MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1996
Tanner-peck Outdoor Advertising submitted additional information to code officials in an effort to secure building permits for three billboards in the Beale Street Historic District. However, the information is not complete, so a determination about the permits has not been made, said Pete Schultz, administrator of the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement. William Tanner, who controls the holding company that owns Tanner-peck, received a summons to appear in Environmental Court on Aug. 9 to answer to charges of erecting a billboard without a permit. Tanner’s company was ordered on June 24 to stop work on three massive billboards that stand side-byside facing west in the Beale Street Historic District after codes officials discovered that no permits or application to do the work had been submitted.
50 years ago — 1971 HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The New Orleans Saints of the National Football League signed Mississippi quarterback Archie Manning, their No. 1 draft choice, to a multi-year contract Friday. Terms were not revealed, but estimates were that it called for $400,000 over a four- or five-year period. Saints owner John Mecom Jr. announced the signing after a 41⁄2-hour bargaining session.
75 years ago —1946
STOUGHTON, Mass. – Leonard A. Whitten, 60, a carpenter who estimates his yearly expenses at $400, is not concerned about the high cost of living. Here’s why: Home? He built the two-room house he lives in. Vegetables? He grows them. Meat? He goes hunting for that. Haircuts? He lets it grow. Electricity and telephone? Doesn’t have any. Fuel? He cuts his own wood. And furthermore, he takes all summer off.
100 years ago — 1921
Plans for the annual carnival, barbecue, chicken fry and ravioli spread at White Station next Saturday are maturing and the school grounds where the fete will be held resemble a circus lot on the morning of the three-rings arrival. Repairs to Poplar Pike will be completed within a day or so insuring a splendid road for Memphians who plan to go to White Station.
125 years ago — 1896
The Chelsea Bicycle Club presented a picturesque appearance at the Odd Fellows Parade here yesterday. They rode in formation wearing their new uniforms of white duck bloomers with red stockings, sweaters and caps.