MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1995

Washington – Rep. Harold Ford of Memphis quizzed Defense Logistics Agency officials Wednesday about their recommendation to close the DLA depot in Memphis as local, federal and state officials began planning a defense. Ford and Rep. John Tanner, D-tenn., said later that they believe that DLA officials may have given the Defense Distribution Depot Memphis too low a score on “military value.” The Memphis depot was one of 146 military installations nationwide recommended for closure or realignment.

50 years ago — 1970

Memphis State University last night put its production of “Hair” — the American tribal love-rock musical — on view. Human nature and the notoriety of “Hair” being what they are, the immediate question probably is: Is it really dirty? The answer, of course, depends on your definition of dirt. It is course and crude, ostentatious about its four-letter words and pretty transparent in its intention to shock old fuddy-duddies, and young ones, too, if there are any. But nobody takes of his or her clothes, and despite a good deal of writhing around on the floor, there’s nothing even remotely erotic about it.

75 years ago — 1945

With a keen eye toward the future, the Industrial Division of the Memphis Chamber of Commerce is now in active negotiation with more than 100 outside industries that are considering postwar operations in Memphis, it was reported yesterday.

100 years ago — 1920

San Francisco – William Harrison “Jack” Dempsey, heavyweight champion of the world, and his manager, Jack Kearns, were indicted by the federal grand jury here today on a charge that they conspired to have Dempsey evade the selective draft. A second indictment against Dempsey charged actual evasion of the draft.

125 years ago — 1895

Jerry Williams is lodged in the county jail today, charged with stealing a hog. The hog it seems was a resident of the 10th District. In fact, he belonged to Squire Reid, in whose court Williams was to appear. The honorable squire declared himself incapable of viewing the matter impartially and gave the case to another squire.

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL Both aim and focus are checked on headlights using a crossboard containing light-sensitive instruments by Mr. Lee at the City of Memphis vehicle testing station on Washington Avenue on March 2, 1952. The driver, still in the car, is told to switch from bright lights to dim to ascertain if the beams are at proper angle and not blinding.