On Wednesday evening, November 29, 1905, Martha Wilder Elementary School announced one of its upcoming “treats” of the school year. Teachers and students jointly arranged for an evening of entertainment that proved very pleasurable and “made everyone happier for awhile.”

While no admittance to the event was charged, the school conducted a fundraiser that was aimed at buying a much-needed piano. It was suggested that parents bring family and friends to assist in the effort.

Martha Wilder School as It Appeared in 1905

One attraction was a palmist who agreed to offer her services for a modest fee, which was afterward donated back to the school. Her participation was humorously advertised: “She will tell you what you don't know and say nothing about what you do know.” 

A “fish pond,” which was not described as being real or artificial but was likely the latter, was advertised as follows: “It will have as good a supply of fish in it as those that 'got away,' only these fish won't get away.” When someone hooked, he or she had the option of keeping it or giving it to one of their friends. It was explained that the more hooks someone had in it, the more fish they were sure to catch.

The location was described as “the sweetest place at the gathering” because of all the candy it possessed. One sign said, “There will be candy, and some more candy and then even more candy from the booth, also some home-made fudge in most imposing boxes. The ladies were especially interested in some very nice bits of fancy work that was donated by different persons.

The outing was held on the day before thanksgiving; the weather was possibly so chilly that it required refreshments in the form of hot coffee or chocolate, along with sandwiches and cakes (and of course candy).

The teachers and students worked hard for the success of their special evening and promised to continue their efforts until the  conclusion of the “treat.” They did this to guarantee that each and every one attending would have a pleasant evening. They wanted to do their part to aid one of the city schools in securing the things that go to make school life easier for both pupil and teacher.

While lacking in details, the entertainment was described as being one of the best and everyone who possessed any deep interest and support for the public school lend their aid in every way possible. 

Also on that same date, the school, through it principal, J. Frank Davidson, announced their list of “Star Pupils,” which today we refer to as honor roll students, including their academic scores, all of which had a score of 90 or above:

First Grade, Miss Eiseman: Lona Calloway 92 and Ralph Allison, 90.

First Grade, Miss Campbell: Lethia Moore 92, Guy Smith 92, Pearl Bowman 91, Nannie Weaver 91 and Irene Browning 90.

Second Grade, Miss Painter: Helen Vance 95, Elizabeth Osborne 94 and Mary Osborne 93.

Third Grade, Miss Burrow: Nora Johnson 90, Ethel White 90 and Sallie Wilson 90.

Third Grade, M.E. Brown: Frank St. John 95, Elizabeth Dunn 94, Lottie Carroll 94, Elsie Rose 94, James Blair 94, Whitney Buck 94, Roy Vandergrift, 92 George D. Hardin 91 and Allen Artz 91.

Fourth Grade, Miss Connelly: Mildred Wetherby 94, Marcia Wetherby 93, Charlie Hyder 93, Rebecca Able 92, Anna Phipps 92, Mary Dean Prease 91, Mary Taylor 91, Melvia Taylor 91, Elizabeth Martin 91 and Eugene Taylor 90.

Fifth Grade, Miss Slack: Henrietta Johnson 92, Pearl Hoss 92, Hugh Hoss 92, Joe Ellsworth 91, Pell Vance 91, Stewart Maher 91, Worley Morrell 90, Nettie Gibbs 91, Louise Parsons 91 and Ruby McClain 90.

Sixth Grade, (no teacher listed): Cyrus Lyle 96, Mary Kerp 95, Zeb Taylor 92, Lucy Lee 91 and Carl Bush 90.

I would like to hear from you if you know anything about this long deceased grammar school or can identify a family member or friend in the list.

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In May 1933, Tennessee was set to activate the plan of President Roosevelt. Folks along the banks of the Tennessee River were preparing for the “New Deal.” One unidentified southern resident offered this delightful description of the situation:

“The Tennessee River, which runs about 650 miles, is formed by the confluence of the Holston and French Broad rivers near Knoxville, TN and follows a U-shaped course to enter the Ohio River at Paducah, Ky. Navigation has long been impeded by variations in channel depths and by rapids, such as those at Muscle Shoals.

“However, the Tennessee Valley Authority converted the river into a chain of lakes held back by nine major dams. As a result, river traffic increased, flooding was controlled, a water-oriented recreation industry was established and hydroelectric power generated at the dams attracted new industries to the region.

“The languid Tennessee, Belle of the South's river clan and coquettish like a debutante, is ready for its billion dollar coming-out party with President Roosevelt serving as chaperon.

