MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1993
WASHINGTON — The House decisively passed the controversial Brady bill Wednesday that would require a five-day waiting period and a background check for handgun buyers. On a 238-189 vote, the House sent the legislation to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain fate despite a strong anti-crime mood in Washington, strong support from President Clinton and bipartisan backing. The waiting period would not affect Tennessee, where a 15-day waiting period on handgun purchases and a background check would continue to be enforced. Arkansas and Mississippi have no waiting period or checks.
50 years ago — 1968
Dr. Orren W. Hyman, vice president emeritus of the University of Tennessee Medical Units who was regarded as the major architect behind the building of Memphis’ Medical Center, died yesterday at Baptist Hospital. He was 77. Dr. Hyman, who also was retired dean of the UT College of Medicine, stepped down in 1961, after 48 years as a UT teacher and administrator. He first joined the Medical Units in the fall of 1913 as professor of embryology. He served as dean of the College of Medicine from 1925 until 1958 when he was succeeded by Dr. M.K. Callison. Dr. Andrew D. Holt, president of UT, said at Knoxville yesterday, “The magnificent Medical Units which Memphis has today are due in large measure to the efforts of Dr. O.W. Hyman.”
75 years ago — 1943
A big Armistice Day parade along Main Street this morning, sponsored by the American Legion, will celebrate the victory over Kaiser Wilhelm’s armies just 25 years ago.
100 years ago — 1918
WASHINGTON — Armistice terms have been signed by Germany, the State Department announced this morning. Hostilities are to cease at 11 (Paris time). Military spokesmen here say the immediate effects will be: Retirement of all German forces from France, Belgium and Alsace-Lorraine; disarming and demobilization of German armies; occupation by Allied forces of such strategic points in Germany as will make impossible the renewal of hostilities; and delivery of part of the German fleet and submarines to Allied naval forces. The German emperor and his son fled across the Dutch frontier early yesterday with the entire German general staff.
125 years ago — 1893
One of the most important highways leading into Memphis is the Randolph Road, and a great deal of cotton is brought to Memphis by that route. Recently farmers have had to come to town a round-about way, however, because the approach to the Hatchie River bridge is now impassable. The County Court has been notified about this many times, but there is no emergency repair fund. Perhaps at the next election the people can vote in magistrates to undertake needed reforms in the county administration.