Break from L.A.
25 years ago: 1990
City schools Supt. Willie Herenton’s contract expires Saturday, but that doesn’t mean he will necessarily be leaving his post soon. Under the terms of the contract, Herenton will get an automatic one-year extension of his tenure as superintendent. But Herenton and school board members aren’t saying whether Herenton will remain at the helm for another year. Herenton’s reluctance to talk about his plans is a departure from his past practice. Previously, he has steadfastly said he intended to remain in his $101,270-a-year position.
50 years ago: 1965
WASHINGTON— Prospective witnesses in the congressional investigation of the Ku Klux Klan are being threatened with physical violence, sources said Sunday. Investigators for the House Committee on Un-American Activities also are encountering instances where potential witnesses are being warned of economic and social reprisals if they cooperate in the inquiry. They are finding it difficult to persuade some to appear either at closed or public hearings planned for this summer.
75 years ago: 1940
The new commander of Memphis Post No. 1, American Legion, Herbert Moriarity, was installed by State Commander Dave Harsh last night at the Legion Hut at the Fairgrounds. Paul L. Day, William R. Stowers, Frank D. Garner, Dr. E.A. Copeland, A.B. McHenry, R.J. Balton, Robert J. Foster, Dr. Edward Clay Mitchell, H.H. Morris, W.J. Nunnery and Morris Solomon, the other new officers, also were installed.
100 years ago: 1915
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Sidney Y. West, cotton man who formerly lived in Memphis, will be the hero of a moving picture play to be produced here to advertise Pine Bluff at the Frisco Exposition. Miss Vashti King will have the feminine lead in the movie, named “In the Shadow of the Pines,” and written by Mrs. E.G. Rosenberger.
125 years ago: 1890
The City & Suburban Electric Railway is ready to start operating the first electric cars in Memphis, awaiting only for the city to fulfill its part of the bargain by paving Hadden Avenue with the company paying half the cost. Five handsome new cars have been received here, the motors and all other appliances are ready for use, the poles are in place and the trolley wires hung.