“It is a lazy old river, haughty with its heritage of romance and glamour, and the folks who stir the dirt of its valleys and dig the wealth of its hills are proud that the Tennessee has been chosen by the President for a gigantic experiment of development.

“For unless the best laid plans of men go awry, the Tennessee, “Tenne-seeee” as locals call it, will be the government's lucky charm for the forgotten man, the first trump of the new deal.

A Stereoscope Card Made for 3-D Viewing Shows Photo Taken on Banks of Tennessee River

“The Tennessee is the favorite child of Dixie's river family. The South holds the Mississippi as headman of the bunch and fears the capers of the Arkansas, but the Tennessee, from its source to its mouth, is the pride and joy of river lovers with its 900 miles of power. It is formed at Knoxville by the Holston and Broad rivers along with numerous mountain streams.

“At Knoxville, it bents south. The Great Smoky Mountains, the venerable hills that were old when the gardens of Babylon were new are to the west. Factories dot its banks. Tobacco and grain farms splotch its valleys like green silk in a patchwork quilt.

“The Tennessee gathers speed as it hurries toward Chattanooga, sweeping around great bends and singing a symphony of strength. Its waters turn giant wheels and of its power are born things men need, such as cloth and furniture.

“The mountains fall away as the river hustles down its path, but rises again as it reaches Chattanooga. It makes a hairpin turn at Moccasin Bend and salutes Lookout Mountain, the last mountain sentinel on its southward course and then runs off, being Alabama bound.

“All of a sudden, the country starts to look different. The folks are notably different. Cotton takes the place of wheat and men along the banks follow plows instead of fancy machinery. But the mighty river doesn't change; it waters the land that feeds  the folks. At Guntersville, it changes its mind and, instead of continuing south, sweeps around a bend and heads north again. The climb is tortuous even for the powerful Tennessee.

“It gathered all its strength and makes a spectacular plunge toward Muscle Shoals. There nature cuts a hole in its bed and the Tennessee roars and tosses over the shoals, picking its way through Wilson Dam and then tears away again, free to run its race to the Ohio River.”

Roosevelt's plan came that same year on May 18 in the form of the newly-acted Tennessee Valley Authority. TVA addressed a wide range of environmental, economic, and technological issues, including the delivery of low-cost electricity and the management of natural resources. The Tennessee River would never be the same.

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Davy Crockett (1786–1836), frontiersman, congressman and defender of the Alamo, was born to a pioneer family living on the Nolichucky River near Limestone in East Tennessee. The rugged outdoorsman is referred to by many as the ‘King of the Wild Frontier,” as in the chorus of the famous Walt Disney song. He was raised in East Tennessee and acquired a solid reputation for his enjoyment of storytelling, hunting and fishing.

The noted pioneer became a colonel for the Lawrence County, Tennessee Militia and was later elected to the Tennessee State Legislature. He became a member of the U.S. Congress in 1827 and was known for his opposing much of Andrew Jackson's efforts, specifically opposing the Indian Removal Act.

Davy Crockett Decked Out  in Hunting Garb Along With Three Trusty Canine Friends

Today's column contains one of many anecdotes taken from the woodsman’s journals that he maintained while in Congress. As any wearer of a coonskin cap can enlighten you, Col. Crockett, as he became known, served his western Tennessee district in Congress for three terms: in the 20th, 21st and 23rd Congresses.

When Davy first went to Congress, he traveled by horseback, stagecoach and often by river steamboat. Toward the end of his last term, Davy’s doctor told him he ought to travel more for his health. According to his writings, which are on file, he left Washington by stage on April 26, 1834, heading for Baltimore, a journey of about 40 mile from the Capital. It seemed significantly longer because of having to travel over bumpy, dusty coach trails.

From Baltimore, Crockett traveled by steamboat to Frenchtown, Md. where he climbed aboard for his first train ride. After some delays, everyone got seated and they moved at a snail's pace as if they were impeded. However, the wheels began to take short breaths and away they sped, leaving behind a blue streak of smoke.”

While the train was whizzing along, Crockett started reading, but all of a suddenly, he burst out laughing. A traveling companion seated near him was curious about what was so funny. Davy explained without explanation: “That's no wonder the fellow's horses run off.”

Unknown to those seated around him that heard his answer, he was referring to an incident that had been reported by a man driving his wagon with a team of horses. He was crossing a railroad track at the same time that a train was rapidly approaching. 

Crockett read from his publication: “It was growing dark, and sparks were flying in all directions from the fast moving train. In sheer panic, his horses ran off causing the wagon to separate and break and the wagon's contents to be smashed into small pieces. The man ran to the house for help and when asked what scared off his horses, he amusingly replied that he did not know, but reasoned that it must have been something big that he hoped he never witnessed again.”  

