This section is a
compilation of previous classes, seminars, exhibits and tours
over the past few years.
All new activities are listed on the
first page of the web site.
From The Book Corner . . .
During the course of 2019, I get to be a resource for various authors
looking to verify names, dates, times, places, spellings, etc., in Memphis
and also enjoy receiving complimentary (signed) copy of the book for my
assistance! Dr. LaSimba Gray, Jr. asked me to write a Preface for his book
about Beale Street, a distinct honor for me.
Below are three new books about Memphis history that I recommend:
Metamorphosis of the Blues and Beale Street 1819-2019 by Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray, Jr.
Revolutions In Black And
White by Richard Cahan And Michael Williams
Bridging the Mississippi: Spans Across The
Father Of Waters By Philip Gould
More Books . . .
Recently, three books of a
different Memphis topic have been published that are interesting to read, or
would make good "stocking stuffers" this holiday season . . .
The Memphis Belle - Dispelling the
Myths
by Graham Simmons and Dr. Harry Friedman
I
have known Dr. Harry Friedman for over thirty years and he is has been very
dedicated to the legacy of the Memphis Belle B-17, the crew and Memphian
Margaret Polk, the namesake. The book covers a long history of the Memphis
Belle, and on page 439 there is a photo of Margaret Polk and me sitting on the
stage at the dedication, where I was allowed to speak that day and welcome the
eyes of world to Memphis.
When I was General Manager of Mud
Island River Park in the 1980s, one of my happiest memories is the involvement
with the Memphis Belle Memorial Association (MBMA) and the relocation of the
Memphis Belle B-17 bomber from the 91st Bomb Squadron Restaurant near the
Memphis airport to the north field of Mud Island, or risk losing it to the Air
Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio that year. Credits should also go to Ward Archer,
Jr. for leading the fund raising efforts to Save the "Memphis Belle - Home At
Last"!
The staff of Mud Island did a marvelous job coordinating with MBMA and the
living crew members of the Memphis Belle, which was the first B-17 to
successfully complete 25 missions over Europe in 1942-43 without a loss of a
crew member. Margaret Polk, a Memphian and girlfriend of the pilot, Col. Robert
Morgan, was also present for the dedication of the Memphis Belle Pavilion on May
17, 1987, as well as eight of the nine living crew members (of the original
ten). Over 10,000 spectators filled the banks of the Memphis riverfront and Mud
Island for a spectacular air show of seven of the eleven flyable B-17s in the
world.
Eventually the Memphis Belle did move
to Dayton. On May 17, 2018, (75th anniversary of the Memphis Belle's last
mission over Europe) the Memphis Belle was unveiled at the Air Force Museum in
Dayton, Ohio after a multi-year, multi-million dollar restoration. Last year,
when I was visiting the abandoned structure on Mud Island, I saw this memo that
I had taped to the electrical closet on August 5, 1987 - 30 years later, still
there! Many other of my memories of the Memphis Belle will be shared in 2019 in
the DETOURS section of this web site.
Memphis:200 Years Of Heart & Soul
by Kevin Kane with Samantha Crespo
The back cover jacket reads: Memphis: 200 Years of Heart & Soul is a celebration
of an amenity-rich, sustainable city beloved worldwide. Beginning with a brief
history, the book paints the picture of a city that, despite its challenges,
became a magnet for dreamers and doers, a place forged by vision and generosity.
The book goes on to reveal how these unique conditions created the amenities
that make the Memphis we know today. The narrative, told through the eyes of
frontline observer Kevin Kane and interviews with community stakeholders, closes
on a hopeful note: With such a foundation in place, what might Memphis look
forward to in the next 200 years?
Kevin Kane (President and CEO of
Memphis Tourism) and I have known each other since the early 1970s. Samantha
Crespo has been covering Memphis in many ways over the past few years (and has
been on many Jimmy Ogle Tours), and in Samantha's first edition of "100 Things
To Do In Memphis Before You Die", Jimmy O's walking tours were included as one
of those things you must do. I was glad to assist Samantha with details and
fact-checking on this book. But, the real story is the photography, as the book
is dominated with wonderful photos of Memphis scenes and Memphians of all kinds.
Check out page 45 for this mug shot of Jimmy O.
Overton Park: A People's History
by Brooks Lamb
Overton Park has been Memphis'
"Central Park" for over 100 years, and we all have many memories and stories to
tell about Overton Park. I was interviewed by Brooks earlier this year, but now
that I have read the book, I marvel at the experiences of the folks that he
includes, like Mike Cody, Charles Newman, Willie Bearden, Blanchard Tual,
Johnnie Turner, Steve Cohen and even a Zookeeper, Richard Meek.
The back cover jacket reads: This delightfully informative book, filled
with historic photos, offers a history of the park from the perspective of those
who lived it. Brooks Lamb interviewed nearly a score of Memphians to learn what
the park has meant to them and to discover the transformations they have
witnessed. The stories they tell reveal dynamic place that remains, despite
changes and challenges, a people's park and, in the words of one resident, "the
heartbeat of Memphis".
Brooks Lamb is currently the conservation projects manager for rural
lands at The Land Trust for Tennessee. A graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis
and a 2016 Truman Scholar, he wrote Overton Park with the assistance of the
Bonner Scholarship and a fellowship from the Rhodes Institute for Regional
Studies.
