MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1995
Jackson, Tenn. – Basketball practice is over. The gym at Lambuth University has quieted. The coach, all arms and legs, ambles toward a group of maintenance men. One of the younger workers asks the coach, “What team do you play for?” Before the coach has a chance to answer, one of the older employees says incredulously, “Man, don’t you know who that is? That’s Keith Lee. He was an All-american at Memphis State on its Final Four team. Played in the pros, too.” Lee, player-coach of the Jackson Jackals of the United States Basketball League, shyly extends a hand and makes small talk. He appears at ease in his new job. Since leading U of M to the 1985 Final Four, Lee, 32, has packed a lifetime of living into the last 10 years. A native of West Memphis, he still loves basketball enough to make it hopefully his life’s work.
50 years ago — 1970
Washington – The Interior Department approved a $310,000 grant Wednesday to help Memphis in acquiring and developing a riverfront recreation area. The $310,000 will be matched with $155,000 each from the Memphis Park Commission and the Shelby County Conservation Board. The city and county agencies will acquire 93 acres of Mud Island which with 36 acres of adjacent city-owned land will be developed into a scenic area with three miles of hiking trails, three miles of bicycle paths, three picnic areas, three shelters, parking facilities for 100 cars and landscaping.
75 years ago — 1945
With the hearty cooperation of Memphis firms, the greatest advertising medium in the Mid-south today swings a solid blow against Japan. Every major advertisement in The Commercial Appeal promotes the Seventh War Loan Drive, which starts today. Readers are urged to read their messages carefully. The lesson learned will pay you well and pay you again later.
100 years ago — 1920
C.P.J. Mooney was the speaker at the luncheon of the Kiwanis Club at the Gayoso Hotel yesterday. The subject was “Underproduction.” Mr. Mooney declared that not only is there an underproduction of the necessities of life, but there is also an underproduction of brains. He declared that the U.S. Senate is handicapped by the latter shortage.
125 years ago — 1895
A meddling scientist has discovered that the microbes of disease are disseminated by kissing. This gave a man a good excuse for turning his jaw to his mother-in-law, but the true lover simply read the warning with scorn and called for another microbe. It is encouraging, however, that a French chemist has demonstrated that tobacco smoke is the most perfect germicide ever used, so that the young man who smokes carries on his mustache a neverfailing health restorer for his sweetheart.