MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1993
From the deeply devoted to the extremely eccentric, Elvis Presley devotees from around the world begin returning to Memphis today to kick off the annual Elvis Week festivities. For the next nine days, muttonchop sideburns, pompadours, rhinestone-studded jumpsuits and other personal tributes to the King will again flourish as an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 flock here to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the singer’s death. The annual Elvis International Tribute Week, this year fashioned around the 20th anniversary of Presley’s historic “Aloha from Hawaii” concert, is set to offer dozens of the usual tours, remembrances, concerts, dances and other annual tributes.
50 years ago — 1968
MIAMI BEACH — Richard M. Nixon captured the Republican presidential nomination in an overwhelming first ballot triumph early Thursday and won the second chance to battle the Democrats for the White House in November. In a stunning comeback from the depths of political defeat six years ago, the former vice president smothered a Southern challenge by Gov. Ronald Reagan and chipped away at Gov. Nelson Rockefeller’s favorite son strength to run away with the prize. Even before the first ballot was cast at this crucial fourth session of the GOP National Convention, Nixon had more than 667 votes needed for nomination. Nixon has promised to make his decision on a running mate public before noon Thursday.
75 years ago — 1943
Memphis baseball fans put forth a little added effort, crammed Russwood Park and won the Southern League attendance trophy, and now the ball players are going to put on a little extra show for the fans. It will all happen Sunday, Aug. 15, when the Chicks meet the New Orleans Pelicans in a doubleheader and Billy Evans, president of the Southern, formally presents the attendance cup. Vice President Frank Longinotti plans to stage a real celebration and it will be Evans’ first visit since he moved into the president’s chair. It is the second time in 25 years that Memphis has won the attendance trophy.
100 years ago — 1918
West Memphis is growing. The Arkansas Railroad Commission has issued an order to the Rock Island Line to construct a new depot at the junction of the Iron Mountain, Rock Island and Frisco cutoff railroads. Construction of a large schoolhouse in West Memphis will begin immediately and contracts have been let for the erection of half a dozen bungalows.
125 years ago — 1893
The following letter was received by the editor; it had been directed to the superintendent and trustees of the city schools: A number of old folks in Memphis have seen with dismay in the papers that the schools will not open till Sept. 25. Can not this decision be changed and quiet people, suffering from the wild inroads of idle children at all hours, be relieved from the infliction? Have pity, gentlemen, and open the schools at once. A Suffering Subscriber.