Johnny Cash Historical Marker
Update
About 200 fans of "The Man In Black" enjoyed a sunny day on May 1 (the 60th
anniversary of the release of "I Walk The Line" from Sun Studio) at The Galloway
House, 1015 Cooper Street, at Walker Avenue. Roy Cash (Johnny's nephew) and W.S.
"Fluke" Holland (Johnny's drummer) were very informative and enjoyable as the
honorees for the unveiling. Roy, from Collierville, later sang a few songs on
stage. Many thank to Legacy Memphis, Visible Music College, Mike Curbs Institute
at Rhodes College and Friends of Johnny Cash for sponsoring the marker. And
special thanks to Mike McCarthy, Ken Steorts and John Bass for their guidance
during the project.
The Memphis 13
This year marks the 54th anniversary of desegregation in
Memphis schools.
In 1961 the Memphis Board of
Education agreed to a plan to integrate the schools, years after the U.S.
Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision ruling that school
segregation was unconstitutional. Thirteen African-American first-graders were
chosen from a group of 200 recruited by the Memphis branch of the NAACP to
integrate four white elementary schools in Memphis.
They “struck a fatal blow to school segregation and claimed their places in
Memphis history,” the placards read.
The 13 students were Jacqueline Moore Christion, Sheila Malone
Conway, Pamela Mayes Evans, E.C. Freeman Fentress, Menelik Fombi, Alvin Freeman,
Deborah Ann Holt, Dwania Kyles, Sharon Malone, Joyce Bell White, Leandrew
Wiggins, Clarence Williams and Harry Williams.
Dr. LaSimba Gray with New Sardis Baptist Church started the
effort to acquire markers at the schools 14 months ago. He wanted to put up
signs during the Memphis 13's lifetime. The "pint-sized pioneers" are now in
their 60s.
Friday, October 2nd, four signs
went up at the schools to commemorate the students who paved the way.
As of November 1, the local
Inside Memphis program is "on leave" for a while and a national format is being
broadcast. Stay tuned . . .
From time to time, you have
heard Jimmy being interviewed on the Earle Farrell 4 Memphis Show (Monday thru
Friday, 3:00-6:00 p.m.) on KWAM AM990 - The
New Talk Of Memphis, and Jimmy has even set in the studio in Earle's absence to
host the show on occasion.
Now, please join Jimmy with
Chris Wade on "Inside Memphis" every Monday-Wednesday-Friday at 6:40 a.m. on
KWAM AM990. George Bryant of KWAM has asked Jimmy to talk about anything that he
wants to talk about on Memphis, be it about history, upcoming events, "virtual"
tours that he has in his head - just anything. So, tune in to KWAM AM990 - The
New Talk Of Memphis!
Jimmy Ogle will serve as moderator, at the
close of screening of Barge,
for the Q/A sessions featuring the film's Director, Ben Powell and Producer,
Dave Schachter.
This event is being held at the new Halloran Centre at the Orpheum Theatre, Main
& Beale Street.
Contact 901-214-5171 or indiememphis.com for more information!
Directed
by Ben Powell
presented with Ben Powell and producer Dave Schachter
Barge Film Sponsor: Henry Turley Co.
All Day and All Night Film Sponsor: The Recording Academy
Venue Sponsor: Paradox Catering
Barge (71 min) is the winner of
the Grand Jury Prize at the Dallas International Film Festival and Best Feature
Film at the Crossroads Film Festival. It captures the life of towboat workers as
their boat drifts down the Mississippi headed for the port of New Orleans with
its promise of bright lights, a paycheck and a home-cooked meal. On board, dry
land’s misfits find purpose and direction twenty-eight days at a time. A green
deckhand following his father and grandmother into the family business. A former
convict working his way upward job by job, in the hopes of being First Mate. A
thirty-eight year veteran engineer in no hurry to retire. An intimate portrait
of river life and the machinery of American ambitions.
All Day and All Night (29 min) is a personal
look at the neighborhood where the music lasted "all day and all night.” B. B.
King recalls Beale Street in its heyday was "a little world all its own.” He,
along with Rufus Thomas, Evelyn Young, Rev. Gatemouth Moore, Fred Ford,
Honeymoon Garner, Booker T. Laury, and others play jam sessions and tell stories
about Beale, revealing the camaraderie, love and respect musicians had, and
still have for each other. Produced in 1990 by the Center for Southern Folklore,
the award-winning documentary has been lovingly remastered in HD by Chris
McKinley for its 25th anniversary.
These documentaries take you from Beale St. to the mighty
Mississippi. We begin the program with ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT,
taking us back to Beale Street in 1990 and finish with BARGE, exploring life
working on the Mississippi River.
