MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1993
The United Way of Greater Memphis will launch its annual fund-raising drive Friday with a community-wide effort called “A Day of Caring.” The promotion is expected to draw about 1,500 volunteers who will take the day off from their jobs to lend a hand at local charitable agencies. They will see how money raised by the United Way is spent helping more than 350,000 poor, elderly and disabled people in the Mid-South.
50 years ago — 1968
Several months of study must be completed before a fireman, policeman, deputy sheriff or ambulance can be summoned from anywhere in Shelby County by dialing 911. R.M. “Mack” Hunt, division commercial manager for South Central Bell Telephone Company, said yesterday the idea has received a favorable response from officials of Shelby’s seven city and county governments. The Federal Communications Commission and the Bell System are preparing to establish the universal number — 911 — in several major cities by the end of this year.
75 years ago — 1943
Tickets for the Le Bonheur Horse Show, highlight of the Memphis social season and an outstanding sporting event in the Nation, will be on sale beginning on Monday. The horse show, which is sponsored by the philanthropic organization, will be held Sept. 22-26 at the Fairgrounds, and tickets for the event may be obtained only at Words and Music, 56 North Main. Mrs. J. Frank Hall and Mrs. Jack Gordon are co-chairmen in charge of the ticket sales.
100 years ago — 1918
Hundreds of dope addicts were left in agony by the recent crackdown in illegal narcotics traffic in Memphis. A conference was held yesterday to make plans to deal with them. Addicts may call at the police station where they will be examined by a doctor from the health department who will prescribe morphine for them as he sees fit. The amount will be gradually decreased until the victim is able to abstain entirely.
125 years ago — 1893
At Cumberland Presbyterian Church this afternoon there will be a meeting of all Sunday School scholars in the city, regardless of denomination, for the purpose of rehearsing the songs they will sing at the grand opening of the Memphis Auditorium. Rehearsals will continue every Sunday afternoon until the opening. This is expected to be the largest gathering of children the South has ever witnessed.