MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1993

NASHVILLE — Lawmakers Wednesday gave final approval to the state’s $11 billion-plus budget for 1993-94 that includes a pay raise for state workers and teachers, more money for schools and cash for special projects in lawmakers’ districts. The 98th General Assembly then adjourned shortly after 7 p.m. until January 11, 1994. Afterward, Gov. Ned McWherter told reporters he “fully supported” a 2 percent pay raise on July 1 for state workers, which was included in the budget, ending speculation he might exercise a rare line-item veto.

50 years ago — 1968

An appeal to a nucleus group of prominent Memphis businessmen to help Negroes create and enlarge businesses and obtain “new images” yesterday fell on receptive ears. The appeal was made at a luncheon at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was slain April 4. “We need new images,” said Lawrence S. Wade, secretary of the Memphis chapter of the National Business League. “I’m asking you to agree to form a committee along with the National Business League to put our heads together and see if we can put people in business and create businesses and new images.”

75 years ago — 1943

George Treadwell, one of Memphis’ most prominent golfers, will serve as referee in the Fourth Ferry Command’s standout links engagement Sunday at Memphis Country Club. One of the entrants is comedian Bob Hope who will team up with Byron Nelson for a best ball match.

100 years ago — 1918

The first celebration of John Gaston Day was a huge success Saturday. Held in the beautiful park which bears his name and which he gave to the city, the ceremonies were begun by Mayor Harry Litty. Then children played croquet, baseball and tennis until the Boy Scouts lowered the flag at sunset.

125 years ago — 1893

Representatives of the Negro churches met last night at LeMoyne Institute and adopted a resolution condemning church picnics. “They are sin-breeding and wicked, a grave and pernicious evil, hurtful to the public morals,” the resolution said. The Sunday Schools will no longer sponsor picnics.

COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILES A mass tonsillectomy at the Children’s Clinic on 21 May 1953 made it temperature-taking time for four children of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas K. Arnold. The parents thought it would be easier to have the operations performed the same day. Supervising was nurse...