Meeman Center For
Lifelong Learning at Rhodes College
"Memphis History: Centuries of Adventure & Development"
Mondays in June (1, 8, 15 & 22) 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand (!), Jimmy Ogle will present his fifth version of
"Memphis History: Centuries of Adventure & Development" at the Meeman Center For
Lifelong Learning in Dorothy C. King Hall, 577 University Street in June. The
four Monday evening sessions last about two hours each and will cover these
topics, and a few surprises:
Before There Was A Memphis / Historic
Memphis To Modern Memphis
Modern Memphis & The Civil War / Civil Rights & Memphis
Memphis Memorials / The Memphis Music Story
The Origins & Oddities of the Streets 7 bridges of Memphis / Overton Park
Registration can be found on line at
meeman.rhodes.edu
or call 901-843-3965 (office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm).
Part 7: "Centennial Review & More . . ." 12:00 noon - Wednesday, October 17,
2012 Room 225, McWherter Library
After
spending
many
afternoons
and
weekends
during
the
Summer
driving
and
walking
the
streets
of
the
six
neighborhood
districts (Red Acres,
University Area,
Messick-Buntyn,
Joffre, East
Buntyn and
Normal Station)
surrounding
the
University
Of
Memphis
campus,
Jimmy
Ogle
developed a 6 part presentation for the Friends Of The University Libraries.
The
program
has
been
well
received
as
it
covered:
1)
- the
development
of
the
area
surrounding
the
campus before
the University
was
founded
in
1912,
2)
- neighborhood changes as the University grew and the City annexation crept towards and around
the
University
during
the
middle
of
the
20th
century,
and
3)
- how
the
neighborhoods
co-exist
today
with
the
University
as
it
grows and expands its impact in the City while continuing to move forward to a second
century
of
education,
community
leadership
and
service.
With Parts 1-4 successfully completed, including two days of walking tours of
the perimeter of the southeast and southwest portion of the campus, the focus
returns to features of the Neighborhoods in January, 2012 entitled "The
Churches" with attention given to the twelve different houses of worship in the
six neighborhood districts. A special nod will be given to
HARC -
Highland Area Renewal Corporation and its broad-based efforts to provide many
services for the area.
This ongoing
program,
entitled “The
People’s
History”,
continues the
goal of having
residents share
personal stories
and memorabilia
from their
family history,
photo albums and
attics. HARC
(Highland Area
Renewal
Corporation)
will be
gathering and
cataloguing
materials from
residents at the
Highland Branch
Public Library
beginning in
January.
Memphis
History: "Centuries Of Adventure
& Development"
Meeman Center For Lifelong
Learning at Rhodes College - Spring Semester
*** The fourth installment
of the Meeman Center course at Rhodes ***
On
four evenings, Jimmy Ogle will
present various aspects of his
studies and life's experiences
with Memphis, Tennessee.
From the early explorers and
settlers to modern day citizens;
from imposing natural landscapes
that made Memphis one of the
earliest settlements in the
nation to the largest metropolis
of the Mid-South to the
Mississippi River, Cotton, Civil
War, Disasters, Beale Street,
Memphis Music, Civil Rights,
Medicine and the city's modern
day impact as the "Nation's
Distribution Center" will be
covered, including many
anecdotes, fun facts, figures
and historical achievements of
many citizens along the way.
Monday
nights in April, 2014 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
April 7: Before There Was "Memphis" (1541 - 1826)
Historic Memphis To Modern Memphis (1819-2012)
April 14: Memphis Memorials, Statues & Sculptures
The Memphis Music Story
April 21: Cotton Men of Elmwood; Civil War; "The Moving Appeal"
Memphis & The Civil Rights Movement
April 28: Potpourri Night featuring Overton Park; Gayoso Bayou: Then & Now;
Origins & Oddities of the Streets & Bridges of Memphis;
Mississippi River Stories . . . and more . . .
An old friend and former Stat Crew member came to town in November to tout her book,
The Someday Shoppe. So, I attended a book signing. Angie Gaddy used to "separate" me from Jimmy Hayslip on the Tiger Basketball Stat Crew in The Pyramid days, simply because we could not find a long enough extension cord to put her somewhere else down the line! Angie used a keyboard and typed in the substitutes to the main scoreboard as they entered the game. Angie also worked on the Grizzlies stat crew in the early years and kept us all "gender balanced".
So, Angie moved to the Tampa Bay area about ten years ago, and decided to write a delightful book - and even included mention of several Stat Crew members. Way to go, Angie! The inside jacket cover states
"Follow the captivating story of the quintessential dreamer in her struggle for contentment and happiness and meet people whom God chose to turn piecrust dreams into reality." You may find it at
The Booksellers at Laurelwood and on
Amazon.com, in Kindle, paperback and hardcover editions. Enjoy . . .
Dan Conaway - "I Am A Memphian . . . "
Every Thursday morning at 6:01 a.m., I get an email from The Rooster Rant! That
email is from Dan Conaway ( a communication strategist), a true Memphian!
Dan is a Memphian, therefore he is passionate and opinionated, not only about
present political circumstances and misfortunes, but also about our City's rich
history (good or bad). He is creative, energetic, interesting and informative in
his musings. He encourages us all to do better for our community. The thread
through all his stories is that he cares, and says so, and writes so. His (new)
article appears each week as a column in The Daily News and the Memphis News (in
old fashion newsprint). Dan is also the President of the Board of Trustees of
Elmwood Cemetery - need I say more . . .
