MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1995
Anniston, Ala. – The image belongs more in the past than in the present: convicts, shackled together by leg irons, laboring by the roadside. Like Confederate widows, Yellow Dog Democrats and faded signs that say “See Ruby Falls,” the chain gang’s era in Southern history seemed gone. But soon, along the highways of northern Alabama, the chain gang will shuffle back into view. Despite protests that leg irons represent a part of the American penal system best forgotten, the state prison commissioner is going ahead with plans to put 400 inmates in irons and set them to work on Alabama’s roadsides. State prison commissioner Ron Jones, who believes prison should be hard, said there were a lot of reasons why he decided to revive chain gangs, but the big one was “deterrence.” He said the sight of a man in chains would leave a lasting impression on young people.
50 years ago — 1970
For years the controversy over whether to fluoridate Memphis water raged, and finally was settled on the side of fluoridation. Great good has come for coming generations of children in terms of reduced tooth decay. But in this point of time there still remain objectors. The Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division, in a gesture of goodwill, has told the City Council LG&W can provide places where the objectors can obtain water without fluoride. To accomplish this LG&W will have to remove the fluoride, which is automatically added to the water supply. But the fact that this publicly-owned utility wants all its customers to be satisfied has some meaning.
75 years ago — 1945
Undaunted by a shortage of nearly $100,000 in the Red Cross coffers at the end of the scheduled campaign Saturday, Memphis and Shelby County Red Cross Fund workers poised themselves yesterday for a race to reach the goal of $654,000 by March 31, date of the extended deadline. Edward F. Barry, general chairman for the local campaign, reiterated his plea yesterday for redoubled activity on the part of the workers.
100 years ago — 1920
Washington – Grand Duchess Olga, sister of the late Czar Nicholas of Russia, has been found living in a box car in southern Russia, American Red Cross headquarters announced yesterday. Clad in rags, the duchess was found toiling to survive among other refugees.
125 years ago — 1895
For several days the corridor of the courthouse has been obstructed by big beams and pulleys reaching to the roof by means of Squire Perkins’ elevator shaft, and the question has been asked many times, “Is the courthouse falling down?” None of it. Since Andrew Harris has been made back tax collector and is living up to his campaign promises, his safe has been too small to hold all his money and he recently purchased a new safe, which is the envy of every official in the building. The safe had to be hoisted up to the second story. In fact, one side of Mr. Harris’ office had to be torn away to allow it to be taken in.