The Confluence

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confluence

Last Sunday, as I drove back into town, I saw the rivers were running pretty full, so I parked by the bridge, got my camera, walked out and got this shot of the Confluence, where the North Fork (flowing under where I’m standing) and the South Fork of the Holston Rivers converge.  The diversion wall is overtopped (I’ve heard that part of that diversion wall is composed of concrete from the bridge that collapsed in the last century).  The diversion was necessary because the North Fork flows faster than the lazy old South Fork.  In times of deluges, the North Fork would prevent normal flow of the SF, which would back up and annoy the residents along the river.

A Remnant?

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long island

Driving down Jared Drive a couple of weeks ago, I saw this light blue house sitting quietly (and probably nearly invisible in summer) amongst the mass of Eastman.  There used to be a thriving and notorious community on Long Island.  I wonder if this is the last remnant of that neighborhood.

My dad was a taxi driver for a while.  He never liked having to go to Long Island at night.  He did, though, and lived into his seventies with nary a bullet hole visible.

The 50th

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kpt50

I stumbled across this recently in one of the old stuff malls.  This is the 50th anniversary booklet (standard size: 8.5 x 11″)(I’ve reduced it to fit on this page – snicker) issued by the ever mindful Chamber of Commerce.  Eight pages, excluding front and back cover.  It’s quite informative and well written.  Population then was about 33,000.  The mayor was Hugh Rule. C.K. Marsh apparently was the City Manager.

It also shows eight photos from the 1920s.  And plenty from 1966-67, which is, well, hell, 50 years ago.

Notice how a) the car tire tracks are really black and 2) it apparently was normal to go directly from Watauga to Sullivan without slamming into the circle.

 

Kingsport Foundry

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kptfoundry

This was taken in March, 2004.  The foundry, begun in 1927, had been unable to struggle through past 2003.  Later, after all the buildings had been demolished, I used to walk around and marvel at the massive concrete foundations for the heavy machinery used in the making of iron castings.  Foundries have a particular odor, mostly of metal and furnaces.  You could just get the faintest whiff of it.  Look in Dick Alvey’s Wings over Kingsport for an aerial view of this operation in the late 30s and, again, in the 60s.

I was going to link to the book on amazon.com, but it’s currently out of print.  You can occasionally run across it at local antique stores.

 

 

Roberts & Johnson Lmb’r Co

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tapemeasure

This grubby little number has been around for a while.  Roberts & Johnson Lumber Company, located next to Oakwood on West Sullivan Street, burned in the late 70s.  For some reason, nothing was ever done with the plot of land at 451 West Sullivan.  Except for now, since the land will be subsumed by the development taking place in that area.  Alas, if this were yours and you just had to measure something, you’d be out of luck…it’s rusted closed.

Kingsport Post Cards, Part 5

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Pub. By Haynes Distributing Co., 2930 Fleetwood Ave., Roanoke, Va.These all were printed by Dexter Press in West Nyack NY. Joyce L. Haynes is generally credited as the photographer, but the name C. H. Ruth shows up also.  Inventory numbers are all over the place.  A couple are sequential.  This could be because Haynes worked the whole Tri-Cities area and shot a bunch of aerials.  All are from the 1960s.  They’re all chromes (refers to Kodachrome film).

