A blast from the past
Years ago the commonplace clang-clang of the bells and the rhythmic clickety-clack of wheels across metal tracks faded with electric trolleys from streets in Memphis and cities across America. Today, after more than four decades and a $33 million investment, trolleys like those that once provided convenient, affordable, reliable public transportation for generations of Memphians are rolling again. As the Main Street Trolley initiates regular service this morning on a 21⁄2-mile trek from the corner of Mill and Main in the Pinch District on the north to Calhoun in the South Main Historic District to the south, it begins a new era in downtown travel for those who came of age after World War II.
50 years ago — 1968
NEW YORK — Leon Aiken lived with his wife in a $75,000 house in Teaneck, N.J. He sent his two teenage children to private school. Harold Munger lived with his wife in a semidetached brick house in a middle-class area in the Bronx. These men have one thing in common. Until they were sent to prison, they were top executives in the business of wholesaling heroin. Because heroin is enormously profitable, it has attracted a large number of talented executives. They face many of the problems confronting legitimate businessmen.
75 years ago — 1943
Before an audience of 5,000 persons, whose cheers rocked The Auditorium, Col. Roane Waring, Memphian and national commander of the American Legion, last night branded John L. Lewis’ threatened coal strikes as “treason.” The remark came at the climax of an address in which Colonel Waring described his recent tour of the fighting front in North Africa.
100 years ago — 1918
With the American Army in France – Twelve hundred German storm troops, the largest number ever concentrated against American troops in an offensive operation, were hurled against American positions on a one-mile front west of Renneres forest, northwest of Toul yesterday. The enemy succeeded in penetrating the front line trenches and taking the village of Seicheprey, but after hours of furious hand-to-hand combat the Americans recaptured the village.
125 years ago — 1893
Miss Florence Davidson was elected by the Shelby County Court to the office of notary public several months ago. After she put up her bond someone filed suit to deprive her of the office. Judge L.H. Estes found in her favor, but the case was appealed to the state Supreme Court where a decision against her has just been rendered. The state constitution bars a woman from holding any public office, the judges decided. If our constitution can be thus interpreted it is at variance with the Bill of Rights and needs reform. We hope Miss Davidson’s attorney will petition for a rehearing.