MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1993
Sources close to former Memphis State basketball star Anfernee Hardaway said Wednesday that he’ll sign a 12to 13-year $65 million contract today with the Orlando Magic. The contract would be the second highest in pro team sports behind the 12-year $84 million deal signed Tuesday by Larry Johnson of the Charlotte Hornets. Hardaway, a 6-6 guard who was drafted No. 3 by Golden State, and traded to Orlando for No. 1 pick Chris Webber of Michigan, is expected to be in Orlando today at media day for the announcement.
50 years ago — 1968
WASHINGTON — Dr. Wernher Von Braun, head of the Saturn rocket program, said Sunday, “Unless something dramatic happens, the Russians are going to fly rings around us in space, in a period of five years. All our information indicates clearly that the Russian program is richer than ours.” Dr. Von Braun, director of the Marshall Space Flight Center at Huntsville, Ala., said, “They are spending approximately 30 to 50 per cent more, in terms of man-hours per year, than we spend.”
75 years ago — 1943
The evening bridge classes which begin tonight at the Nineteenth Century Club will be taught by M.A. Lightman, winner of many bridge tournaments, who will use the Culbertson rules as the textbook. Members are asked to bring their own books and as a war measure to furnish their own cards.
100 years ago — 1918
The Susan B. Anthony women’s suffrage amendment to the Constitution has been defeated in the Senate by a vote of 52 to 31. However, hope for passage of the measure this session has not been abandoned. Senator Jones of New Mexico said he will move for a reconsideration of the vote next week.
125 years ago — 1893
World’s Fair officials in Chicago have refused to allow the International Congress of Free Thinkers to use the art institute building where the world religious conference is being held. Mr. Benney, Fair president, said no group is going to use the hall to criticize the church or to drag the name of the Creator into the mire. One free thinker invaded the conference yesterday and attempted to speak in favor of polygamy. Yells of protest by many female vices drowned him out.