MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1993

AUSTIN, Texas — Republican George W. Bush of Dallas, whose father led the nation as president, on Wednesday made formal his desire to lead the state as governor. Bush, an oilman and managing partner of the Texas Rangers baseball team, launched his 1994 GOP gubernatorial bid by registering a campaign committee that is expected to collect more than $10 million in an attempt to oust Democratic Gov. Ann Richards.

50 years ago — 1968

Dr. Frank S. Groner, Baptist Hospital administrator, last night won the American College of Hospital Administrators’ Gold Medal Award for excellence in hospital administration. The award came during ceremonies at the College’s 34th annual banquet in Atlantic City. Under Dr. Groner’s administration, Baptist has grown from 500 beds to 1,400 beds. Dr. Groner became the hospital’s administrator in 1947.

75 years ago — 1943

“A liberal education is designed to release the mind from ignorance, superstition, bigotry, prejudice and partisanship,” Dr. Charles E. Diehl, president of Southwestern told the college’s 335 students Saturday at his opening address of the 1943-44 term.

100 years ago — 1918

Members of the Chamber of Commerce river terminals committee will meet at the Custom House this afternoon to make an automobile tour of various sites proposed for a terminal. It is understood that the committee favors the foot of Jefferson Avenue.

125 years ago — 1893

The reckless discharge of firearms by fools throughout the country should warn our lawmakers that it is absolutely necessary to guard the public against such outrages. How many times have vicious persons slain the victims of their animosity and then gone free after the self-made plea that they “didn’t know it was loaded.” We should be able to look to our legislators for protection.

JEFF MCADORY B. B. King enjoys a laugh after lunch at the home of Minnie Belle Mills on Hannah Avenue in Indianola, Mississippi, on June 9, 1984. Later that evening he performed at the Mary Shepard Farm, south of Indianola. The annual B. B. King Blues Festival celebrates King who became a living blues legend since leaving Sunflower County's cotton fields about 1946 headed for Memphis. Born Riley King on a cotton plantation between Indianola and Itta Bena on September 16, 1925, he was later dubbed B.B. short for “Blues Boy.”