One day several years ago, Dan called me
to join him in a ride into the Arkansas delta across the Mississippi River. The
change from urban Downtown Memphis to rural Crittenden County in just minutes is
like going through a time machine. Those flat roads, bisecting beautiful cotton
fields and shadowed by cotton candy clouds above, slow you down as you cross the
levee that lead to Marion, Arkansas. From I-40 to Marion, one passes through a
time when there once was a railroad ferry used to cross the river at Hopefield
or perhaps better yet one might see a steamboat landing in the old channel near
Marion! The Military Road connected Memphis to Little Rock in the 1800s and was
an established route for the Pony Express, stage coaches and pioneers journeying
to all points west for during the country's westward expansion after the
Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
Our quest that day was to visit the
Sultana Exhibit on display in a vacated storefront in Marion. For several years,
the leadership of Marion has been striving to develop a permanent museum to
commemorate the nation's largest maritime disaster. The sinking of the Sultana,
which occurred in the early morning of April 27, 1865 near Marion, claimed over
1,700 victims who lost their lives to the violent boiler explosion or
treacherous river currents.
In 2015, the Sultana Historical
Preservation Society will meet in Marion and Memphis to commemorate the 150th
Anniversary of this tragedy. The past two years leading up to 2015, the SHPS has
met in Cahaba (Alabama) and Vicksburg, Mississippi leading up the Marion visit
in 2015 and a commemorative cruise northward up the river on Saturday, April 25
(2015) departing from the same (Memphis) cobblestone wharf that the Sultana
departed from in 1865!
So, in Dan's book, beginning on page 109 (as
published on April 6, 2012) is his eloquent version of our Crittenden Trek that
day - enjoy . . .
Art Class From Bolton High School
Attends Inaugural Rubbings Tour
Over thirty students, teachers, and parents from Bolton High School assembled in
Court Square on October 13 for the Inaugural Manhole Cover Rubbings Tour. The
Art teacher, Autumn Thron, had attended the July 12 Union Avenue Manhole Cover &
History Tour as a part of a class from the Nesin Graduate School of the Memphis
College of Art. Autumn picked up on the idea that making various rubbings would
be both interesting and challenging to the students. And, of course, learning
some Memphis history along way would be a bonus.
To begin with, students made rubbings on the top of the wall of the Hebe
Fountain in Court Square. The names of the fifty citizens who in 1876 donated
$1000 each towards the construction of the fountain, as commemoration to our
Nation's Centennial Anniversary, are etched in the top along with other names of
companies involved in the project. History was given about the founding of
Memphis, Court Square and the surrounding buildings in the area, even the fact
that Thomas Edison worked in a building across from Court Square and lived just
three blocks away east on Court Avenue. The class then proceeded to the Main
Street Mall, and dodging trolleys, proceeded to make some superior rubbings from
manhole covers that were over 100 years old, as well as the classic Steamboat
cover from Vulcan (1986).
Next on the route was Center Lane, between the historic Falls Building
(1912), the largest such building in Memphis built exclusively for cotton
merchants at that time and Union Avenue. Along the way, rubbings were made from
century-old telephone covers representing several generations of telephone
companies (Continental Telephone & Telegraph, Western Union Telegraph Company
and even South Central Bell). The history of Confederate Park, streets named for
Presidents, the Moving Appeal historical marker, the University of Memphis Law
School (formerly U.S. Customs House), Gen. Washburn's Escape Alley, tall
buildings and a special surprise visit (and talk) from Carol Perel of the Cotton
Museum made the "art" tour a significant and interesting "history" tour, as
well. The two-hour tour culminated with a picnic lunch in Tom Lee Park, after a
walk and talk along Riverside Drive about the Mississippi River and Memphis
riverfront history. We even saw the replica of the Nina (1492) floating up the
Wolf River Harbor.
I was amazed at the creativity of the students as they had the
opportunity to make five separate rubbings of any kind. Some students mixed
different cover tops together on their paper and used different colors within
the rubbing (something that I never would have thought of!). Many thanks to the
students of Bolton High School for their interest and talent. Soon on this web
site, there will be a special display of many of the rubbings.
Thank you, Autumn Thron for creating the first-ever Manhole Cover Rubbing Tour in Downtown
Memphis!
!!! UPDATE !!!
Sent from
Autumn Parkey, Art Instructor at Bolton High School,
these selections are from a "mixed media" exhibit developed from the
rubbings tour.
Click on
each picture to enlarge
Memphis
History: "Centuries Of Adventure
& Development"
Meeman Center For Lifelong
Learning at Rhodes College - Autumn Semester
On
four evenings, Jimmy Ogle will
present various aspects of his
studies and life's experiences
with Memphis, Tennessee.
From the early explorers and
settlers to modern day citizens;
from imposing natural landscapes
that made Memphis one of the
earliest settlements in the
nation to the largest metropolis
of the Mid-South to the
Mississippi River, Cotton, Civil
War, Disasters, Beale Street,
Memphis Music, Civil Rights,
Medicine and the city's modern
day impact as the "Nation's
Distribution Center" will be
covered, including many
anecdotes, fun facts, figures
and historical achievements of
many citizens along the way.
