MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1993
City Councilman Kenneth Whalum, inching closer to a race for Shelby County mayor, said Friday he will name an exploratory committee to examine local government issues. Whalum, 59, said he wants the committee to recommend steps for promoting government efficiency, and also to help him decide whether to enter the countywide race to succeed incumbent Bill Morris. The two-term councilman said he’s considering the county race because no one running for county mayor or considering the race “seems to have the people in mind,” Whalum said.
50 years ago — 1968
Striking hospital workers yesterday began forging an alliance with Negro ministers at a stormy City Council session — similar in some aspects to the early coalition that marked a shift in the sanitation strike from a labor to a racial issue last spring. The issue before the council yesterday was approval of $8,410 for Memphis Area ProjectSouth, headed by the Rev. James M. Lawson, a leading strike supporter. Councilmen, angered by the Rev. Mr. Lawson’s speeches against the city and the Vietnam War, wrote amendments into the MAP-South resolution. Work by MAP-South employees and officers in civil disobedience and anti-draft programs were specifically forbidden as long as city money was involved.
75 years ago — 1943
The Board of Directors of Little Theatre is in search for a new home in which it can stage its plays with amateur talent. John Vesey, chairman of the Park Commission, said last night he notified the directors when they signed their last contract in the Spring they must give up present quarters at Memphis Museum next June when the current Little Theatre season ends.
100 years ago — 1918
WASHINGTON — Germany has announced it is ready to accept President Wilson’s peace terms — to evacuate invaded territory — as a prerequisite to an armistice. Great Britain, France and the other entente nations must join in the decision of whether to accept the German proposal. Officials in Washington said last night there is danger in too hastily considering the German move as an unconditional surrender.
125 years ago — 1893
The union barbers employed at the Peabody Hotel quit work yesterday. Union rules dictate that the men shall work 111⁄2 hours a day with an hour for dinner. The barbers gathered up their tools and walked out after being ordered to report for a 13-hour day with 30 minutes for dinner. Their salary was $15 a week.