On his way to New York, Davy booked a ride from Bordentown, N.J. on the newly opened Camden and Amboy Railroad. He clacked along the one-mile route to South Amboy, which he described as being the fastest ride of his life. He wrote that “the steam horse galloped along at a frightening speed of 25 miles an hour and nigh near knocked us from our perch. We were going so fast,” he said. “that I performed an experiment by throwing an object out the open window of the car and it came back and hit me smack in the face.”

All in all, Crockett was away on his sightseeing trip over 20 days. He later wrote that he was glad he did it, but he was a bit weary, saying: “There is something about swaying back and forth on a saddle that a man can't git over.” It is not known how many train rides, if any, Davy took after his first one. 

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I acquired an old brochure titled: “The Land of the Long Rifles Welcomes You to the Nation's Frontier Playground, East Tennessee.” Although the publication is not dated, I will address in my last paragraph two clues that identifies the date.

“Here is a country bordered by magnificent mountain ranges, network by great man-made lakes, rich in verdant fields and lush forests, watered by swift mountain streams – a paradise for the recreation and beauty seeker.

“The northern sector of this new vacationland is the 'Land of the Long Rifles,' it's natural beauty preserved much as when it lured famous pioneers and Indian-fighters-to-be over the mountains to settle in this wonderful land of promise.

“Through its green countryside still stride the shadows and legends of Daniel Boone, Andrew Jackson, Davy Crockett, John Robertson, John Sevier, Robert Young and the men in buckskin who marched to meet the British at Kings Mountain. Peopled by the vigorous Anglo-Saxon descendents of such men, this section today boasts rich farms, thriving industries and urban centers.

“Capital of the 'Land of the Long Rifles' is Johnson City, economic, educational, cultural, tourist and trading center for a population of 250,000 within a radius of 35 miles. Located on the Broadway of America (U.S. Highways 11-E, 19-W and 23), it is served by three railroads (the Southern, the Clinchfield and the ET&WNC), three airlines  (Capital, Piedmont and American) and five bus lines (Queen City Coach Co., Tennessee Coach Co., Yellow Coach Co., Johnson City Transit Co., and Washington County Bus Line).  A private plane facility, Tri-Cities Airport, is located only a mile from the city limits.

“Johnson City offers you excellent hotel, tourist home, motel and restaurant facilities. More than 400 rooms, each with a bath, are available.

“Headquartering here, you may make an endless variety of nearby scenic drives to historic points and take one day tours into Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina.

“Modern Johnson City has two four-year colleges (Milligan and East Tennessee State), excellently equipped and located on beautiful grounds.

“Shopping center to customers from four states, Johnson City's attractive stores transact more than $35 million in sales each year

“Excellent facilities for golf, swimming, tennis, horseback riding, bowling and similar sports are available to the recreation seeker. In addition to many other spectator sports, a St. Louis farm team promotes league baseball and each Thanksgiving, the annual Burly Bowl game matches two of the nation's top smaller college teams in a colorful football event.

“The visitor may choose from six theaters, enjoy “Little Theater,” college and legitimate stage productions. Johnson City is also on the regular circuit of many of America's top dance bands and concert artists.

“Nimrods (hunters) and Izaak Waltons (anglers) alike find happy hunting grounds near Johnson City. A short drive from modern accommodations here, you may fish in any of a number of lakes, rivers and mountain streams, teaming with small and large mouth bass, brook (speckled), rainbow and brown trout.

“And it's the same with hunting. Perhaps the best ruffed grouse hunting in the southeast is done within 20 miles of Johnson City. Quail, dove, duck, rabbits and squirrels are plentiful in the lowlands, and the state is extensively stocking dear, bear and turkey.

“Less than 20 miles from Johnson City are two great lakes formed by TVA dams. The South Holston is still under construction while Watauga Lake, just completed, offers the boating and fishing enthusiast hundreds of miles of shoreline for sport. It's level has the highest elevation of any TVA Lake. Watauga Dam, wedged between two mountains, is the world's highest earth-field Dam.

“You may choose from five separate highways leading into the majestic Appalachian range only a 30-minute drive. The summits of two of the most beautiful nearby mountains, Beauty Spot and Roan, may be reached by automobile. Wherever the visitor's fancy takes them, they are assured of an ever new panorama, breathtaking vistas and indelible memories of “The Land of the Long Rifles.”