September 26:
Before There Was A
Memphis (1541-1826)
Historic Memphis to
Modern Memphis
(1819-2011)
October 3:
Memphis Memorials,
Statues & Sculpture
The Memphis Music
Story
October 10:
Cotton Men of
Elmwood
Memphis & The Civil
Rights Movement
October 17:
Potpourri Night:
Overton Park; Gayoso
Bayou: Then & Now;
Origins & Oddities
of the Streets &
Bridges of Memphis;
Mississippi River
Stories . . . and
more.
Optional Field Trip!
Saturday, October 22
at 1:00 p.m. Court
Square &
Surroundings,
Confederate Park &
Cotton Row, and The
Riverfront Trolley
Loop
Four Monday evenings
, September 26 -
October 17
5:30 p.m. - 7:30
p.m.
Cost: $120
Longtime friend and fellow Metro
Stats Crew operative, John "JJ"
Guinozzo is opening the vaults
of his more than fifty-year
collection of Memphis Baseball
memorabilia. JJ has been the
Official Scorer for the Memphis
Redbirds and previous
professional baseball teams here
since 1971, and one of the only
eight scorers in Memphis
professional baseball history
since 1877! JJ has been
compiling and annually updates
his "Memphis Baseball
Encyclopedia" with all sorts of
facts & figures, classic photos
& trivia, and the general
history of Memphis' legacy and
continuing presence in the Great
American Pastime.
Two performances were held at the Memphis & Shelby
County Room of the Benjamin Hooks Central Library on July 7 and August 22. The programs
were about 45 minutes long and
full of photographs accompanied
by JJ's insightful and witty
remarks. We are very grateful to
the folks that "packed the
house" on "Opening Night" on
Thursday, July 7. Three exhibit cases will
display (through Labor Day), all
sorts of "JJ Baseball memorabilia" including pennants, score books, caps,
classic photographs of ballparks and many former players, autographed baseballs,
championship rings, promotional items like bobble heads, cups & t-shirts, and on
and on - a real treasure trove from a very treasured scorer and collector, JJ Guinozzo (2-2-2 -
DING!).
THE WEST TENNESSEE
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PAPERS
VOLUME LXIV
2010
The 2010
West Tennessee Historical Papers are here. Vincent Clark has done
another marvelous job of editing this annual publication. Since
1947, the WTHS has published an anthology of formal history papers,
notes and documents, and book reviews about West Tennessee topics.
In this edition, Jimmy O has his first-ever "book review" published
covering A Guide To Historic Downtown Memphis, by William Patton.
Bill is the founder, owner and operator of
Backbeat
Tours in Memphis, which encompasses a wide variety of tour
services.
The
origin of the WTHS dates back to 1857 when local residents organized
"The Old Folks Society of Shelby County" and began holding regular
programs. In 1925, the Memphis Historical Society, a descendant
organization of the Old Folks, expanded its scope to include the
other twenty counties of West Tennessee (between the Tennessee and
Mississippi Rivers).
The WTHS
represents the 21 westernmost counties in Tennessee. Monthly
meetings are generally held the first Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in
Wunderlich
Auditorium at Memphis University School, 6191 Park Avenue, with
meetings also in the Jackson and/or Martin areas periodically.
Dr. John
Harkins is the President of the WTHS. For more information about the
West Tennessee Historical Society, go to
wths-tn.org or go
to the LINKS section on this web site.
Memphis
College Of Art Community
Education Course
“Memphis
Uncovered: History Walk & Talk”
Location:
Memphis College Of
Art
(Downtown Campus)
Nesin Graduate
School
477 South Main
Street
(in the South Main
Historic District)
Sessions:
(Six Total Sessions)
Classroom (3) - on
Tuesday Evenings
April 5, 12 & 26
@ 7:00
p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Walking Tours
Downtown (3) - on
Saturday Mornings
April 9, 16 & 30
@ 10:00 a.m. –
12:30 p.m.
Fees:
Tuition: $90.00
Payable to Memphis
College of Art
(Registration Will
Begin December 6,
2010)
Course:
Description:
“Memphis Uncovered:
History Walk & Talk”
Discover the
history, art and
architecture of
Memphis with
celebrated historian
Jimmy Ogle as your
guide. The three
classroom sessions
feature narrated
phototours of
Memphis from the
beginning to present
day. On the three
Saturdays, walk the
streets, alleys,
parks, plazas and
riverfront of
Downtown Memphis, as
Mr. Ogle uncovers
the abundance of
secret treasures our
fair city holds.
Instructor:
Classroom Speaker
and Tour Guide:
Jimmy Ogle
Jimmy Ogle is a
genuine Memphis
treasure with an
encyclopedic
knowledge of the
city's history. Mr.
Ogle is the
recipient of
numerous hospitality
industry awards,
including the
Memphis Convention &
Visitors Bureau's
“Spirit Of Memphis”
Award. Those who
take Mr. Ogle's
walking tours are
advised to wear
comfortable shoes
and pay close
attention!
x
University of Memphis Continuing Education
Course
"Memphis
History: The Hybrid Tour"
If you’ve never been on a Jimmy
Ogle tour of Memphis, you are in
for a unique treat! Three
classroom sessions will be
phototours of Memphis from the
beginning to present day. During
the three Saturday afternoon
sessions, we will walk the
streets, alleys, parks, plazas
and riverfront of Downtown
Memphis, including Union Avenue,
Beale Street, Cotton Row, Court
Square, Adams Avenue, Civic
Center Plaza, the Pinch
District, and the Riverfront
Trolley Loop. You may be a
winner of a chocolate milkshake
at Front Street Deli or hot
fudge pie at
Westy’s! Don’t miss
out on this great Memphis
adventure in the spring-time.
