MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1995
Cape Town, South Africa – President Nelson Mandela says he'll be ready to retire and become Grandpa Mandela when his term expires in 1999. “In 1999, I will be 80,” Mandela said Wednesday. “I don't think an octogenarian should be meddling in political affairs. I would like to give over to a younger man. But I will be available to give advice.” Mandela, 76, was elected South Africa's first black president in the nation's first all-race election last year after spending 27 years in prison for trying to overthrow apartheid.
50 years ago — 1970
As City Councilman Bob James says, police enforcement of the present Memphis blue law against Sunday sales of certain items is “Mickey Mouse” and “intolerable” when you look at rising crime rates in serious areas. But Mr. James proposes an ordinance permitting four-hour sales, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Such a law has already been questioned as to constitutionality. The common-sense approach to meet changing needs in contemporary society is to repeal the existing city statute. The council, having gotten confused in last Tuesday's session, has a chance to start over tomorrow on the pathway to blue law repeal.
75 years ago — 1945
Kay Kyser, Georgia Carroll, Ish Kabibble and all the boys from the Kollege of Musical Knowledge have come to Memphis. They will entertain the soldiers at Kennedy General Hospital and the men at the Naval bases of Millington.
100 years ago — 1920
F.N. Chester, expert engineer, who recently made a survey for the Memphis Water Department reports to Mayor Paine “it will take a million dollars to put the department in condition to meet demands of this growing city.”
125 years ago — 1895
Miss Susan B. Anthony and Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, who are visiting in Memphis, were entertained at three receptions yesterday and spoke to a meeting of the Nineteenth Century Club.