MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1996

ANDERSON, Ind. – Some kitty lovers are in a snit over a proposed city ordinance that would require leashes for all cats. One, who says such a requirement would be ”medieval,” cursed the city attorney who presented the measure, wishing for his death. The ordinance moved closer to law last week when the City Council gave preliminary approval. It will be eligible for final passage on Sept. 12. Councilman Robert Scharnowske said cats should not be allowed to roam free. ”I do have a personal vendetta,” he said. ”Cats kill birds and rabbits. Cats should be no more immune than dogs.” Attorney Katherine Harvey, an animal rights activist, said the panel should not amend the leash ordinance. “This is medieval and contrary to what most humane societies are doing,” she said.

50 years ago — 1971

ASSIGNMENT MEMPHIS – Parents who protest that any letter from camp is better than no letter at all would do well to reconsider. Ask Mr. Robert L. Cook. Mrs. Cook was reading happily through miscellaneous news items in Bobby’s last letter (”I have gotten a tent by myself . . .”) when she came suddenly and without warning upon the following: “There is a snake pit where they keep snakes for nature study. A few days ago somebody cut the screen and about 13-19 snakes got out. Some of them were rattlers, some were copperheads. There is one left. The snake pit is about 75 yards from camp.”

75 years ago — 1946

The 18-hole qualifying round of the annual Pine Hill golf tournament will open today and last through Saturday, pro Andy Cusick announced yesterday. Then the first round matches will be held between Aug. 18-21, with the second round Aug. 22-24, third round

Aug. 25-28. Championship matches in all flights will be held between Aug. 29 and Sept. 1. Three postwar golf balls will be among the prizes to each champion. 125 years ago — 1896

ST. LOUIS – Pleasant weather brought out 1,000 people to see the races at the Fair Grounds. Close finishes and great racing was had on a fast track. Four favorites were winners. Medium outsiders captured the two other events.

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILES Aug. 7, 1952: Sen. Kenneth Mckellar, who lives at the Gayoso Hotel while in Memphis, cast his vote at 162 S. Second St. The senator was beaten in his race for re-election to the Senate by Rep. Albert Gore, ending the 42-year congressional career of Mckellar.