MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1997
It’s easy to be a collector when you have lots of money and time to hobnob with others following the same pursuit. It’s more difficult when your small income limits your buying power and a painful physical condition tends to keep you close to home. Neither slows Barbara Mitchell on her quest: She has 3,000 dolls and toys. Some are carefully arranged and displayed in the living room of her Oakhaven home. Awaiting her attention are hundreds of others stuffed into drawers, in plastic bags under her bed and stored in a building behind the house. The dolls she is working on sit on her bed, their backs against the wall. ”This is my passion,” said Mitchell, 52, as she waves her hand over the collection in the living
room.
50 years ago — 1972
Workmen are scurrying across the white painted barges lined up along the riverfront. Boat sails are being readied at Arkabutla Lake. Softball pitchers are loosening their throwing arms. The Cotton Carnival begins today. Tourists and participants are already on hand to view the start of the nine-day celebration, and the weatherman has forecast partly cloudy skies with temperatures near 80 degrees. The Great River Pageant, the centerpiece and highlight of the Carnival, begins at 4:30 p.m. with a mock battle of Memphis at the foot of Madison. 75 years ago — 1947
The telephone strike was in its fifth week today with Memphis strikers apparently prepared for a long and determined
stand if necessary. Union leaders declared they were undeterred by what they termed “intimidation.” Miss Pauline Robinson, who has served in picket lines, reported to the union that an unidentified woman called her three times yesterday and threatened her life. Miss Robinson said the caller asked her which she valued most, “the union or her life.”
100 years ago — 1922
Captain John C. Wyckoff announced that the steamer Idlewild will start summer excursion trips tomorrow.
125 years ago — 1897
WASHINGTON – General James Longstreet of Georgia is to succeed General Wade Hampton as railroad commissioner, announced President William Mckinley.