When one person registers, a
second person can register for
only $40! Simply use promo code
HYBRID when the second person
registers. Saturday tours will
begin at 1:30 PM.
Course #: RHS0051W10
Cost: $79
Instructor: Jimmy Ogle
Location: UofM Main Campus
Classroom Sessions: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on
Tuesdays, April 6, 13 & 20
Downtown Walking Tours: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. on
Saturdays, April 10, 17 & 24
The focus of the course is on Downtown Memphis!
Academia
Calling
April will be a busy in the
lands of Memphis Academia for
Jimmy O. On top of the "Know
Your Neighborhoods" presentation
for the Friends of the Libraries
at the University of Memphis and
the "Memphis Uncovered" course
sessions at the Memphis College
of Art, presentations will be
made to the following
institutions or conferences:
April
13 (10:30 a.m.) Highland Branch
Library - "University of Memphis
- Neighborhoods, Part One"
April 13 (7:00 p.m.) Seismology
Society of America, Cannon
Center - "Before Memphis,
1811-1812"
April 15 (11:00 a.m.) Tennessee
Preservation Trust, Collierville
- "Civil Rights - Unknown Places
in Memphis"
April 25 (5:30 p.m.) Meeman
Center for Lifelong Learning,
Rhodes College - "Historic
Memphis"
It
is indeed an honor to be asked
to speak before these
distinguished groups and places,
representing "my home town" -
Memphis, Tennessee!
Shelby County History
Awards Dinner
2014 SHELBY COUNTY HISTORY AWARDS DINNER
6:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6
HILLWOOD HALL AT DAVIES MANOR PLANTATION
3570 DAVIESHIRE DRIVE BARTLETT, TENNESSEE
Our annual history awards dinner will have
several features including he recognition of the Ed Williams
History Teacher of the Year Award, the first annual “State
of the County History Address” by newly appointed Shelby
County Historian Jimmy Ogle, recognition of the winners of
the West Tennessee History Day competition held at the
University of Memphis on February 22, remarks from Shelby
County Mayor Mark Luttrell and more.
Tickets are $25.00 per person, which includes
the buffet dinner and we need your check and reservations by
August 1. Please make the check payable to Shelby County
Historical Commission and mail to:
History Awards Dinner
c/o Jimmy Ogle
4349 Sequoia Road
Memphis, TN 38117
In 2013, history organizations presenting
their annual awards were the West Tennessee Historical
Society, Davies Manor Association, Bartlett Historical
Society, Main Street Collierville & Descendants of Early
Settlers of Shelby and Adjoining Counties.
Your history organization may recognize an individual or
accomplishment from the podium for the entire audience to
hear and see. Please contact Jimmy Ogle at 901-604-5002 or
info@jimmyogle.com.
HISTORICAL MARKERS BEING DEDICATED SOON
The Shelby County Historical
Commission has been active this year with the approval of three more
historical markers for the area's landscape - R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral
Home. American Studios and the Normal Station Neighborhood. Please "save
the date" for these dedications:
R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home - The dedication will occur as a part of a
recognition ceremony at R. S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home (374 Vance
Avenue) on Sunday, July 27 at 4:00 p.m. R.S. Lewis & Sons is celebrating is 100th year in
business and service to the Greater Memphis Community!
American Studios - Now the site
of a Family Dollar store at the northwest corner of Thomas & Chelsea
(827 North Thomas), the American Studios marker will be dedicated at
2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13 during 2014 Elvis Week. From
1967-1972, Chips Moman (a 2014 inductee into the Memphis Music Hall of
Fame) produced over 120 Top 100 songs on the Pop Charts, such as "Son Of
A Preacher Man" (Dusty Springfield), "Sweet Caroline" (Neil Diamond),
"The Letter" (Box Tops) and "Suspicious Minds" (Elvis Presley).
Normal Station Neighborhood -
Date and Time in September to be determined, but the location will be on
Spottswood just south of the Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway Athletics Hall of
Fame on the The University Of Memphis campus. This neighborhood
stretches between the old Memphis & Charleston Railroad tracks (now
Norfolk Southern), Kennedy General Hospital (now UM Park Avenue campus),
Audubon Park and Highland Street, and was placed on the National
Register of Historic Places in 2005.
From
The Book Corner . . .
Memphis Q
By Peter Calandruccio
Peter published Memphis Q earlier this year
and now has a Stocking Stuffer Offers that
are pretty good at
www.BarBQMemphis.com. Memphis is the BBQ
Capital of America and Peter does not offer
“opinions,
recipes or cute BBQ stories”, but rather a
comprehensive guide to 72 BBQ eateries in
Memphis.
Each page features a separate BBQ
establishment with a picture of the property
(exterior, front), a street map locator,
address and telephone number. In the front
of the guide is also a citywide map of all
72 locations mentioned in the guide.
