Today in Johnson City History: October 19

Rebecca Henderson and Johnson City Press • Oct 19, 2019 at 7:00 AM

Oct. 19, 1893: Mike, the porter at Hotel Piedmont, while in a scrap with Mary Cary, had received a blow in the head from which he bled freely; otherwise Mike was not hurt. Mary was shown to the recorder's office and promptly fined.

Oct. 19, 1893: Recent heavy rain had raised the Nolichucky River out of its banks, causing considerable damage to the Johnson City and Carolina Railroad track near Embreeville. Trains were unable to pass for several days.

Oct. 19, 1914: The Monday Club had a program on “Public Health: A Free Clinic in our Public Schools, the Value of an Open Air School and Free Lunches.”

Oct. 19, 1946: Former Johnson City chiropractor Earl Barton Keith was among four men killed in a small plane crash near Key Field, Mississippi. The pilot and three passengers were en route from Texas to the Tennessee-Alabama game in Knoxville when they apparently lost their way. The two-engine Cessna crashed into a swamp after striking a tree.

Oct. 19, 1975: The Four Seasons played at Freedom Hall Civic Center.

Oct. 19, 1981: Alice Cooper performed at Freedom Hall.

Oct. 19, 2006: The Johnson City Commission approved a tax increment financing district to assist in revitalizing downtown Johnson City.

Sources: The Comet; Bob Cox’s Yesteryear; Kingsport Times-News; Bobbie H. Shirley, Freedom Hall; Johnson City Press.