The Day the Eastman Blew Up

 

Do you remember where you were, exactly 65 years ago?  Were you in Kingsport?  Were you living in Riverview?  

Were you playing ball at six years old with your Douglass classmates like I was at this intersection, Dunbar and Louis Street, with the Eastman aniline plant in the background?

Do you remember a concussion blast that knocked you off your feet, and then an earth-shattering BOOM that hurt your ears?  

Eastman's aniline plant in the background at the corner of South Wilcox Drive and Industry Drive blew up that late Tuesday afternoon, October 4, 1960.   A total of 16 people were killed, more than 400 injured.  It sent shock waves through Kingsport and through the neighborhood closest to the explosion and resulting fire.

This video is a testiment to the people of Riverview, the community right across the street from the explosion, and those who lived through the aftermath.  Many of the folks interviewed are no longer with us, and this video is dedicated to their memories... moreover, it is also dedicated to the 16 employees killed and the more than 400 employees maimed by the explosion..

Please click the arrow below.        

And the Kingsport Kiwanis "Spirit of Kingsport" Award Goes To.......

 

                                                 

KINGSPORT — The 2025 Kiwanis Spirit of Kingsport Award has been awarded to Johnnie Mae Swagerty. This annual award is given to a non-Kiwanian who is actively involved in enhancing the quality of life in the Kingsport community.

Swagerty is the co-founder of New Vision Youth, which teaches and mentors youth about life skills, job preparation skills, and volunteering in the community.

Swagerty has served on many community boards and volunteered with many organizations that strive to improve the quality of life and safety of all residents in the community.

Swagerty was presented the award by Donna Sade, past president of the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport.  The award carries the inscription: A special person who goes about making Kingsport the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Previous Spirit of Kingsport honorees include Liza Harmon, 2016 (Meals on Wheels); Bonnie Booher, 2017 (Girls, Inc.); Mary Steadman, 2018 (Friends of Warriors Path), Bob Schrader 2019 (Boys & Girls Club); and Jeanette Blazier, 2023 (former mayor).

The Kiwanis Club is a community service club. Its purpose is to serve the children and youth of Kingsport. For more information visit www.kingsportkiwanis.org