MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1995
New York – The Internet global computer network could become the world’s biggest shopping bazaar if VISA and Mastercard get their way. The two leading purveyors of plastic said Friday that they’ve joined forces to devise technical standards that would make credit card purchases over the Internet safe from cyber-thieves. The agreement could help remove one of the biggest obstacles to the growth of electronic commerce: lack of security. 50 years ago — 1970
The proposed consolidation of Memphis-based Plough Inc. and Schering Corp. of Bloomfield, N.J., announced yesterday, would make the new company 12th in size among drug manufacturers in the nation. Under terms of an agreement announced by Abe Plough, president of Plough, and W.H. Conzen, Schering president, both firms would retain their independent identities as operating subsidiaries of a newly created company. The new company, to be named Schering-plough Corp., would issue its shares in exchange for shares of Schering and Plough. Plough, who in 1908 founded the manufacturer of non-prescription drugs, cosmetics and household products, is to be chairman of the new company, and Conzen is to be president and chief executive officer. 75 years ago — 1945
The distinction of being skipper of the first PC (patrol craft) ever launched and also the last PC to be built for the Navy has fallen to a Memphian, Lt. William C. Schulenberg. Schulenberg was commander of the first PC, which was built in a Massachusetts shipyard and on which he made an outstanding record during 33 months of subchasing. On June 5, the last of the steel subchasers, the PC 814, was commissioned in Portland, Ore., with Schulenberg as its commanding officer.
100 years ago — 1920
After being closed for a week on orders of the U.S. Internal Revenue Department, the city narcotic clinic reopened on orders of Police Commissioner John B. Edgar. About 300 drug addicts appeared at the clinic on the ground floor of central police station, seeking the tiny vials of narcotics to gain a brief surcease from the bodily or mental ills that have bound them fast in the chains of addiction. The city has obtained legal advice that the clinic does not violate the Harrison Antinarcotic Act.
125 years ago — 1895
All Anchor Line steamers today announced low roundtrip rates from Memphis to St. Louis, good returning within 30 days. The fare is $8 including meals and berths.