MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1993

During a daylong summit of the area’s top law enforcement brass, federal agents outlined a new plan Tuesday for tracing the sources for weapons that fall into hands of juvenile offenders in Memphis. The new strategy, developed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, will include a provision for a federal agent to work with local schools, where more students are carrying guns.

50 years ago — 1968

CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. — A huge stargazer satellite swept into orbit yesterday and elated project officials predicted it would be instrumental in unlocking celestial secrets — including clues to the origin of the universe. The two-ton satellite is the heaviest and most complex scientific spacecraft ever launched by the United States. It is designed to provide astronomers with their first unobstructed glimpse of the universe above the blanket of Earth’s atmosphere.

75 years ago — 1943

For three months the Thimble Club, some of whose members can see a little, others not at all, have been painstakingly making toys to gladden some child’s Christmas. The club, under direction of Miss Celia Parsons, home teacher for the adult blind of West Tennessee, has specialized in character dolls but members also have made gingham dogs, calico cats, fawns, lambs and other members of the stuffed animal kingdom beloved by youngsters.

100 years ago — 1918

The Union Jack was unfurled yesterday in Court Square as Memphis observed Great Britain Day to commemorate Britain’s record of sacrifice and heroism during the war. Speeches were given by Mayor Monteverde, G.T. Fitzhugh, John D. Martin and Prather MacDonald.

125 years ago — 1893

The Pastime Athletic Club was organized in Memphis last night. Jules B. Rozier is president, George H. Townes, secretary; O.P. Bard, J.J. Hogan and George H. Townes are directors.

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILES City Engineering Department crews conduct pile boring tests on 8 Dec 1954, preliminary to widening a bridge in the 3300 block of Broad in order to convert the street into a through street from East Parkway to Summer at National. Improvement is expected to divert a large volume of traffic from Summer west of National. The expanded part of the bridge will be of steel and concrete construction.