MID-SOUTH MEMORIES: AUG 1
25 years ago: 1991
The city and county's efforts to help Sidney Shlenker raise cash last year are taking a toll now on the pyramid arena's budget, draining it of as much as $4.5 million in revenue. Public records show Memphis Mayor Dick Hackett and Shelby County Mayor Bill Morris signed a document on May 11, 1990, enabling Shlenker's The Pyramid Companies to borrow $3 million from National Bank of Commerce. Now Shlenker has been ousted as arena manager and his company apparently has spent the loan proceeds.
50 years ago: 1966
ST. LOUIS — The benediction at breakfast was by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. M.F. Kearney of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the priest concluded … "And bless our Cardinals." Manager Red Schoendienst quipped he hoped the good monsignor meant the St. Louis Cardinals and the remark brought down the house. The party could have been almost anywhere in Memphis except that Tim McCarver and Phil Gagliano couldn't have been there. Business commitments kept them here. Like playing baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. So Memphis came to St. Louis. The gratitude of Tim, the catcher, and Phil, the utility man, was expressed personally to a great many in brief, sincere talks. About 450 jammed the Sheraton-Jefferson Hotel banquet room for a breakfast honoring the hometown boys.
75 years ago: 1941
Last night was a banner occasion for the Memphis Open Air Theatre. The fourth performance of "Rio Rita," starring Frances Greer and Robert Gay, drew 4,004 persons past the box-office to fill every one of the 3,860 seats and put others on the grass at the sides.
100 years ago: 1916
There will be a final grand rally for the good government candidates in Court Square tonight. Everyone who is interested in the present campaign is invited, including the women. Saxby's band will furnish the music.
125 years ago: 1891
Col. Robert I. Chester, of Jackson, Tenn., the oldest Mason and the oldest democrat in the United States, was 98 years old yesterday. Here's hoping that he will round his century in good health.