Peter and his Mother, Betty (pictured here
with Jimmy O) have been known to attend to
Talks & Tours of Jimmy O, and Betty has been
a helpful contributor of information and
materials to the cause. Thank you Peter and
Betty . . .
A Guide To Historic Downtown Memphis
By Bill Patton
It seems as
though a "history of Memphis" is written
every twenty years or so, and Memphis
deserves that with all of the re-adaptive
uses of old buildings and with the new
facilities coming on line. But also, the
past 250-year or so "history" of the Memphis
area needs to be refreshed as seen from a
different set of eyes.
Well...
Bill Patton wrote a book. You all have seen
the Backbeat Tours bus rolling around town
giving exciting and musically-fun tours
about Memphis history. The owner of the
company, Bill Patton, has written a book
entitle “A Guide To Historic Downtown
Memphis” and it is hot off the presses this
month and in local bookstores soon.
The book is
190 pages, 5.5" X 8.5" paperback and
one-half-inch thick, so it is very
manageable to carry around while you spend
several walking the streets of Downtown
Memphis and the Riverfront. Chapters in the
book include: Beale Street, Front Street,
Bluffs & Riverfront, Main Street, Court
Square, Civic Memphis, Second & Third
Streets, Victorian Village, Madison & Union
Avenues, Pinch District-North Memphis, South
Main Arts District and Other Places Of
Interest.
Bill will be
having a few book signings in local
libraries, bookstores and museums,
and we will keep you posted on those dates.
Congratulations, Bill!
Book Signings
Thursday,
November 18 at 12:00 Noon
Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton
Exchange, 65 Union Avenue.
Mike
Freeman Has Another Book! Clarence Saunders And The
Founding Of Piggly Wiggly
My
friend, Mike Freeman, did some
research on a building at 79
Jefferson Avenue while working
at a restaurant named Jefferson
Square in the 1970, operated by
Jake Schorr. It turns out that
was the location of the
first-ever self-service grocery
store in America, Piggly Wiggly,
founded and open by Memphian
Clarence Saunders in September,
1916.
Also, it was the subject of
Mike's master's thesis and now
is a newly published book
entitled "Clarence Saunders And
The Founding Of Piggly Wiggly".
Now, Mike
and I also have the opportunity
to work with
Greg Averbuch of Summit
Management, operators of the
three hotel properties on North
Main between Jefferson and
Madison (Sleep Inn, SpringHill
Suites By Marriott & Courtyard
By Marriott). Greg wants to
decorate the Lobby of the
Courtyard By Marriott, which is
on the actually 79 Jefferson
Avenue site, into a theme that
recognizes Clarence Saunders for
his accomplishments. More on all
this later, and a book
signing by Mike there at 79
Jefferson Avenue by the
historical marker in September.
Mike has also authored several
other books and once lived at
1034 Audubon Drive, Elvis' home
before he moved into Graceland.
Mike is a premiere tour guide in
Memphis (and Tupelo) as well as
an authority on many aspects of
Memphis music history. (www.mikesmemphistours.com)
100 Things To Do In Memphis
Before You Die
by Samantha Crespo
I believe that I first met Samantha on the November 6th, 1934 Street
Tour on November 6, 2011. She had recently moved to Memphis and was a
regular contributor on tourism for the City of Memphis and State of
Tennessee. She has been on quite a few tour since, as well as many other
attractions and places in Memphis, and enjoys writing about the things
that she experiences.
And now a book!
"100 Things" is available in several book stores already - Burke's,
Bookseller at Laurelwood, South Main Book Juggler, Co-Motion on
Cleveland near Sears, St. Blues Guitars on Marshall in The Edge,Cotton
Museum with more locations to be added in the future.
June book signings
with Samantha are:
Thursday, June 5 @ 5:30pm at Burke's, 936 South Cooper (during
Cooper-Young Night Out!)
Saturday, June 7 from 10am-3pm in Overton Park during the "A Day For
Merrymaking: vent, which proceeds being donated to the Overton Park
Conservancy.
www.samanthacrespo.com
The long-anticipated
Grand Opening of the
new
Zippin Pippin
at Bay Beach Amusement
Park in Green
Bay was Saturday,
May 21. Memphian Steve Mulroy of Remember Libertyland
was an honored guest riding on
the first ride of the day!
Green Bay bought the rights to
the Zippin Pippin name and
design in 2010 and has developed
a fabulous web site, ZippinPippin.org, which
covers the construction process
and other information about the
new ride.
Many thanks to Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, and fellow GB City workers Bill Landvatter, Dan Lardonis and Tina Westergaard of Green Bay for being easy to work with in getting the Zippin Pippin project.
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I
have known Dr. Harry Friedman for over thirty years and he is has been very
dedicated to the legacy of the Memphis Belle B-17, the crew and Memphian
Margaret Polk, the namesake. The book covers a long history of the Memphis
Belle, and on page 439 there is a photo of Margaret Polk and me sitting on the
stage at the dedication, where I was allowed to speak that day and welcome the
eyes of world to Memphis.