  1. In yellow cursive Brush Script title case letters above the photo of the building: Civic Auditorium Kingsport, Tenn. On the back: CIVIC AUDITORIUM KINGSPORT, TENN. Main building for the civic recreational center which also has on the grounds a swimming pool, tennis court and J. Fred Johnson stadium. American Legion Hall and educational facilities are also available.  Photography by Joyce L. Haynes  (4077-B)
  2. In yellow cursive Brush Script title case letters at the top of the card: Kingsport, Tenn. Photo taken from Cement Hill.  Shows old City Hall/library building.  On back: KINGSPORT, TENN. Located near the Virginia State line on highways 23, 11-E and 81, this bustling city is an industrial center. Lakes and Dams only a few miles away. Photography by Joyce L. Haynes  (40076-B)
  3. (no text on front) Aerial shot of Warriors’ Path State Park & Duck Island
    1. On back: WARRIORS (sic) PATH STATE PARK Southeast of Kingsport, Tenn., on the shores of Lake Patrick Henry. This popular park serving the Tri-Cities area with facilities for picnicking, boating, horseback riding and swimming. Aerial by C. H. Ruth   (DR-39978-B)
  4. In white cursive Brush Script Std. title case letters at top of card: East Lawn Memorial Park, Kingsport, Tenn. (shows aerial photo of the memorial park)
    1. On back: EAST LAWN MEMORIAL PARK, INC. Memorial Boulevard Kingsport, Tennessee 37664  Located in the heart of Sullivan County, two miles east of Kingsport.  This is a garden type cemetery offering Burial Estates, Mausoleum Garden Crypts and Bronze Memorials.  Telephone – 288-2081  Aerial photo by Joyce L. Haynes  (76963-B)
  5. No text on front. Picture of Honest John’s with early ‘60s cars in front, including a baby blue Corvette   On back: BIG INDIAN 32 feet tall  Weight 10,000 pounds
    1. Located on Stone Drive Super Hiway Route 11W, Kingsport, Tennessee
      As far as known, it is the world’s largest wooden Indian. Built by Honest John
      Honest John’s Gift Shop, John D. Barker, owner (card was never sent, but in pen, written is “Helen   1972 – Card sent) (in the address area: Pratts 1225 E Stone Dr. Kingsport, Tenn 37660?)  (note: the Indian is not made of wood) (45031-B)
  6. No text on front. Picture of Hammond Bridge   On back: HAMMOND MEMORIAL BRIDGE Kingsport, Johnson City, Tenn.  This magnificent structure crosses the Holston River on U. S. Hwy. 23, midway between Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee, two of the Tri-Cities.  Fort Patrick Henry Dam can be seen just a few hundred feet from the bridge.  Photography by Joyce L. Haynes   (53071-B)
  7. On front at top in red Brush Script Std. in title case letters: Aerial View – Tennessee Eastman Corp. Kingsport, Tenn. On Back: TENNESSE EASTMAN CORP. Kingsport, Tennessee Located on the banks of the Holston River, the Tennessee Eastman Corp. is one of the largest industries in Tennessee.  Aerial by C. H. Ruth  (in script/ink pen: Mrs. Fusco – Think of you as always – Trust you will get out real soon.  God Bless as always. (unreadable signature)  Addressed to: Mrs. M. M. San Frisco  Coeburn VA.) (postmark date unreadable)  (53069-B)
  8. On front at top: thin brush-style red title case letters: Tri-City Airport Kingsport – Bristol – Johnson City (photo shows old terminal and Appalachian Flying Service and two aircraft on the tarmac, both Piedmont units)  On back: TRI-CITY AIRPORT Kingsport – Bristol  Johnson City, Tenn.  Piedmont, United and Southern Airlines serve the Tri-City area.  Appalachian Flying Service for chartered flights and student instructions.  Modern Restaurant in Terminal Building.  Appalachian Flying Service owned and operated by – Mr. Louis Hilbert Phone – FA -3-4920   Photography by Joyce L. Haynes   (48991-B)
  9. No text on front. Picture of Trade Winds Motel and Restaurant, taken from a hill across the highway On back: TRADE WINDS MOTEL AND RESTAURANT  4 0 U. S. Hwy. 23 Gate City, Virginia  This ultra-modern motel, “New is 62,” offers the tourists the finest in accommodations.  Wall-to-wall carpeting, ceramic tile baths, T.V., electric heat, children’s playground, and is completely air-conditioned throughout.  Excellent restaurant serving the finest of foods, open seven days a week.  Owned and Operated by: Clyde and Garland Smith  Phone – Kingsport, Tenn. CA 5-8541.  Photography by Joyce L. Haynes  (62353-B)
  10. In red cursive Brush Script Std. title case letters at top of card: THE FAMOUS CHURCH CIRCLE KINGSPORT, TENN. On back: FAMOUS CHURCH CIRCLE Kingsport, Tenn.  Churches looking from left to right are: First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Broad Street Methodist Church and First Methodist Church.  Color by C. H. Ruth  (58901-B)
  11. Standard text in black (top line) and red (bottom line) both between a top picture of the Rhododendron Garden and a lower picture of Tri-City Airport (same as the one in 8, above) On back: Top view: Roan Mountain, World’s largest Rhododendron Garden.  Bottom view: Tri-City Airport, serving all of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia area.  (53082-B)

Kingsport Post Cards, Part 4

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ASHEVILLE POST CARD COMPANY 1940S SERIES

The earliest post mark (PM) I have on these is 1939.  The cards all have printing company inventory numbers that would yield the printing date, if there were an available list, which there isn’t. The founder of the company died in 1977.  The company itself was bought out in 1982.

A few of these cards are quite common.

K.18  ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AND PORTION OF PLANT, TENNESSEE EASTMAN CORPORATION.  KINGSPORT, TENN.  (1423)
(on back) Tennessee Eastman Corporation, Kingsport, Tenn.  The principal product of this plant is Eastman Cellulose Acetate, from which are made Photographic Film, Eastman Acetate Rayon, Tenite, and transparent sheeting for safety glass.

