Amazing footage! As a UT alum it’s incredible to see “Shield Watkins Field” (Neyland Stadium) back then. Ayres Hall is exactly the same as is the railroad track bridge that crosses the Tennessee River. Thanks so much for posting!
Shawn P. Williams I thought he was doing the Dab or whatever Cam Newtons Dance was last year. All he needed to do was act like he was opening his shirt like Superman
Knuckle Sandwich Why? Because they had jobs, money, all of their needs met and a good social circle? They didn’t “act”, they were genuinely rich and happy in those ways
The was actually the beginning of another very gradual turning point in Knoxville. It was still violent, but we were crossing into being more of a modern society. In the late 1800's and early 1900's, Knoxville was a rough place. We had brothels, coke dens (cocaine parlors), bars everywhere, etc. It was dangerous and racial tensions rose in 1919 during the aftermath of WWI. Essentially, no one could find work because of the recession and this led to competition between the white and black population. A terrible riot broke out (The Riot of 1919). People were poor and desperate, which led to a lot of violence. Being within the Industrial era that it was, there was also child labor. The twenties were somewhat of a turning point, though. Knoxville began the very slow process of becoming a modern city once again. As laws and unions were put into place, we began to see more workers rights. As the recession faded, people began to find jobs and racial tensions began to wear down. The place still looked like a dump, though. It wasn't until the 50's or maybe late 40's that Knoxville began to get a facelift. All of this is to say, it was just like any other place. There was good and bad. The twenties were really a turning point that led to modern Knoxville. It wasn't perfect, still isn't. Never will be. But, even during bad times, there were people who enjoyed their lives as best they could, as we can see here. Obviously, this family had money; not everyone did. But to say this was a horrible time in Knoxville's history and that it should be treated as such, rather than glorified, isn't really accurate. It's deserving of both praise and condemnation at times, but regardless, it is our history and it should be preserved. It's not the complete history, but it's part of it. We're actually extremely fortunate to have a video and photographic archive. We can actually get a glimpse of the world these people lived in and how it shaped ours. This video is glorifying a positive aspect to our history, not downplaying the bad. There's plenty of literature and mini series' out there on the bad history. It's all smaller pieces to a bigger picture.
Fascinating! Thank you for sharing!
Amazing footage! As a UT alum it’s incredible to see “Shield Watkins Field” (Neyland Stadium) back then. Ayres Hall is exactly the same as is the railroad track bridge that crosses the Tennessee River. Thanks so much for posting!
Really really amazing, thanks for sharing!!!
Wow! That was REALLY cool!
Amazing footage. Thank you for sharing!!
wow ty for the great video wonderful shot of neyland stadium
That's pretty cool!
The Stadium is a little different :-)
Dad was born..
I actually miss living here from 2000-2009. Kinda regret leaving.
Glad to see Knoxvillians liked their dogs in the 20's too!
This is strangely reminiscent of another 1920s film--the Andalusian Dog by Luis Bunuel and Salvador Dali--except they did randomness on purpose
They would be devastated to see the condition its in now.
The dancing guy at 1:43 needs to be a meme...
Shawn P. Williams I thought he was doing the Dab or whatever Cam Newtons Dance was last year. All he needed to do was act like he was opening his shirt like Superman
Sitting on a sidewalk!? That's a $50 fine these days!
Those rich folks and their moving picture makers!
it's not Neyland stadium instead Neyland bleachers!! I know that general Neyland may not even be born!!
apparently in the 20's Knoxville thought they where upper class......
Knuckle Sandwich Why? Because they had jobs, money, all of their needs met and a good social circle? They didn’t “act”, they were genuinely rich and happy in those ways
this was a horrbile time in knoxville and should treated as such
The was actually the beginning of another very gradual turning point in Knoxville. It was still violent, but we were crossing into being more of a modern society. In the late 1800's and early 1900's, Knoxville was a rough place. We had brothels, coke dens (cocaine parlors), bars everywhere, etc. It was dangerous and racial tensions rose in 1919 during the aftermath of WWI. Essentially, no one could find work because of the recession and this led to competition between the white and black population. A terrible riot broke out (The Riot of 1919). People were poor and desperate, which led to a lot of violence. Being within the Industrial era that it was, there was also child labor. The twenties were somewhat of a turning point, though. Knoxville began the very slow process of becoming a modern city once again. As laws and unions were put into place, we began to see more workers rights. As the recession faded, people began to find jobs and racial tensions began to wear down. The place still looked like a dump, though. It wasn't until the 50's or maybe late 40's that Knoxville began to get a facelift. All of this is to say, it was just like any other place. There was good and bad. The twenties were really a turning point that led to modern Knoxville. It wasn't perfect, still isn't. Never will be. But, even during bad times, there were people who enjoyed their lives as best they could, as we can see here. Obviously, this family had money; not everyone did. But to say this was a horrible time in Knoxville's history and that it should be treated as such, rather than glorified, isn't really accurate. It's deserving of both praise and condemnation at times, but regardless, it is our history and it should be preserved. It's not the complete history, but it's part of it. We're actually extremely fortunate to have a video and photographic archive. We can actually get a glimpse of the world these people lived in and how it shaped ours. This video is glorifying a positive aspect to our history, not downplaying the bad. There's plenty of literature and mini series' out there on the bad history. It's all smaller pieces to a bigger picture.
LOL. Some people are just eternally miserable.