MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 Years Ago — July 21, 1995

Washington — In a stunning vote of no confidence, the two most important Arkansas financial sponsors of President Clinton’s political career — Don Tyson of Tyson Foods Inc. and the powerful Stephens banking family of Little Rock — have turned their back on the Clinton reelection effort and are supporting Sen. Bob Dole. Tyson’s political action committee has contributed $3,000 to Dole’s campaign, while the Stephens Inc. committee has donated $6,000 to Dole, according to campaign finance reports filed this week. “Bill Clinton’s election as president is the worst thing that ever happened to Tyson Foods and the state of Arkansas,” said Tyson spokesman Archie Schaffer III. “It’s brought us nothing but headaches and misery.”

50 Years Ago — July 21, 1970

Jefferson City, Mo. — A year to the day after he first set foot on the moon, Neil Armstrong and his Apollo 11 crew were reunited Monday with their burn-scarred spaceship Columbia. And during ceremonies in Missouri’s capital, the astronauts picked up a new honor — Gov. Warren E. Hearnes presented them with the first “Missouri Mule Skinner” award, chrome-plated mule-shoes mounted on walnut plaques. Speaking to 7,000 persons on the Missouri

Capitol lawn and steps, Armstrong and his Apollo 11 companions, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin Jr. and Michael Collins, saw the historic trip as a symbol of peace to unite mankind. The space module is on a tour of the United states and just happened to be in Missouri on the anniversary date.

75 Years Ago — July 21, 1945

Commissioner Joe Boyle announced last night that $15-a-month raises will go to all members of the fire and police departments, from the highest officers to the newest rookies, beginning Aug. 15.

100 Years Ago — July 21, 1920

Union forces will present a petition to the City Commission seeking reinstatement of every city fireman who walked out last Thursday or the filing of charges and trial of each man on his merits as provided in the city charter. 125 Years Ago — July 21, 1895

One of the smallest prisoners the Shelby County jail has ever had is Choice Lewis, a little 7-year-old charged with stealing two gold watches from the home of William Barry. One of the watches was on his person at the time of arrest. After baffling deputies for a long while with his consummate lying, the boy finally admitted the theft.

THOMAS BUSLER/THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILE Present and former members of the Memphis University School’s track program held a surprise party and steak dinner on July 21, 1978, for MUS Coach Jerry Peters, who announced his retirement in May after 17 years as the school’s track coach. He will remain at MUS as head basketball coach.