Joe Tennis|Bristol Herald Courier: A statue of President Andrew Johnson can also be found in Greeneville, Tenn.
Happy Birthday, Mr. President
Greeneville Celebrating The Birth, Life Od Andrew Johnson
Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 12:00 AM
BY Joe Tennis Features Writer Send e-mailBiography |
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Printer FriendlyJim Small hasn’t been this excited since Bill Clinton was impeached.
After all these years, folks are again talking about Andrew Johnson, said Small, the chief of operations at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.
And that’s because it’s time to celebrate 200 years since Johnson’s birth at Raleigh, N.C., in 1808. In Greeneville, up and down Main Street, banners are flying on lampposts, announcing the bicentennial celebration in honor of Johnson.
IMPEACHMENT TRIAL
But first – let’s go back to Bill Clinton. When this president was impeached in 1998, many folks turned to their history books and found Johnson – the first president to be impeached.
Johnson’s impeachment trial came about from a political dispute over the Tenure of Office Act – and whether Johnson had the power to dismiss an appointed official without the consent of Congress.
To make a long story short, Johnson was saved from being booted from office by a single vote in 1868.
The return of the word “impeachment” in headlines – with Bill Clinton – stirred much interest in the life of Johnson.
Suddenly, Small said, people came to Greeneville and started asking questions.
Visitors from all over the country, in fact, wanted to know why Johnson was almost kicked out of the presidency.
TENNESSEE JOHNSON
Now, Small said, celebrations are ongoing with the birthday anniversary.
On May 16, at the eve of Greeneville’s Iris Festival, you can catch a showing of “Tennessee Johnson,” a classic movie, at Greeneville’s Capitol Theatre.
Then, on May 17, witness a “Civil War Living History” demonstration on the grounds of the Andrew Johnson Homestead in Greeneville.
Any time of year, you can also visit Greeneville to see the place where Johnson is buried at a hill overlooking the town or visit the “Homestead,” his brick mansion near the center of town.
At the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, you can find the preserved tailor’s shop where Johnson made a living in the 1830s.
TAILOR TO MAYOR
Here, in Greeneville, Johnson rose from tailor to mayor.
This uneducated native of North Carolina followed a political trail that would lead to the governor’s chair in Tennessee and, eventually, being elected vice president in 1864.
Johnson became president on April 15, 1865 after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
Years later, Johnson was elected to the U.S. Senate – and remains the only president ever to be elected to the Senate after serving as president.
All along, Johnson’s life provides “the story of hope,” Small said.
“He’s a very complex man,” Small said. “He really developed a passion for the working class.”
BRISTOL HISTORICAL ASSOCATION TO HOST PROGRAM ON JOHNSON
BRISTOL, Va. – In recognition of the 200th anniversary of Andrew Johnson’s birthday, the Bristol Historical Association is hosting a special event reflecting on the personal and political life of the 17th president.
The event – at the Bristol Public Library on May 12 at 6 p.m. – will feature a PowerPoint presentation on Johnson’s political career by Carlos Whaley and a lecture presentation by Dr. Robert Orr.
Both men are accomplished writers and lecturers on the life of Johnson, said Tim Buchanan, program chairman for the historical association.
JOHNSON TO BE FOCUS AT IRIS FESTIVAL
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – President Andrew Johnson is the focus of this year’s storytelling at the Iris Festival in Greeneville, coming up May 17-18.
Also look for arts and craft booths, a Merchants’ Market, two entertainment stages and lots of food, said Tammy Kinser, the tourism director for the Greene County Partnership.
Arts and crafts booths will be located along College, Depot and Academy streets and in the city parking lot with all kinds of items for purchase, ranging from handmade jewelry, brooms and wooden items to plants.
Returning to the festival is the ever-popular Kids’ Korner featuring face painting, Funville rides and entertainment plus sand art.
In addition, the lawn of the Andrew Johnson home across from the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site will feature several storytellers from across the Southeast spinning all kinds of yarns and tales in the shade of the magnolia tree, Kinser said.
This year’s storytelling theme will focus on Johnson in conjunction with the community-wide celebration of the president’s 200th birthday, Kinser added. “We’re trying to incorporate Andrew Johnson and the celebration of his birth into every event that we have.”
YOU SHOULD KNOW
What: Iris Festival, featuring Andrew Johnson storytelling
Where: Greeneville, Tenn.
When: May 17-18
Info: (423) 638-4111
YOU SHOULD KNOW
What: “Tennessee Johnson” starring Van Heflin, Ruth Hussey and Lionel Barrymore
Where: Capitol Theatre, Greeneville, Tenn.
When: May 16, 7 p.m.
Info: (423) 639-3711
YOU SHOULD KNOW
What: Andrew Johnson Celebration
Where: Bristol Public Library, Bristol, Va.
When: May 12, 6 p.m.
Info: (276) 669-3885
Web: www.bristolhistoricalassociation.com
YOU SHOULD KNOW
What: Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
Where: Greeneville, Tenn.
Info: (423) 639-3711
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