“The gateway to the Cherokee National Forest, Johnson City has more than 30,000 residents who enjoy its delightful year-round climate and love its ever-changing panoramas. It was the land where liberty was proclaimed before the bell rang out in Philadelphia, a land of cool summer nights and mild winters, a land of 'sports afield and fish astream.' It bids you welcome every day of the year.

“We invite you to Johnson City to work, play, shop, tour, study and live.”

The brochure also contained several sketches and photographs that included the following: Photo 1: a caricature of Davy Crockett decked out in his native garb, Photo 2: (t to b) aerial view of Johnson City's business district; Memorial Stadium, the City Recreation Center; John Sevier Hotel, 10-story modern hotel; and Tri-City Airport. Photo 3: Mess Hall at Mountain Home Veterans' Center; New Science Building at East Tennessee State College; modern Johnson City motor courts and state and federal highways that traverse the mountains. 

As I previously noted, the date of the publication, while not specifically listed, can be determined from the comments about the South Holston Dam still being in construction (1942 to 1950) and the Watauga Lake Dam (1942 to 1948) having just been completed. The brochure was produced in 1949.

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In 1927, Miss Lucy Schaeffer, a former teacher at the Dorland Bell School in Hot Springs, NC addressed two missionary societies, asserting the position that no mentally dull or stupid person inhabited the mountainous districts of the Carolinas and Tennessee. Her talk, “The Land of Not Enough,” put a positive spin on mountain folks.

“The Southern mountaineers are a friendly people,” she alleged,” and they are not beggars. They are very anxious to give value received and their sense of humor is especially pronounced.”

Miss Schaeffer bought produce from an elderly farmer. She told the mountaineer that at the 500-acre farm of the institute, only 70 acres were tillable. She was deeply troubled by the presence of garlic and asked the man how to rid the property of it. His unexpected but clever reply was “That's easy. Just die and leave it.”

The speaker acknowledged that they manufactured moonshine up there, but not in the quantities to be found in other parts of the country. She spoke of a man who raised corn and hops and believed that he had a right to do as he liked with his own land. He was hailed before the Justice 11 times, but being a bright fellow, he pleaded his own case successfully and was cleared of the charge every time. When asked how many times he had been found guilty of making moonshine, he replied “11.”

Miss Schaeffer related the story of Jacob Coates, a poor white lad with a noble ambition, who not only worked his way through school, but also assisted in getting his two sisters and one brother educated.

Young Coates, like many others when he obtained an education, turned around and taught school and Sunday School in the back country so that others might enjoy what good had come to him. It was difficult to locate outside teachers who would abandon the comforts of civilization to teach in mountain schools. As a rule, the teachers were young people who had been born in the country district, but gladly returned to help their own kind.

A higher school of education in Asheville, North Carolina, also accommodated many of those seeking more than an elementary curriculum. The support of these schools came largely from the generous church folks of the North. At one time, second-hand clothing was sent to the schools in large quantities, but later the girls learned to make their own clothing from simple materials as a part of their school training course.

Diverse church denominations did not overlap in 1927 as they did 20 years prior, but the Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians and others laid out their districts and worked harmoniously without disagreement.

  

Moving a Log Via Horse-Drawn Wagon in Washington County in 1915

In a previous article I wrote about Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and John Burroughs taking refreshing vacations together in summer months.One day the four giants drove through the Tennessee mountains. Since night was fast approaching, they stopped and put their tent near some rustic cabins.

In the morning, Mr. Ford, awakened to gather firewood  to make coffee. He located a dead tree of fair size that had fallen across the road. About that time, he spied a lad, whom he asked to help him by fetching a crosscut saw and working the other end of it. The youngster complied with the request and brought back the tool.

After they had sawed off a few limbs, Mr. Ford asked him if he knew who was at the other end of the saw. He then identified himself, stunning the youngster.

 After waiting a few minutes, the young man replied, “Sir, do you know who is on my end of the saw? I am General Robert E. Lee,” firmly aligning his family's position in the Civil War. Ford, stunned by his unexpected remark thanked the lad and walked off.

Within a few weeks, a brand new Ford automobile could be heard cruising up a mountain road to the Lee family, sent there by the Detroit industrialist, who had humbly learned a lesson from a young Tennessee mountains boy.  

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I recently came across a listing of Saturday morning (“no school today”) television juvenile shows, ranging from 1946 through 1971. Since my family did not own a television set until about 1951, I had the option of going to a Johnson Avenue neighbor's house who owned a TV to watch a program or do without. The two generous neighbors I recall were the Gaines Johnson and William Wise families.

See how many programs you can recall. Howdy Doody stands high on my list, followed by Winky Dink and You, Sky King, Andy's Gang, Commando Cody, The Soupy Sales Show and Captain Kangaroo. See how many of these programs you can fondly remember:

1946-47: Birthday Party, Juvenile Jury, Small Fry Club.

