MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1993
Memphis Mayor W.W. Herenton said Thursday his controversial proposal to surrender the city charter and force city-county consolidation isn’t feasible. But Herenton said he will continue to look for ways to consolidate government services and to educate Memphis and Shelby County residents about the benefits of a joint government.
50 years ago — 1968
City councilmen yesterday were leaning toward approval of a Health Department proposal to fluoridate Memphis drinking water but not in decisive numbers. Five of 13 councilmen said they would vote for the proposal or tend to favor it. Councilman Wyeth Chandler was the only no vote on the council yesterday against fluoridation. “No other public health procedure has been as intensively studied for as long for its safety and effectiveness as the fluoridation of water,” said Dr. Eugene Fowinkle, director of the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department in a letter to councilmen. Mayor Henry Loeb said he favored fluoridation but wanted a referendum called so the people can express themselves on the issue — the same position he took in 1963, when the issue died after a vote of the old city commission.
75 years ago — 1943
A special staff of weather observers to help the Airway Traffic Control office at Municipal Airport in plotting safe courses for planes during quick weather changes will be stationed at the Airport weather station tomorrow. The staff of five men will plot weather conditions for the ATC from Advance, Mo., to the Gulf and from Nashville west to Texarkana. They will help the ATC direct planes out of stormy areas.
100 years ago — 1918
The Memphis Historical Society and other civic bodies are planning a suitable celebration for the city’s approaching centenary. We call on the planners to commemorate the beginnings of medical study in Memphis.
125 years ago — 1893
St. Dominic’s Union met last night and voted to add a ladies’ auxiliary. Most of the prominent Catholic ladies in Memphis have already applied for membership.