MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1994 Marriage is a big step for any couple, but Tom Hays and Robin Ackerman had known each other for seven years and they decided they were ready for the commitment. Sunday morning they took the plunge. The couple boarded the Zippin Pippin, Libertyland’s most popular roller coaster, where they exchanged wedding vows from 70 feet in the air. When the ceremony was over, the newlyweds — along with the judge, the man of honor and the best woman — braved the wooden coaster’s steep descent to more level ground. “It was one of the best roller coaster rides of my life,” said bridegroom Tom Hays, 46. Hays and Ackerman are avid roller coaster fans who have ridden 130 roller coasters in amusement parks across the nation. 50 years ago — 1969 Edgartown, Mass. – Sen. Edward M. Kennedy is waiving a show-cause hearing on the police complaint accusing him with leaving the scene of his auto accident last weekend and will go to trial on the charge, a lawyer for the senator said last night. He will appear at 9 a.m. today at the Edgartown courthouse to accept a summons. Kennedy will have three options when arraigned. He can plead guilty, innocent or no contest. If he pleads innocent, he will be brought to trial eventually, if he pleads guilty or no contest, the next step is sentencing. 75 years ago — 1944 Employees of the Pidgeon-thomas Iron Co., who have been making Landing Craft Tanks for the Navy since June 1942, have been awarded their second Army-navy Star, Frank Pidgeon, vice president, announced yesterday. The Star is the award following the Army-navy E at intervals of six months if the high grade of work continues. The craft manufactured at Pidgeon-thomas is widely used by the Navy in every theater, Lt. G.R. Faust, Naval director of the plant, revealed. 100 years ago — 1919 London – Cussing adds nothing to the impressiveness of film production, in the opinion of Britain’s chief film censor. Henceforth American films containing such expressions as “Damn it” and “Go to hell” will not be accepted for importation. 125 years ago — 1894 The 10-mile, record-breaking contest of the Memphis Cycle Club will take place this afternoon. The four swiftest riders in the club are putting the finishing touches on their machines for the attempt to break the state record set by Jay Newsom on June 14 over the Raleigh Road course. The streetcar line will have a moving grandstand, a long string of cars that will make a trip with the cyclists.

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL Some 2,000 spectators turned out for a three-ring circus on Mckellar Lake on July 25, 1954. Mckellar Lake, then slated for development as a recreation center, was buzzing with boats and skiers as races and daring ski stunts were the featured attractions.