MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1995
Computer parts wholesale distributor Ingram Micro Inc. said on Tuesday it will hire about 230 people as early as October when its new distribution center opens in the Millington Business Center. About 50 of those people will be hired from Ingram Micro’s Memphis distribution center, which probably will process returns when the new center opens, said Jeff Rodek, Ingram Micro’s president and chief operating officer.
That would leave about 100 people at the Memphis center. Ingram Micro calls itself the world’s largest wholesale distributor of microcomputer products. It is owned by Ingram Industries Inc., based in Nashville. The Millington center will be Ingram Micro’s largest distribution facility, sitting on 38 acres and covering 300,000 square feet. Bids for the construction work will begin next month, and site work could begin as early as Friday. Pickering Firm Inc. of Memphis is designing the building.
50 years ago — 1970
A relaxed and smiling Buford Ellington leaned back in his chair in the governor’s office he has occupied for eight years and kidded with reporters. The impression was left that the balding chief executive has immensely enjoyed his long career in public service but is very glad to be finally getting out. Ellington’s departure will mark the end of a political era in Tennessee. He and the late Gov. Frank G. Clement combined to control the governorship for nearly two decades.
75 years ago — 1945
Mid-south farmers — landowners, tenants and sharecroppers — who have lived at home this year, conserved their soil, diversified their crops and done a good job of farm and home management, will be honored in Memphis today. The occasion will be the 12th annual Plant to Prosper Rally and Mid-south Farm Forum, opening at Ellis Auditorium at 10 a.m.
100 years ago — 1920
AUGUSTA, Ky. – Criminal carelessness on the part of Capt. George H. Hart, master of the United States steam launch Margaret, which sank in the Ohio River Saturday night, was responsible for the tragedy, according to the verdict returned by a coroner’s jury following the recovery today of the body of one of the 11 victims. Capt.
Hart, his daughter, and the latter’s husband were drowned, being trapped with three others in the upper cabin of the boat. Engineer Day Dykes, Knoxville, Tenn., who had been employed on the boat for eight months, testified he had repeatedly told Capt. Hart the boat had open seams that would let in much water and that it was dangerous to operate it.