MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1997
The Park Commission doesn’t want city kids to miss out on its summer camp program this year. When registration opens at 9 a.m. next Saturday at 24 community centers, the commission will offer reduced fees and give Memphis residents first chance to enroll their children in camps. Registration for children from outside Memphis will be delayed until May 21, and they will be charged a nonresident fee that is double the fee for residents. The changes stem from concerns that children of nonresidents have taken summer camp slots in the past, perhaps denying some city children an opportunity to participate. Also, park officials believe some children were left out of the program because they couldn’t afford the fee.
50 years ago — 1972
A member of the Arts Appreciation Foundation negotiating committee last night was “hopeful things can be worked out” with construction unions in an attempt to get final work done at The Auditorium for next week’s performances of the Metropolitan Opera. An agreement with construction unions to make an exception in a general work stoppage and allow tradesmen to install seats and do other last-minute work had been announced. However, workmen who showed up for the job yesterday were told by the union stewards not to work.
75 years ago — 1947
ST. LOUIS – The Southern Baptist Convention Friday selected Memphis as the site of the 1948 meeting over Oakland, Calif., the only other city considered. The convention will be held from May 19-23. Dr. W.R. Pettigrew, pastor of the Walnut Street Baptist Church at Louisville, Ky., was chosen to deliver the convention sermon.
100 years ago — 1922
NATCHEZ, Miss. – With 7,000 persons already rationed in the flooded areas of Concordia, Catahoula and Tensas parishes, all of 25,000 flood sufferers in this district will have been supplied with food by the end of the present week.
125 years ago — 1897
NASHVILLE – It is said to be the truth that Gov. R.L. “Bob” Taylor is seriously considering resigning in October 1897, to return to the lecture platform.