MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1995
The first KLM Royal Dutch Airlines nonstop flight from Amsterdam will touch down in Memphis next Tuesday, and the Netherlands travelers who disembark may wonder exactly where they’ve landed. First, their plane will be named Elvis I. Before the jet gets to the gate, it will pass through a christening of spray, meant to resemble champagne, from 12 Fedex deicing trucks. An honor guard of hovering police helicopters will escort Elvis I on its final taxi. Inside Memphis International Airport, the Dutch passengers will be greeted by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Peabody ducks, ice sculptures in the shape of wooden shoes, 100 dozen flowers and free-flowing champagne and beer. “We’re trying to make this a pretty big splash, with a lot of pizzazz,” said Larry Cox, president of the Memphis-shelby County Airport Authority.
50 years ago — 1970
Wimbledon, England – Rod Laver of Australia and Arthur Ashe of Richmond, Va., led a procession of seeded players through the first round of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships Monday as both the Australia and U.S. contingents came through without incident. Laver, who is seeking his third title in succession and his fifth altogether, took just one hour for a romp over George “Butch” Seewagen of Bayside, N.Y. Ashe, rated by many as Laver’s chief threat, opened his bid by downing Graham Stilwell of Britain. Stan Smith, of Los Angeles, the U.S. No. 1 and the seventh seed here, also advanced, but had difficulty before beating Jaime Fillol of Chile.
75 years ago — 1945
Soldiers returning from European and Mediterranean theaters find brass bands, flags and steak dinners at port of debarkation are fine, but what they really want is to get home as quickly as possible. To speed the process, the War Department strongly advises relatives and friends of soldiers not to travel to ports of debarkation.
100 years ago — 1920
A special committee of the Shelby County Tuberculosis Society held a meeting Tuesday morning for the purpose of hearing protests against the proposed purchase of the Rogers home on Poplar Avenue as a site for a tuberculosis preventorium. About 20 complaints were filed. Sentiment against locating such a facility inside the city limits seems to be gaining momentum. Many parents will not allow their children to attend schools and churches in the area if the site is chosen for that facility.
125 years ago — 1895
The splendid and famous Marine Corps Band, organized 100 years ago, has received special permission from President Cleveland to go on a concert tour, provided that only Southern states be visited, as a tribute to the people of this section of the country. The band will give three performances Monday and Tuesday at the Lyceum Theater.