1947-48: Howdy Doody, Lucky Pup, Scrapbook Jr. Edition, Winchell and Maroney.

1948-49: Adventures of Oky Doky, Captain Video and His Video Rangers, Cartoon Teletales, The Children’s Hour, Child’s World, Dunninger and Winchell, Judy Splinters, Kukla, Fran and Ollie, The Magic Cottage, Mr. I Magination, The Singing Lady, The Quiz Kids, Super Circus, Uncle Mistletoe and His Adventures.

Winky Dink and You

1949-50: The Big Top, Billy Boone and Cousin Kib, Cactus Jim, Children’s Sketch Book, Crash Corrigan’s Ranch, Life with Snarky Parker, Magic Slate, Sleepy Joe.

1950-51: Cowboys and Injuns, Kid Gloves, Fashion Magic, Sandy Strong, Rootie Kazootie, Space Patrol, Mr. Wizard.

1951-52: Foodini the Great, Hail the Champ!, Once Upon a Fence, Fearless Fosdick, Sky King, The Whistling Wizard.

1952-53: Atom Squad, Johnny Jupiter, The Ding Dong School, Lash of the West, There’s One in Every Family.

1953-54: The Pinky Lee Show, Rocky Jones, Space Ranger, Winky Dink and You.

1954-55: Andy’s Gang, Captain Gallant of the Foreign Legion, Captain Midnight, Children’s Corner, Commando Cody- Sky Marshall of the Universe, The Soupy Sales Show, Uncle Johnny Coons.

Howdy Doody, Clarabell, and Flub-A-Dub

1955-56: The Adventures of Robin Hood, Captain Kangaroo, Fury, The Mickey Mouse Club, My Friend Flicka, Tales of the Texas Rangers.

1956-57: American Bandstand, Circus Boy, Circus Time, The Galen Drake Show, The Gerald Mcboing-Boing Show.

1957-58: The Heckle and Jeckle Show, Gumby, Ruff and Reddy Show, Shariland.

1958-59: Shirley Temple’s Story Book, The Uncle Al Show.

1959-60: Matty’s Funday Funnies, Rocky and His Friends.

1960-61: The Bugs Bunny Show, The Flintstones, The Magic Land of Allakazam, Pip the Piper.

1961-62: The Alvin Show, Beany and Cech, The Bullwinkle Show, Magic Ranch.

1962-63: Cartoonsville, Magic Midway, Picture This.

1963-64: Fireball Xl-5, Hector Heathcote, Quick Draw Mcgraw, Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales.

1964-65: The Adventures of Johnny Quest, Hoppity Hooper Show, The Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo, Linus the Lion-Hearted, The Porky Pig Show.

Soupy Sales 

1965-66: Underdog, The Atom Ant Show, The Beatles, Milton the Monster, Magilla Gorilla, Tom and Jerry.

1966-67: Cool McCool, The Lone Ranger, The Monkees, The Road Runner, Space Ghost and Dino Boy.

1967-68: The Fantastic Four, George of the Jungle, Happening ’68, The Herculoids, Shazzan!, Spider-Man.

1968-69: The Archie Show, The Banana Splits Adventure Hour, The Batman/Superman Hour, The Go-Go Gophers.

1969-70: The Hardy Boys, H.R. Pufnstuf, The Pink Panther Show, Scooby Doo, The Smokey Bear Show.

1970-71: The Bugaloos, Harlem Globetrotters, Josie and The Pussycats, Woody Woodpecker.

I hope this list brought back some fond memories for you.

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Older folks will likely recall the opening theme of television's “The Cisco Kid?” It began with thrilling background music as Cisco and Pancho rode their horses, Diablo and Loco respectively, down a hill, paused briefly and then continued their descent. The narration was “Here's adventure. Here's romance. Here's O. Henry's famous Robin Hood of the Old West. 'The Cisco Kid.'”

Recently, I came across an old newspaper from Sept. 1980 informing readers that Duncan Renaldo, known affectionately as the “Cisco Kid,” who brought law and order to television's Wild West, had died at the age of 76. The actor was survived by his wife, Audrey; daughter, Stephanie; and three sons, Richard, Jeremy and Edwin. A funeral mass and private burial was held at Santa Barbara's Old Mission.

