MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1993
WASHINGTON — White House deputy counsel Vince Foster Jr. killed himself after writing a bitter note about widespread lying in Washington, where “ruining people is considered sport,” police said. The note, which seems to show Foster’s bitterness and frustration, accuses the FBI, Republicans and the editors of The Wall Street Journal of various lies and suggested a plot by White House caretakers to embarrass Hillary Rodham Clinton. Foster, 48, grew up with President Clinton in Hope, Ark., and later was a partner in the same prominent Little Rock law firm as Mrs. Clinton.
50 years ago — 1968
More students will receive degrees Saturday at Memphis State University than ever before in the school’s history. Dr. C.C. Humphreys, MSU president, will award 531 bachelor’s degrees, 309 master’s degrees, 5 law degrees and 3 doctoral degrees — a total of 848. The summer commencement will bring the number of degrees awarded during the year to a record 2,118.
75 years ago — 1943
The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees Tuesday received President James D. Hoskins’ biennial report, which recommended a $5,850,000 postwar building program in anticipation of trebled enrollment with the demobilization of members of the armed forces who wish to complete their educations. $700,000 will be provided for expansion in Memphis.
100 years ago — 1918
Memphis is going to be bone dry in fact as well as law, according to the new mayor, Frank Monteverde. He says he has ordered that every bootlegger and gambler in the city be arrested.
125 years ago — 1893
Something must be done about the old wooden bridge on Monroe just east of Fourth. It was condemned last year, but after a few patches here and there it was reopened. Most horses have sense enough to refuse to cross it, and the others must be led across zig-zag to dodge the holes. Soon someone will end up in the turgid and foaming waters of Bayou Gayoso. Times are hard but this is not fair to the taxpayers.