MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1993

Developers of a proposed horse racing track applied for a state license Tuesday and outlined their vision of an ante-bellum style attraction projected to bring 600 fulltime jobs and $50 million in annual wagering. Plantation Downs, at Frayser Boulevard and New Allen, would accommodate up to 20,000 fans and feature thoroughbred, quarter-horse and harness racing 246 days a year. Opening as early as July 1995, the $46 million project also would include a theater for simulcast races from other major tracks, a clubhouse and private suites, with longerrange plans calling for a hotel.

50 years ago — 1968

One hundred and thirteen years ago a department store, B. Lowenstein & Bros., Inc., was founded in the loft of a building near Main and Jefferson. The store has changed location several times, including a Court Avenue site, Main and Monroe, and, last year, back to Main and Jefferson. During this period the store’s name was unofficially shortened to Lowenstein’s. The firm’s officials now have decided to again adopt the original and official name of the store.

75 years ago — 1943

Memphis’ Beale Street, where the blues began amid the sobbing moans of the saxophones and the wails of Handy’s crooning cornet, has a new distinction — that of being “the most patriotic negro community in America.” Recognition came at the Colored Elks Convention in Pittsburgh Monday night when Lieut. George W. Lee, chairman of the April War Savings Bond Drive on Beale, received a citation and a $200 War Bond prize for leading all colored communities in America.

100 years ago — 1918

Kemper Waddell, yesterday finished first in the C.H. “Doc” Hottum’s 11th annual 16-mile swim in the Mississippi River at Memphis.

125 years ago — 1893

The Memphis “Wide Awakes” have decided to celebrate on Sept. 22 the anniversary of the emancipation of 4,000,000 slaves in this country. They wish to set up a patriotic feeling and civic interest in this occasion and ask their friends, regardless of color or party affiliation, to contribute toward the expenses.

PHOTO COURTESY PRISCILLA Julia Rains moved to Memphis from Henning, Tenn., in 1929. She is the manager of the cologne counter at Walgreen’s at Main and Madison. Before moving to Memphis, Mrs. Rains attended the Normal School in Memphis and taught school in Curve, Tenn., near Henning. She loved to wear fresh flowers in her hair and is wearing a gardenia in this photo, taken in 1938. She placed cookies on the counter for customers to taste before sampling the colognes. MORRIS / THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL