MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1997
Harold L. Miller, a Memphis institution who entertained thousands of children as “Happy Hal,” died Friday afternoon of cancer. He was 74. Miller’s involvement in local theater led him to television and continued after he left the air, and the television program prompted his opening of a popular toy shop. Miller’s TV show went through several name changes — Happy Hal’s Lunchtime Theatre, Fun House and The Happy Hal Show — but lasted from 1955 until 1973.
50 years ago — 1972 CHATTANOOGA BOUND: Students at the University at Chattanooga tonight will welcome two leaders in the feminist movement, one of whom was born in that city. Gloria Steinem and
Margaret Sloan, editors of MS magazine, will speak on sexism and racism. Miss Sloan is a former Chattanoogan who has worked in civil rights causes since the age of 14.
75 years ago — 1947
An order by the Civil Aeronautics Board in Washington yesterday suspending inauguration of service between Memphis and Kansas City by Chicago & Southern Air Lines evoked expressions of surprise and criticism by C.&S. officials here last night. The order, coming 72 hours before the airline was scheduled to begin operations over the new route Monday, halts the proposed service until the CAB receives “in evidence the board’s September, 1946, air traffic survey.”
100 years ago — 1922
NEW YORK – Sons of wealthy New York families are turning toward the stage for careers. Romeyn Park Benjamin, brother of the widow of Enrico Caruso and a son of the late Park Benjamin, has announced that he soon will make his stage debut under the direction of a noted playwright, his friend. J. Borden Harriman, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Harriman, has enrolled in a school for dramatic instruction with the intention of seeking a place in the theatrical world.
125 years ago — 1897
Julia Marlowe and company begin a three-night engagement at the Grand Opera House tonight presenting “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” tomorrow evening “Romeo and Juliet” and the next night “Ingomar.”