100 years ago today, thousands of residents of the Valley of Opportunity early this morning braved bitter cold weather as they gathered on nearby hills, or stood in fields, in the streets or on roofs to take advantage of the one opportunity of their lives to witness a total eclipse of the sun.

It didn’t disappoint. There were a few clouds, but conditions here were nearly ideal for observing the event.

Scores of “eclipse parties” were held around town this morning, and in Johnson City, activity throughout the village came to a standstill, while factory workers, housewives and businessmen went outside or up on the roof to watch the show.

Numerous reports were received from owners of chickens, that during totality, their flocks went to roost.

Finally, it was all over at 11:00, as the sun returned and the moon continued on its course, to get ready for the next total eclipse, in the year 2024.

And that was the news, January 24, 1925.