MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1994

Canadian Football League commissioner Larry Smith is expected to announce today that Memphis will begin play in 1995 as the 13th member of the Canadian Football League. Pepper Rodgers, coach of the Memphis Showboats of the defunct U.S. Football League, said Wednesday that he will own the franchise with Federal Express Corp. chairman Frederick W. Smith. Fred Smith was part of a Memphis ownership group bypassed last year for a National Football League expansion team. Rodgers said he will not coach the team, but will be managing general partner.

50 years ago — 1969

More than 7,000 volunteers collected money yesterday during the annual march against muscular dystrophy. Douglas B. Mccarthy, campaign chairman and father of Dick Mccarthy, the Tennessee muscular dystrophy poster child, said the total amount of money collected will not be available until tomorrow. The goal was $45,000. The funds will be used for national research, the clinic for muscular disorders at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a patient service program and recreational activities. 75 years ago — 1944

Officers and directors of the Mid-south Fair Inc. will continue to operate the fair after the war, it was announced yesterday at the annual election meeting at the Gayoso. “We will be able to utilize properties as they are relinquished by the Second Army and Mayor Chandler is in favor of our continuing operations,” E.O. Bailey Sr., chairman for the certificate holders, advised following a report from the committee appointed to confer with the mayor.

100 years ago — 1919

Lee Bartels, county attorney, may make a fight before the County Court in January in spite of the Crump plan announced yesterday to throw him to the wolves after eight years of service and give the place to W.T. Mclain, assistant district attorney. Mr. Bartels said last night he is conferring with friends before deciding what to do.

125 years ago — 1894

Yesterday was a happy day for the congregation of Grace Church. For the first time since they were rendered homeless by fire nearly two years ago, they worshipped in their own chapel. Bishop Gailor delivered the sermon.

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL Hillsman Lee Wright, left, and Rutledge Forney look at old equipment in the basement of the Orpheum on Nov. 17, 1978, two days before the 50th anniversary of the opening of the grand theater in 1928.