Duncan Renaldo's Popular Depiction of “The Cisco Kid”

The scoop on Renaldo was that he was arrested for illegal immigration in 1934. He had been a sailor on a ship that docked in Maryland in the late 1920s, but it caught fire at the pier and burned, stranding him in the United States. Cisco claimed that he was orphaned at an early age and was unsure where he was born, although he believed it was in Spain. He was actually born in Romania.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt granted him an unconditional pardon the day before he was to be released. Renaldo confessed later that the experience was “the single most interesting, yet tragic time of my life.”

A Dell Comic Book Depicting the Adventures of The Cisco Kid

The year 1940 found the budding actor starring in numerous western flicks, including being selected for the lead role in “The Cisco Kid” movies and four years later the television series. Cisco and his well-chosen sidekick, the good-humored Pancho, portrayed by Leo Carrillo, were cowboys who used their wits more than their guns to bring justice to the Old West.

The Cisco and Pancho characters were somewhat analogous to those of Robin Hood fame. Although the law regarded them as desperados, they secretly defended the weak and helpless, all the while dodging those who misunderstood their noble motives. One movie theatre ad humorously stated that Cisco was “wanted by 100 sheriffs, the U.S. Cavalry, and 500 senoritas.” The handsome, loveable “outlaw,” did his job well in spite of a farcical $5,000 reward hanging over his head.

A Young Duncan Renaldo as He Appeared at the Beginning of His Film Career

The dashing star was best known to America's first television generation for his starring in 156 episodes of “The Cisco Kid” (1949-56) and 164 theatre movies to his credit, including “The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1929),” “Zorro Rides Again” (1937), and “For Whom the Bell Tolls” (1943).

Those of us who fondly recall the “The Cisco Kid” will acknowledge that it was a respectable show. According to Duncan, “Pancho and I never killed anyone on the show. The kids who watched our films could go to bed at night and sport a smile on their faces with no fear of nightmares.”

Throughout the years, Renaldo credited his youngsters for his success. This included prayers from 17,000 young fans who once sent him get-well cards for a speedy recovery from a broken neck that he sustained in a 1953 accident during the filming of a scene.

A 1949 United Artists Theatre Lobby Card for “The Cisco Kid”

The show's memorable closing punch lines after a humorous situation occurred was a drawn out, “Ooooh Panchoooo, followed by “Ooooh Ceescoooo.” After a commercial break, the show concluded with the actors riding up on their horses with Cisco saying, “Goodbye amigos,” followed by Pancho's line, “See you soon, ha.” Afterward, they galloped into the sunset to seek another thrilling escapade for us expectant kids to watch.

To most western fans, the “real” “Cisco Kid” was Duncan Renaldo, although there were several others on radio, television and at movie theatres. The television show’s longevity is credited to the company's initial decision to film all shows in color and put them in syndication, an idea credited to Frederick Ziv, a visionary American broadcasting producer. This was done in spite of the fact that televisions in that era were black and white.

It's time to ride off in the sunset: “Goodbye amigos,” “See you soon, ha.” Those were the wonderful days of yesteryear.

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Obituary notices can be an excellent source of information, especially if your name was George L. Carter. A December 31, 1936 newspaper clipping offered a depiction of the man who was responsible for the early growth of Johnson City and, for half a century, was a leader in the industrial expansion of Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. 

The pioneer succumbed at the age of 79 in a Washington, DC hospital of a heart attack, after enduring pneumonia for a month; funeral services were held at Hillsville, VA, the town of his birth. Mr. Carter was son of Walter Carter, an officer in the Confederate Army, and Lucy Ann Jennings. She was the only sister of Charles L. Jennings, father of S.R. Jennings, a well-known Johnson City businessman.

George L. Carter Was Prime Mover of Industrial Development in the Area

The future industrialist began his career by working in a Hillsville general store and advanced from one position to another until his holdings extended over parts of several states, causing him to be widely known.

After being associated with lead mine operations at Austinville, VA, he became interested in the development and sale of iron ore properties and was associated with George T. Mills, a prominent railroad contractor. The two built the Dora Furnace at Pulaski, VA in the early 1890s.

During the “boom” days in this section, Mr. Carter founded the South Atlantic and Ohio Railroad, which ran from Bristol to Intermont near Appalachia, VA. He also organized the Bristol and Elizabethton rail systems, which extended between the two cities, mentioned in its name, and the Virginia and Southwestern railroads, running from Appalachia into Johnson County, Tennessee. This eventually became a part of the Southern Railway route.

For several years, during which Johnson City was in its most important formative stage, Mr. Carter resided here. He continued to maintain an interest in its welfare during the years after he made his headquarters elsewhere but always kept his attractive mansion near State Teachers College ready for immediate occupancy.

