Check out this 1954 ad for the Depmster Dumpster. | Photo via University of Tennesee, Knoxville Digital Collections
Next time you throw Alabama merch in the trash where it belongs, say a quick thank you to former Mayor George Dempster, the local who invented the dumpster.
Here’s how the influential Knoxvillian went from manual laborer to millionaire to mayor.
Rubbish brings riches
Dempster began inventing in his teens while working as a steam shovel operator on the Panama Canal. Although he was called lazy for it, he mechanically engineered his shovel dipper (aka the scoop on an excavator) to empty itself. The idea caught fire, and all shovels were required to be mechanized the same way shortly after.
But it was more than two decades later, in 1935, when Dempster’s invention would revolutionize public sanitation.
Dempster and his siblings created Dempster Brothers Inc. — the launching pad for the dumpster as we know it today. The Dempster Dumpster was the first commercial receptacle that could be picked up by a truck. It transformed the slow and labor-intensive collection into a much speedier and more efficient process.
Where were the first dumpsters in existence located?
A. In an alley alongside the modern-day Krutch Park B. In the alley between Union Ave and Wall Ave now known as “Strong Alley” C. At a makeshift dumpster station in Market Square D. In nearby Maryville, so Knoxvillians wouldn’t have to smell it
“Let Us Have Base Ball Clubs” | 12-1 p.m. | East Tennessee Historical Society | Free | Historian Dr. William E. Hardy will uncover the story of Knoxville’s founding fathers of baseball and the city’s first rivalry games.
Friday, July 4
41st Annual Independence Day Concert | 8 p.m. | World’s Fair Park Amphitheater | Free | Music Director Aram Demirjian will lead the KSO in this free, family-friendly concert as part of the City of Knoxville’s holiday celebration.
Fourth of July on Mabry’s Hill | 5-10 p.m. | Mabry-Hazen House | $15+ | Bring lawn chairs to chill on the hill with live music + local food vendors, and head inside for self-guided museum tours.
Saturday, July 5
Family Cake Decorating Contest | 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Blount County Public Library | Free | Register by tomorrow to join this tasty competition where the community will be the judges.
Knoxville Smokies vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas | 7 p.m. | Covenant Health Park | $19+ | It’s Racing Night — fans can meet + greet NHRA drivers, take a photo with their cars, and leave with a racecar souvenir.
Sunday, July 6
Phenomenal Fireflies | 9-10:30 p.m. | Ijams Nature Center | $15 | Explore Ijams’ trails as they light up with the glow of fireflies.
Monday, July 7
Little Valley Kid Market | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 8079 K Kingston Pike | Cost of purchase | Shop from local kiddos ages 10 and under selling their goods and products.
A new Western bar is headed to the former Bethie Lou’s Fabulous Gift Store location in the Old City. Cowboy Cantina doesn’t have an opening date just yet, but signs recently went up at the building + the developer has plans to carry Western and Mexican beers. (Knox News)
Community
$1 million. That’s how much local nonprofit Susannah’s House is seeking in community support to help build a new trauma-informed childcare center. So far, the nonprofit has already secured ~$1 million in funding for the center. (WBIR)
Eat
Local food pop-up Tarik’s North African Food is getting closer to an opening date for its new brick-and-mortar space. The restaurant is hoping to open in the next month, and locals can check in for updates via its social media page — most recently, signage went up outside.
Seasonal
Don’t forget: If you want to set off fireworks within city limits this summer, you’ll need a permit for that — the same goes for Knox County. Consider letting the pros handle it instead at a local event with fireworks.
Sports
Former Rutgers pitcher Landon Mack recently committed to UTK’s baseball program. Listen to an analysis of Mack’s potential from the local experts of the Tennessee Volunteers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Watch
Last week, two of TVA’s iconic smokestacks were imploded to prepare the site for future energy projects. WBIR’s Brittany Bailey reshared a video of the implosions that’s worth a watch.
Post of the Day
Did you know that a ticketing booth from the 1982 World’s Fair still remains in Knoxville? It’s located in a parking lot across the street from World’s Fair Park.
In 2032, the booth will be eligible for historic preservation — if it’s still standing. While you wait to see what will become of the historic booth, catch up on local World’s Fair history.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