K.19  A GENERAL VIEW BY NIGHT OF TENNESSEE EASTMAN CORPORATION PLANT, KINGSPORT, TENN.   (BELOW) HOLSTON RIVER IN FOREGROUND AND RANGE OF CLINCH MOUNTAINS IN BACKGROUND  (1424)
(on back) same as K-18

K.20 KINGSPORT INN, KINGSPORT, TENN.   (1420)
(on back)  Kingsport Inn is conveniently located on the circle near the center of the city.  From its veranda is visible Kingsport’s industrial plants and the distant ranges of the Blue Ridge and Cumberland Mountains.  It is of Southern architecture, has well-landscaped grounds and immediately attracts those who seek rest. It is a nationally-known stopping place for travelers and offers clean, comfortable rooms and excellent food at moderate rates.

K.21 “ROTHERWOOD”, KINGSPORT, TENN. (1425)
(on back) ROTHERWOOD  This stately old estate, located on the west bank of the Holston River, has had a romantic history. The original home, built in 1818 by Dr. Ross, a Presbyterian minister, was burned in the last year of the Civil War, but was reconstructed later.  It was named for the castle of Cedric the Saxon in Scott’s “Ivanhoe”, the book of which Dr. Ross was particularly fond.

K.22 U.S. POST OFFICE, KINGSPORT, TENN. (1426)  Note: there are two versions of this card.  One, with rather low value colors, has no description on the reverse.  The other, with brighter colors, has the following on the back:  Kingsport, Tenn., a City of planned modern industrial development began its growth in 1916 with a population of only 600.  Today, greater Kingsport has a population of around 35,000.  Kingsport is one of the most important industrial and distribution centers in Tennessee.  It is also called a city of churches and schools.  There are many places of interest to the visitor in and around Kingsport and motor roads from five States converge here.  The cacilities of the Tri-City’s airport are available to those travelling by air.

K.23 (above image) SUNSET SCENE SHOWING CHIMNEY TOP MOUNTAIN (below image) ON U.S. ROUTE NO. 11W BETWEEN BRISTOL AND KINGSPORT, TENN. (1421)

K.24 BRIDGE OVER HOLSTON RIVER ON U.S. HIGHWAY 23, BETWEEN KINGSPORT AND JOHNSON CITY, TENN.  (1422)

K.25.- WAUTAUGA (sic) STREET, KINGSPORT, TENN.  (45383)

K26.- BROAD STREET LOOKING NORTH, KINGSPORT, TENN. (45384)

K-27  NIGHT-TIME SCENE OF WAUTAUGA (sic) STREET, KINGSPORT, TENN. (E-7373)

K-28  PANORAMIC VIEW OF KINGSPORT, TENN. (E-7374)

K-29  BROAD STREET FROM RAILROAD STATION, KINGSPORT, TENN. (E-7375)

K-30 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, KINGSPORT, TENN. (E-8602)  On back is a text area that has been overprinted.  The text read: The First Baptist Church, Kingsport, Tenn., was organized in 1910. The value of church property is $25,000.00.  Radio ministry Sundays 11:00 – 12:00 A.M. Station WKPT. Dr. T. B. Cobb, Pastor.

K-31 Title on card above the image has been effectively overprinted.  Below image:  DOBYNS-BENNETT HIGH SCHOOL, KINGSPORT, TENN. (E-7806)

K-32   “ROTHERWOOD” KINGSPORT, TENN.  (E-10600)
On back: ROTHERWOOD – A Historic Residence built in 1816 at Confluence of the North and South Forks of the Holston River, at Kingsport, Tennessee.

K-33  AIRPLANE VIEW OF TENNESSEE EASTMAN CORP. PLANT, KINGSPORT, TENN.  On back: TENNESSEE EASTMAN CORPORATION, Kingsport, Tenn. One of the State’s largest industrial units, Eastman manufactures Cellulose Acetate, from which are made Estron yarns, Tenite and Photographic Film. Many other chemicals made here.        Note: early photo shows part of Edgewood Village.

