the musical genre once popularized by The Carter Family.

09-27-2010

Music

Robert Fickle's Diary Spoke of Floods along Brush Creek

Brush Creek is a stream of water that is very familiar to Johnson Citians, largely because of its long history of flooding. The name is reported to have originated with Abraham Jobe who owned land along the creek in what became the business section of the town. He once related that a heavy mass of red brush grew along the creek and obstructed the view except for those riding on horseback. Apparently, the name stuck.

09-20-2010

Weather

Tweetsie, Folksy Narrow Gauge Railroad, Served Community Well

The East Tennessee and Western North Carolina’s (ET&WNC) narrow gauge railroad, affectionately known as Tweetsie, can be traced to 1881 when it began trekking between Johnson City and Hampton and a year later to Boone.

09-13-2010

Conveyences

Mrs. Alf Taylor Jr. Was Huge Fan of Uncle Wiggily Longears

During 1952-53, I was in Mrs. Fannie Taylor’s fourth grade class at Henry Johnson School opposite Kiwanis Park. She was the wife of Alf Taylor, whose father, Alf, was a former Tennessee Governor. Subjects included reading, writing, arithmetic, spelling, English, geography, health, music and library.

09-06-2010

Schools

The "Clinchfield Route" Was a Romance in Railroad Building

An April 1939 article in the Johnson City Chronicle and Staff News provides specifics of the building of a new and difficult train route across the Blue Ridge Mountains. The title was “The Building of ‘The Clinchfield Route’ - A Romance in Railroad Construction.”

08-30-2010

Conveyences

Were You a Downtown Moviegoer? Take the Vintage Theatre, Film Quiz

Today’s column is a nostalgic quiz covering downtown Johnson City movie theatres and favorite motion pictures that were projected on their big screens. Older residents can readily recall four movie houses that entertained the masses.

08-30-2010

Entertainment

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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