MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1994
Nashville – They were once called carpetbaggers, those Northerners who sought economical and political fortune, in Dixie. Soon, we will call one governor. Republican voters Thursday nominated for the state’s top job Moline, Ill., born-and-raised Don Sundquist and Democrats nominated Phil Bredesen, born in Oceanport, N.J., and raised in Shortsville, N.Y. “No, they’re not Southerners. I wouldn’t expect they’d pretend to be Southerners, but they’re certainly at home in the South,” said Bill Morris, a candidate with a deep drawl, born in Mississippi and a friend of Elvis.
50 years ago — 1969
The Whitehaven Junior Chamber of Commerce announced yesterday they have retained attorney Lucius Burch Jr. to assist in their fight against Memphis’ annexation of Whitehaven. The Jaycees have been spearheading a drive to halt the annexation scheduled to take effect Dec. 31. Jack L. Wilson, president of the Jaycees, said a grand opening for the group’s trailer headquarters on U.S. 51 South will be Saturday evening.
75 years ago — 1944
Memphis set its sights on a 500,000 population yesterday as Mayor Chandler announced plans to “sell” the city to the nation as “a place to live, a place to thrive and a place to work.” The mayor revealed intentions to exploit the city’s advantages, after E.H. Crump, Shelby County political leader, stated “Memphis has a personality to sell — let’s advertise it throughout the country.”
100 years ago — 1919
An ordinance was passed Tuesday by the board of city commissioners requiring all automobiles to be equipped with lenses so graduated that automobile lights will be greatly reduced. The purpose of the ordinance is to do away with some of the searchlights that sweep the streets and driveways of Memphis.
125 years ago — 1894
President Cleveland has nominated James D. Porter of Tennessee to be United States Judge of the Eastern and Middle Districts of Tennessee.