MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1996

It costs more now to stay at a hotel or eat in a restaurant in Tunica County than it did last month, the result of a tax that will fund the newly formed Tunica County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The tax, which began Oct. 1, adds 2 percent to customer-paid hotel bills and 1 percent to the price of prepared food and beverages. The new tax is expected to produce $1.5 million a year for tourism efforts. ”Our mission is to develop the tourist trade, keep visitors here for longer than a day and promote Tunica County as a destination resort, not just a day trip,” said Penn Owen Jr., farmer and chairman of the bureau. Three years ago, Tunica County had nothing to attract tourists. Now there are 10 casinos with 3,000 hotel rooms in the county. The casino companies are adding more rooms and planning additional attractions, including golf courses, entertainment complexes and shopping centers.

50 years ago — 1971

United States Dist. Judge Bailey Brown yesterday said he is inclined to agree with plaintiffs’ allegations that the Overton Park expressway route should be sent back to the federal secretary of transportation. However, government attorneys claimed it would be repetitious to remand the decision to Secretary John A. Volpe and said they will be able to further develop their arguments as the case continues.

75 years ago — 1946

ST. ANTHONY, Idaho – The Fish and Game Department reported Saturday that a Meese and a moose got mixed up during the special moose hunt near here this week. The Meese came out the winner. B.J. Meese of Malad bagged a bull moose.

100 years ago — 1921

CHICAGO – Handsome men are all right to lunch and dine and dance with, but for a husband, one fond of his slippers

after dinner and homely enough so that other women won’t be trailing him, is preferable. Thus, did Mrs. Georgia Hamon, widow of Jake L. Hamon, the millionaire Oklahoma politician who was shot by Clara Hamon less than a year ago, give her reasons today for refusing to marry F Albert Morrison, Sacramento millionaire, who is in Chicago wooing her between sessions of the mining congress. “But I can’t marry him.

He is too good looking... had experience with one handsome man, you know.” 125 years ago — 1896

There was an enthusiastic meeting of women interested in kindergarten and mission work among the neglected children of Memphis yesterday at the Woman’s Council Hall. Under the name Free Kindergarten Association, the ladies hope to establish several schools for street children.

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILES Oct. 17, 1953: The richly costumed dolls that were to go on sale at the annual Vassar Country Store capture the fancy of Louise Keesee, 5, (center) and Nancy Kopald, 4, (right). But 4-year-old Walton Tomford, with no time for froufrou, directs his attention — and tongue tip — to another item of merchandise, peach nectar honey. Proceeds from sale of the dolls, honey and other fine goods will provide a fund to send some Memphis girl to Vassar.