MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1994 Harrah’s Casino in Tunica County has laid off about 200 employees, citing a drop in business caused by the recent openings of rival casinos. The Harrah’s layoffs disclosed Wednesday are another sign that the Tunica gambling market is already saturated, said casino industry analyst Daniel Davila, who believes Tunica can support no more than six casinos. Harrah’s was the third Tunica casino when it opened in November. Since then, six others opened and two closed, leaving seven casinos operating in the county. Another four casinos are scheduled to open by the end of September. 50 years ago — 1969 Space Center, Houston – Two Americans landed and walked on the moon Sunday, the first human beings on its alien soil. They planted their nation’s flag and talked to their President on Earth by radio-telephone. Millions on their home planet 240,000 miles away watched on television as they saluted the flag, and scouted the lunar surface. The first to step on the moon was Neil Armstrong, 38, of Wapakoneta, Ohio. He stepped onto the dusty surface at 9:56 p.m. (Memphis time). His first words were, “That’s one small step for man, a giant leap for mankind.” Twenty minutes later, his companion, Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin Jr., 39, of Montclair, N.J., stepped to the surface. 75 years ago — 1944 Business may be hitting peak for many now, but not for County Jail. Albert Hodges, jailer, said only 84 persons are being held in jail at present as compared with 368 at this time last year. The “guest list” has not been as slim in well over a year. 100 years ago — 1919 The entire roof of Nicholas Blackwell High School was ripped off by a terrific windstorm that struck that town late yesterday. 125 years ago — 1894 The 20th annual reunion of the Confederate Veterans of West Tennessee was held at Brighton yesterday. There were special trains from all directions and thousands of people came in wagons, buggies, on horseback and on foot, until the beautiful woods that cover the reunion grounds were thronged for a mile up and down the creek.

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL Tops among wading pool contestants for the title of Master and Miss Memphis were Stephen Parks, 7, and Carole Mccants, 10. They received their crowns and trophies at the wading pool revue on July 21, 1956, at Overton playground.