MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1995
An electrified Old Glory probably will wave over the Dec. 30 St. Jude Liberty Bowl after all, city officials said Wednesday. The city Division of General Services decided to proceed with repairs immediately because of public response to reports of the flag's disrepair, deputy director Chuck Fox said. The 18-foot-square, 300-light American flag is scheduled to be taken down from the stadium press box for repair this morning, weather permitting, said Bill Wilson, Park Commission administrator of parks maintenance and the Liberty Bowl. The commission ordered the 78-year-old flag turned off this fall because of the number of lights that no longer work. Wilson said he had received many calls and offers of support following reports that the Park Commission didn't have repair funds available. The flag dates back to about 1917, when it was placed atop The Commercial Appeal's old offices at Second and Court. The newspaper moved it to 495 Union in 1933, but gave it to the Liberty Bowl in 1977 when another newspaper office was built.
50 years ago — 1970
There was foot-stomping and hand-clapping during the two-hour show at the Mid-south Jamboree at Linden Circle Theater yesterday as 24 country and western entertainers put on a charity show for the Mile-oDimes Christmas Basket Fund. It was the fifth annual Jamboree with all performers contributing their time and talent. "I think it was a good show and we certainly are happy to help such a worthy charity," said Eral Logan, entertainment chairman.
75 years ago — 1945
JACKSON, Miss. – Smoldering student opposition to administrative policies at Ole Miss, which flared into the open with demonstrations Tuesday, is scheduled to be laid before the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning in session here Friday. William Burgin, Starkville, president of the Associated Student Body at Ole Miss, is to present the grievances to the board and to request an investigation. Included in the complaints is the recent resignation of Coach Harry Mehre. Some observers said underlying the student revolt is a movement to force Chancellor A.B. Butts to resign or to have the board fail to re-elect him when his one-year contract comes up at its January meeting.
100 years ago — 1920 WASHINGTON – The House today transmitted to the Senate the Johnson bill prohibiting practically all immigration to the United States for a period of one year. The vote on the measure, 293 to 41, brought to an end more than three days of heated debate. It also followed futile attempts by the bill's supporters to lengthen the prohibition period to two years, as originally proposed.