At the time of his death, Mr. Carter was said to own more Johnson City real estate than any other individual. The industrialist was intimately connected with the Teachers College, whose president, Dr. C.C. Sherrod, expressed deep regret at his passing.

According to Dr. Sherrod, if it hadn’t been for Mr. Carter, the college might not have been established in Johnson City. When construction of the institution was first broached in 1910, Mr. Carter offered to give the land near his home for the school site. Since he didn’t own all the land needed, in his characteristic fashion, he went out and purchased the remainder from Joe P. Lyle. In all, he donated 120 acres.

The George L. Carte House That Was Built in 1908 on the Campus of the Normal School

The industrialist's association with Kingsport was equally intimate. Those familiar with his career said he virtually “made” the city single-handed, and at one time owned practically all the property in the vicinity. He and his brother-in-law, J. Fred Johnson, were regarded as the two leading developers of the Sullivan County City. At the height of his personal wealth, Mr. Carter held 9,000 acres of land on the site of what is now Kingsport, as well as a quarter of a million acres in Russell and Dickenson counties, VA.

George's residence in Johnson City dated from 1907 to 1920. At the time of his death, he was living in the Hay-Adams house at 800 Sixteenth Street, Washington, DC but also had houses at Coalwood, WV., Hillsville, VA and Fort Chiswell, VA. At one time, Carter owned the Bristol Herald newspaper and was also active in banking circles in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

Survivors included his wife, Mrs. May Etta Wilkinson Carter, a native of Hillsville, president of the Carter Coal company, of which Mr. Carter was vice-president; and two sisters Mrs. M.W. Doggett of Kingsport and Mrs. R.G. Wilkinson of Hillsville. A brother, James died many years prior and a sister, Miss Ruth Carter, who married J. Fred Johnson of Kingsport, died two years earlier. 

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The Appalachian Trail is a 2,168-mile (2001) footpath for walkers. (According to a 1931 newspaper, it was originally planned for 1200 miles, but has been enlarged over time because of numerous modifications and rerouting.)

The massive, impressive project passes through 14 states: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Perhaps the best definition of the hikers' dream comes from the Appalachian Trial Conference that organized in 1931:

“The trail is a route, continuous from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia, for travel on foot through wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral and culturally significant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. It is a means of sojourning among these lands so that visitors may experience them by their own unaided efforts.

“In practice, the trail is usually a simple footpath, purposeful in direction and concept, favoring the heights of land and located for minimum reliance on construction for protecting the resources.”

Booklet Cover from the Appalachian Trail Club

The trail was provided by the lands it traversed and its survival depended on the living stewardship of its volunteers and workers along the Appalachian Trail communities.

The construction of it alongside the Appalachian summits and ridges, began in 1922 in the Bear Mountain and Harriman sections of the Palisades Interstate Park of New York and New Jersey. It was reported to be more than half finished at the fifth annual Appalachian Trail Conference held at Gatlinburg (“The Burg”), Tennessee at the western gateway of the new Smoky Mountain National Park.

The Appalachian Trail project was proposed in 1921 as an extension of regional planning for wilderness recreation through the American Institute of Architects. They seized upon the imagination of members of hearty volunteer support to a degree, which made it one of the most remarkable recreation projects of that time.

Major W.A. Welch, is credited for designing the trail's metal markers with the impressive legend, “Appalachian Trial – Main to Georgia,” which became the emblem of the enterprise.

  

Appalachian Trail from Franklin Cliffs, Skyland Drive, Virginia

Extension of the Appalachian Trail in various separated portions made necessary a standard marker that could be recognized everywhere. Therefore, Welch changed the legend on the first markers from Palisades Interstate Park Section to “Maine to Georgia,” which was then used all along the way in most of the 14 states through which the trail passed.

Cumulative increase in interest in the following two years led to many new developments and additional groups eager to join in and do their fair share of work. The enthusiasm allowed the trail to be completely marked within the next five years, a remarkable achievement considering the roughness and remoteness of many parts of the terrains over which the trail passed. This was especially true across Northern Maine and in the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia.

Besides interest shown by outdoor clubs, the effort was supported by many public agencies and officials, including the Nation Forest Service, state parks and forest commissions, Boy Scout Councils and others. Interest was spreading like wildfire.

The significance of the great trail was envisioned as a spinal cord for wilderness recreation paths in the eastern mountain areas. It stimulated the enthusiasm of all who enlisted in the work with each passing year.

Appalachian Trail Brass Challenge Coin

The 1931 meeting was held in the South in recognition of the impressive development in the project that had occurred there during the previous year and to stipulate it further. It was under the auspices of the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club of Knoxville, Tennessee, of which Prof. H.M. Jennison of the department of Botany, University of Tennessee, was president.

