MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1993

WASHINGTON — With three predecessors at his side, President Clinton on Tuesday signed side agreements to the North American Free Trade Agreement and kicked off a drive for congressional passage of the trade pact. The treaty would eliminate all U.S., Canadian and Mexican tariffs on North American-made products within 15 years, creating the largest and richest market in the world, stretching from the Yukon to the Yucatan. Clinton portrayed the treaty as the natural extension of the “winds of change” sweeping the world which have brought about the collapse of the Soviet Union, this week’s Middle East peace pact and an increasing global economy.

50 years ago — 1968

Memphis will become the only city in the state with two driver license testing sites tomorrow with the opening of a new test station at 2507 East Shelby Drive.

75 years ago — 1943

The “Memphis Blues” is the name chosen for the Naval Air Technical Training Center’s football team this season. The judges went back to W.C. Handy and the music makers for the choice.

100 years ago — 1918

CINCINNATI — Official announcement was made here today of completion of plans for the Memphis, Tenn., Methodist Hospital. It will cost in excess of $250,000 and is intended to be the model institution of its kind in the South.

125 years ago — 1893

The doors of the Grand Opera House will open next Monday for the 1893-94 season. Dr. Carver’s realistic frontier drama, “The Scout,” will be the opening attraction.

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILES First rehearsals of the Memphis State Tiger band, in preparation for the Tigers’ opening football game with Ole Miss were held on 15 Sep 1952 and Ralph G. Hale, right, band director, called for all-out harmony. Band members sounding off are, from left, Dan McHugh of 1270 Peach, a freshman; Jackie Jones of Caruthersville, MO, a freshman; and Pat Campbell of 697 North McLean, a sophomore.