MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1995
Some guests said they spotted a few O.J. Simpsons at Saturday night’s AAARRRGH VI party at Ellis Chappell’s residence/studio on South Main Street. But by midnight they had apparently vanished, along with anyone who may have been wearing Nicole Simpson and Lance Ito costumes.
But there were two Unabombers. Tim Mccullough and John Hundley in their hooded sweats fit the sketch of the bomber that appeared Saturday morning in The Commercial Appeal. John danced to Gregg Hansen & the American Reggae Band. Tim kept trying to hand a wrapped package to guests. Aside from the famous and infamous characters, there was a variety of costumes at the party, a benefit for the Center for Southern Folklore. Robin Bender dressed as the St. Pauli Girl, Terry Abrams was Uncle Sam and City Councilman Tom Marshall in a tuxedo and shoulder holster was “Tom Bond,” as in James. Rob Sievers wore a ghoulish mask, but he seemed a bit unsure what he was supposed to be. ”I’m death, I guess,” he said. Kevin Kane dressed as Kevin Kane. But, he said, “I came as a tourist.”
Benita Ochoa wore probably the most ambitious costume. She carried a pole with a shower curtain attached at the top. She appeared to have a knife stuck in her throat with blood gushing out. She was Janet Leigh in “Psycho.” Michael Baskin, who was with her, said he was going to be Anthony Perkins when they go out again Halloween night.
50 years ago — 1970
Something for everyone, yes, but is there someone for everything? Tonight’s Mid-south Coliseum show by the Lettermen should provide something of an answer. This long-established trio is not in rock or soul or any of those highly commercial bags; nor is it as bland and sweet as those vocal ensembles that once set sentimental hearts fluttering. It is somewhere in between, stressing harmony and musical style and variety. It’s that “in between” that raises the interesting question of what sort of audience this sort of act can attract. It deserves a large one.
75 years ago — 1945
Emmett Werne, a football and baseball star in his younger days, is the new golf professional of the Chickasaw Golf Club. A selection committee headed by Bill Tschume chose Werne, the club’s caddymaster for the past 18 months, at a meeting yesterday. The announcement was made by E.J. Connable, president of Chickasaw. Werne is only the fourth professional in the more than 20 years of the club’s existence. He was succeeded by Bill Brown, who in turn yielded to Jack Wenzler. Wenzler, with the club nine years, resigned recently to become pro of the Laurel, Miss., Country Club.
100 years ago — 1920
A complete breakdown of the gas plant threatens the people of Memphis, according to a report made Thursday afternoon to Mayor Paine by F.G. Proutt, who represents the city and the state public utilities commission in the affairs of the Memphis Gas and Electric Company. This serious situation is due, according to Mr. Proutt, to the excessive use of gas for heating during the winter and the inability of the present gas plant to carry the peak load that seems certain unless steps are taken to reduce the consumption until the new holder planned by the company is completed, which will be in about four months.