The construction of the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains area was expected to be furthered by the impending development of the new and exciting National Park therein. Timing could not have been more convenient for both momentous ventures.

The Smoky Mountains Hiking Club marked the route into more accessible sections. Crossing Indian Gap, the park forces were helpful in making and maintaining it into the more rugged and remote portions in the northern part of the area still being acquired for eventual addition to the Park.

The supervisors of the Unaka National Forest, extending from the Virginia border into North Carolina and the Cherokee Forest in Western North Carolina and Southern Tennessee, were helpful by designating and marking miles of the Appalachian Trail. The newly formed Carolina Appalachian Trail Club of Asheville, North Carolina was likewise active in the Smoky Mountains.

In Virginia, a new and energetic group, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club accomplished an immense amount of work along with the Virginia Blue Ridge from Harper's Ferry to the Shenandoah National Park area and beyond.

Appalachian Trail Patch

In Georgia, the state Forestry Department had been co-operative and one of its assistant foresters had formed the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, which had marked the trail from its southern terminus at Mount Oglethorpe, northward to the Tennessee line.

Important developments from New England were also reported at the Gatlinburg meeting. A promising amount of literature began to develop as informative guides to the Appalachian Trail became available to the public. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club also published a map to the Virginia section.

Thanks to the efforts of all the individuals and organizations in this article, the Appalachian Trial, a hikers' wildest dream, became a reality and is still with us today.

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This column is the third of three dealing with a few early 1900 city enterprises. I have attempted to identify the location of each, plus (in parenthesis) some later businesses that occupied that same site. Slightly paraphrased comments are in the present tense.

K.P. Jones & Company

Located at Buffalo and Cherry streets: Johnson City can boast of having a number of prominent lumber yards, among which is K.P. Jones & Co., who are manufacturers and dealers in building supplies and building material of all kinds. A complete line of paint, oils, sash, doors, siding, ceiling, flooring, laths and shingles is available. Hemlock framing is a specialty of the business. The yards and offices of this prosperous concern comprise three adjoining yards at their site.

The members of the company are K.P. Jones and J.E. Brading, two robust and wide-awake business men. The Lumber Company opened its business in February 1902, and since the first of January, 1903, a gain of 100 percent, has been enjoyed in the volume of business. The firm's members are local men and take an active interest in our city welfare.

Johnson City Coal and Lumber Company

Located on Jobe Street (Central Tobacco Warehouse): Prominent among the thriving and flourishing industries in our city who are enjoying a good trade is the Johnson City Coal and Lumber Co., which was established in 1902. S.R. Sells and L.W. Walsh are the owners of the plant and report business most encouraging from the present outlook. They are wholesale and retail dealers in rough and dressed lumber. They also manufacture and carry in stock at all times including flooring, ceiling, siding, molding, laths, sash, doors and building material.

This progressive and enterprising firm deserves credit for the increase of their last year's business, as a gain of 50 percent is the result since the first of January. Mr. Sells is held in high esteem by our citizens for his business qualifications. The company owns abundant mountain land, including a saw mill at Cranberry, NC. The 24-man workforce has a large payroll each week with a daily capacity of 25,000 feet of lumber.

The City National Bank

Located at 214 E. Main Street (H.E. Hart Jeweler): The City National Bank, a most ably-managed and substantially founded financial institution, is a designated state and city depository, with a national repository as well. The facility is regularly inspected by government agents and, therefore, cannot be otherwise than absolutely safe.

All branches of banking business are most ably conducted, collections are made and approved paper negotiated. Individuals, firms, corporations and banks, carrying accounts with the City National Bank will find their terms most liberal. The bank is equipped with handsome and luxurious furniture, along with fixtures and decorations. Every attention and courtesy is extended to callers.

The top officers are James M. Gaunt, president; J.M. Buck, vice president; and Sam T. Millard, cashier. The capital of this bank is all home capital and the bank is officered by Johnson City citizens.

Steven Brothers

Located at 200 Spring Street, corner of Spring Street and the Narrow Gauge Railroad: The large wholesale produce house of Stevens Brothers is a branch of the Baltimore House that was established in 1898. The business is a large buyer of chickens, eggs and dried fruits, drawing its supplies from all parts of the surrounding country. They purchase only first-class produce, which gives them enormous patronage from the eastern markets. G.F. Hobbs, the local manager, is well-known in Johnson City and vicinity and stands high in public esteem. He has been most zealous in his business duties since he assumed charge, and his efforts have met with the high success which he deserves. 

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