MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1995
At least 74 employees convicted of felony offenses such as drug-dealing, assault with a firearm, robbery and homicide worked for Memphis and Shelby County public schools this year. In one case, a high school history and economics teacher landed the job in 1993 when he was on parole for two drug-dealing convictions. No one checked when he said he had not been convicted of any crimes. An elementary school lunchroom monitor was convicted of attempted rape before he was hired in 1985. He, too, said he didn't have a record. Since his hiring, he has been convicted of two more felonies. In all, 29 — more than onethird of the felons — worked full- or part-time in classrooms as teachers, substitute teachers, educational assistants or computer instructors, according to an investigation by The Commercial Appeal. The investigation also found that about 1,500 school employees had arrest records that included misdemeanor convictions ranging from patronizing prostitution and drunken driving to minor drug possession and simple assault.
50 years ago — 1970
The memorial fountain in front of the Main Post Office on Front has been permanently dry docked, Harry Woodbury, city service director, said yesterday. Mr. Woodbury said the decision to remove fountain fixtures and turn the World War II and Korean War Memorial into a planter was reached after difficulties in operation of the fountain. Approval of federal officials for the change was received yesterday.
100 years ago — 1920
Everything is in readiness for the annual Hottum River marathon swim, to be held in the Mississippi River Saturday. Officials of the event and Doc Hottum, father of the race, held a meeting at the Natatorium and perfected the rules and regulations that will govern the 10-mile race. Fifteen entries have been turned in to Mervin Rosenbush, clerk of the course.
125 years ago — 1895
The Shelby County Commissioners are in hot water again. A committee of the County Court reports that they have overdrawn their salaries, paid too much for graveling the turnpikes and not advertised for bids according to law, instead giving contracts for county work to their friends.