K-34  LEGION POOL WITH CIVIC AUDITORIUM AND J. FRED JOHNSON PARK IN THE BACKGROUND.   Below image: KINGSPORT, TENN. COPYRIGHTED-KINGSPORT ROTARY CLUB    (E-10602)

K-35  A BIRDSEYE VIEW OF THE CIRCLE, KINGSPORT, TENN.  Below image: PHOTO BY: ELLIS BINKLEY, KINGSPORT, TIMES-NEWS    (E10605)

K-36    BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF THE MEAD CORPORATION, KINGSPORT, TENN.  (E-11082)

K-37  HOLSTON VALLEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, KINGSPORT, TENN.  (E-11083)

Kingsport Post Cards Part 3

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Miscellaneous issues:

These two: probably before 1915  not white border.  B&w w/ blue tint  Divided back.  Same back style on each.  Not publisher/printer information on cards

  • On front bottom in a script-style font face: Ruins of Tavern on Old Stage Road, Kingsport, Tenn.
  • On front top left in all caps italic: Kingsport Pulp Corp., Kingsport, Tenn. (shows plant under construction…plant was producing paper by 1916)

 

B&w issue, undivided back, not white border  issued between 1907 – 1914 (station was built in 1905)   C C. & O PASSENGER STATION, KINGSPORT, TENN.  Photo by Bachelder’s Studio     Shows train station w/ Cement Hill in background

 

The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, N.Y.  Post Cards of Quality

Kingsport Inn, Kingsport, Tenn.  Black & white  Shows the Inn’s game room.  Issued between 1907 and 1914. (near photo quality)

 

Real Photo Post Card (RPPC).  RPPCs are generally one-offs.  Shows the Big Store, corner of Shelby and Main (neither paved).  Written on negative “Kingsport Stores”.
Can clearly see the Post Office in the Big Store.  The Big Store was built in this location in 1910.

 

RICHARD ALVEY ISSUES:   These aerial photo post cards, halftones, b&W, with the card description sniped on the front except for the AIR VIEW OF KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE, LOOKING NORTHWEST, which is standard format.  All are white border.  Dick Alvey (1898 – 1983) had access to an airplane and took these photos in 1937. He later used them in his Wings Over Kingsport (1938) and Wings Over Kingsport 2 (1963).

1) AIR VIEW OF KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE, LOOKING NORTHWEST. C-414  PM 1940. On the back: PHOTO BY ALVEY, PUB. BY C.G. SMITH, KINGSPORT, TENN.  Printed by Allied Printing, Fort Wayne

The following five cards are also b&w halftones, white border.  On back: PUB. BY PALACE FRUIT & NEWS CO., KINGSPORT, TENN. PHOTO BY RICHARD ALVEY, KINGSPORT, TENN.  All are Silvercraft cards printed by Dexter Press, Pearl River, N.Y.  Fake deckle edge.

13549 AERIAL VIEW SHOWING THE MILLER-SMITH HOSIERY MILL, THE HOLLISTON MILLS OF TENNESSEE AND THE KINGSPORT PRESS KINGSPORT, TENN   PM 1942   On back: AERIAL VIEW SHOWING PORTION OF INDUSTRIAL SECTION. LEFT TO RIGHT ARE THE MILLER-SMITH HOSIERY MILL, THE HOLLISTTON (sic) MILLS OF TENNESSEE AND THE KINGSPORT PRESS.  THE KINGSPORT PRESS HAS A CAPACITY OF 100,000 BOOKS PER DAY, THE LARGEST PRIVATELY OWNED PRODUCER OF BOOKS IN THE WORLD.  KINGSPORT, TENN.

13550 AERIAL VIEW SHOWING KINGSPORT’S FAMOUS CIRCLE KINGSPORT, TENN.
On back: CIVIC CIRCLE  AERIAL VIEW SHOWING KINGSPORT’S FAMOUS “CIRCLE”, ALSO THE POST OFFICE..A, KINGSPORT UTILITIES..B, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH..C, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH..D, BROAD STREET METHODIST CHURCH..E, FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH..F, AND THE KINGSPORT INN…G.  (note: the reference letters have been inked on the front)

13551 AERIAL VIEW OF HOLSTON VALLEY BETWEEN KINGSPORT, TENN. AND JOHNSON CITY, TENN.  On back: AERIAL VIEW OF HOLSTON VALLEY, SHOWING CAMP HAMMOND BRIDGE OVER THE HOLSTON RIVER, BETWEEN KINGSPORT, TENN. AND JOHNSON CITY, TENN.

13552 AERIAL VIEW OF BORDEN MILLS INCORPORATED KINGSPORT, TENN
On back: AERIAL VIEW OF BORDEN MILLS INCORPORATED, MANUFACURERS OF COTTON CLOTH.  WEEKLY PRODUCTION AVERAGES 600,000 YARDS.  KINGSPORT, TENN.  (note: in pencil, “10-4-40”)

13553 AERIAL VIEW OF THE BUSINESS DISTRICT KINGSPORT, TENN.  PM 1945