The staff of Mud Island did a marvelous job coordinating with MBMA and the
living crew members of the Memphis Belle, which was the first B-17 to
successfully complete 25 missions over Europe in 1942-43 without a loss of a
crew member. Margaret Polk, a Memphian and girlfriend of the pilot, Col. Robert
Morgan, was also present for the dedication of the Memphis Belle Pavilion on May
17, 1987, as well as eight of the nine living crew members (of the original
ten). Over 10,000 spectators filled the banks of the Memphis riverfront and Mud
Island for a spectacular air show of seven of the eleven flyable B-17s in the
world.
The back cover jacket reads: Memphis: 200 Years of Heart & Soul is a celebration
of an amenity-rich, sustainable city beloved worldwide. Beginning with a brief
history, the book paints the picture of a city that, despite its challenges,
became a magnet for dreamers and doers, a place forged by vision and generosity.
The book goes on to reveal how these unique conditions created the amenities
that make the Memphis we know today. The narrative, told through the eyes of
frontline observer Kevin Kane and interviews with community stakeholders, closes
on a hopeful note: With such a foundation in place, what might Memphis look
forward to in the next 200 years?
About 200 fans of "The Man In Black" enjoyed a sunny day on May 1 (the 60th
anniversary of the release of "I Walk The Line" from Sun Studio) at The Galloway
House, 1015 Cooper Street, at Walker Avenue. Roy Cash (Johnny's nephew) and W.S.
"Fluke" Holland (Johnny's drummer) were very informative and enjoyable as the
honorees for the unveiling. Roy, from Collierville, later sang a few songs on
stage. Many thank to Legacy Memphis, Visible Music College, Mike Curbs Institute
at Rhodes College and Friends of Johnny Cash for sponsoring the marker. And
special thanks to Mike McCarthy, Ken Steorts and John Bass for their guidance
during the project.
The
New Talk Of Memphis, and Jimmy has even set in the studio in Earle's absence to
host the show on occasion.
Dan is a Memphian, therefore he is passionate and opinionated, not only about
present political circumstances and misfortunes, but also about our City's rich
history (good or bad). He is creative, energetic, interesting and informative in
his musings. He encourages us all to do better for our community. The thread
through all his stories is that he cares, and says so, and writes so. His (new)
article appears each week as a column in The Daily News and the Memphis News (in
old fashion newsprint). Dan is also the President of the Board of Trustees of
Elmwood Cemetery - need I say more . . .
Over thirty students, teachers, and parents from Bolton High School assembled in
Court Square on October 13 for the Inaugural Manhole Cover Rubbings Tour. The
Art teacher, Autumn Thron, had attended the July 12 Union Avenue Manhole Cover &
History Tour as a part of a class from the Nesin Graduate School of the Memphis
College of Art. Autumn picked up on the idea that making various rubbings would
be both interesting and challenging to the students. And, of course, learning
some Memphis history along way would be a bonus.
The history of Confederate Park, streets named for
Presidents, the Moving Appeal historical marker, the University of Memphis Law
School (formerly U.S. Customs House), Gen. Washburn's Escape Alley, tall
buildings and a special surprise visit (and talk) from Carol Perel of the Cotton
Museum made the "art" tour a significant and interesting "history" tour, as
well. The two-hour tour culminated with a picnic lunch in Tom Lee Park, after a
walk and talk along Riverside Drive about the Mississippi River and Memphis
riverfront history. We even saw the replica of the Nina (1492) floating up the
Wolf River Harbor.
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since 1971, and one of the only
eight scorers in Memphis
professional baseball history
since 1877! JJ has been
compiling and annually updates
his "Memphis Baseball
Encyclopedia" with all sorts of
facts & figures, classic photos
& trivia, and the general
history of Memphis' legacy and
continuing presence in the Great
American Pastime.
R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home - The dedication will occur as a part of a
recognition ceremony at R. S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home (374 Vance
Avenue) on Sunday, July 27 at 4:00 p.m. R.S. Lewis & Sons is celebrating is 100th year in
business and service to the Greater Memphis Community!
recipes or cute BBQ stories”, but rather a
comprehensive guide to 72 BBQ eateries in
Memphis. 
Well...
Bill Patton wrote a book. You all have seen
the Backbeat Tours bus rolling around town
giving exciting and musically-fun tours
about Memphis history. The owner of the
company, Bill Patton, has written a book
entitle “A Guide To Historic Downtown
Memphis” and it is hot off the presses this
month and in local bookstores soon.
My
friend, Mike Freeman, did some
research on a building at 79
Jefferson Avenue while working
at a restaurant named Jefferson
Square in the 1970, operated by
Jake Schorr. It turns out that
was the location of the
first-ever self-service grocery
store in America, Piggly Wiggly,
founded and open by Memphian
Clarence Saunders in September,
1916.
Also, it was the subject of
Mike's master's thesis and now
is a newly published book
entitled "Clarence Saunders And
The Founding Of Piggly Wiggly".
I believe that I first met Samantha on the November 6th, 1934 Street
Tour on November 6, 2011. She had recently moved to Memphis and was a
regular contributor on tourism for the City of Memphis and State of
Tennessee. She has been on quite a few tour since, as well as many other
attractions and places in Memphis, and enjoys writing about the things
that she experiences.
