History

Few Kingsport businesses from 1915 still going today

Written By Vince Staten – October 5, 2008 I was eating lunch with Leland Leonard at the Jan-Mar the other day when he pointed out the window to the Nall building across the street at 115 Broad. “My company’s offices were in that building in 1915,” he said. “Then it was called Armstrong Purkey McCoy.” Today it’s simply Armstrong Construction Company, but it’s a block away from 151 Shelby. It got me wondering what businesses were in downtown Kingsport in 1915, no phone book. There wasn’t even a Kingsport newspaper in 1915; the Times didn’t begin publication until the next year. I had to assemble my list from 1916 newspapers and early photographs.

1999 New office building

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

2001 Web as new business segment

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary

2003 Webby award for yahoo.com

As I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies

2005 Event management as new business segment

2009 meridian sun strikes the upper surface

But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system

2011 complete account of the system

Testimonials

“The staff at Cherokee was extremely complimentary of Orville and the job he did in setting the standard for the expectations of all the workers on the site. Specifically they commented to me, on several occasions, as to the professionalism of all of the workers on site when they were in the presence of students. Also, the custodial staff at Cherokee indicated to me the willingness of the workers to help them when a need arose and how much they are missed now that the job is completed.”

Jim Hageman, Hawkins County Board of Education

“We have found Armstrong Construction to be very competitive and fair in their pricing, as well as being very professional and cooperative while working in the often difficult environment of retail banking services”

Roddy A. Varnell, First Tennessee Corporate Properties

“In my dealing I find them to be men of integrity and ability. They conduct their business in a professional manner with high level of competency and have demonstrated good character in their business dealings.”

Michael H. Simpson, Senior VP Bank of Tennessee

“From estimation to physical construction to financial matters, their staff and procedures have always been professional. The quality of their work is exceptional.”