MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1993

Some churches are moving out of Midtown; some are staying. First Baptist Church of Memphis is trying to do both. Last week, a committee formed to bolster the church’s ministry at Poplar and East Parkway met for the first time. On Nov. 1, another committee will present a proposal to build a second campus, in Cordova. The unusual effort — church officials say it is unprecedented in the Memphis area — has created excitement and tension within the city’s oldest Baptist church. Dr. Earl Davis, pastor since 1976, acknowledged that the proposal has generated some tense debate.

50 years ago — 1968

Defense Depot Memphis will officially dedicate its new three-million-dollar mechanized warehouse distribution system with a ribbon-cutting at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow. The computerized system, which replaced the manual system installed more than 25 years ago, is designed to increase efficiency in the handling of the thousands of items distributed by the installation on Airways. Attending the ceremonies, which will include tours and demonstrations of the new system, will be representatives of the city government, business, military and civic organizations.

75 years ago — 1943

Because many students have been drafted and others find it easy to get jobs at good pay, enrollment in Memphis high schools has dropped this year more than 8 percent, Supt. Ernest C. Ball reported yesterday.

100 years ago — 1918

On account of fuel shortages and the flu epidemic, Memphis retail store hours, starting today, will be from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This follows the recent closing of schools and theaters due to the flu epidemic.

125 years ago — 1893

Mayor Lucas Clapp is running for re-election on his record, he says. When he came into office three years ago the downtown section was practically without permanent pavement. Now, Union, Main, Second, Court, McCall and Jefferson are handsomely and durably paved. Court Square has been rescued from dilapidation and is now beautiful. Memphis, which had not had a new fire engine house in 30 years, saw this year the grand opening at Front and Union of one of the finest engine houses in the country. And the old horse cars have given way to a prompt, efficient electric streetcar system.

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILES Before joining them for an inspection tour of cotton plantations near Greenville, Miss., in October 1951, Ed Lipscomb, second left, director of publications for the National Cotton Council, outlined to his companions what they would see. Herbert Caterson, second right, of the Daily News Record, a cotton journal, and Miss Eleanor Nadler, right, of Time magazine took notes while John W. Murray of the American Cotton Manufacturing Institute looked on.