An airport welcome
25 years ago — 1993
The twisting, turning mass of wood towering above the Mid-South Fairgrounds has provided the ultimate in white-knuckle-grippin’ fear for generations of Memphians. The Zippin Pippin is North America’s oldest wooden roller coaster. It’s been churning stomachs for 70 years at its Libertyland site. But the Pippin has been spinning at least as far back as 1912, when it was at the old East End amusement park in what is now the Overton Square area, according to Libertyland officials. The Pippin was Elvis’ favorite, and the ride was used in the filming of Cybill Shepherd’s movie “Memphis.”
50 years ago — 1968
CHATTANOOGA — Major reorganization of the University of Tennessee system calling for creation of perhaps five “great” universities in Tennessee — is expected to be announced in June, Dr. William Masterson said Friday. Dr. Masterson, president of the University of Chattanooga, said the acquisition of the University of Chattanooga by the University of Tennessee is the first step in the new master plan which apparently is being developed by the Tennessee Commission on Higher Education.
75 years ago — 1943
Fresh from the battlefields of Tunisia, where he mingled with American troops in action, Col. Roane Waring, Memphian and national commander of the American Legion, will tell the story of his trip tomorrow night to a packed house at The Auditorium.
100 years ago — 1918
LONDON — The German government is behind the move to induce all warring nations to stop the use of poison gas, according to Red Cross headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Although the Germans were the first to use the gas, they have discovered that its use must depend entirely on the direction of the wind and that the winds are favorable to the allies about two days out of every three.
125 years ago — 1893
Later this week an elegant wedding is planned, joining the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Noland Fontaine with William Carlile of Louisville. All the best people from Memphis society will be in attendance.