Mid-South Memories for Oct. 23

25 years ago: 1991

Federal Express Corp.’s No. 2 executive and one of Memphis’s top business and civic leaders is resigning Oct. 31 to join the nation’s leading cellular telephone company. James L. Barksdale, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Memphis-based company since 1983, will join McCaw Cellular Communications Inc. of Kirkland, Wash., as president and chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1. Barksdale’s decision to leave Federal Express, the city’s biggest private employer, follows a recent spate of top management changes, and comes as the company struggles to stem its continuing losses in its international operations.

50 years ago: 1966

The Memphis-Shelby County Alumni Association of the University of Tennessee is sponsoring a week-long observance this week for UT divisions in Memphis. William P. Halliday Jr., association president, said activities planned will seek to call public attention to both the educational and economic roles which University facilities play in the state.

75 years ago: 1941

Hollywood — Paramount extricated itself neatly from the “blues” dilemma today by awarding the birthplace honors to Memphis and splitting the premiere of its Bing Crosby picture, “The Birth of the Blues,” between Memphis and New Orleans.

100 years ago: 1916

The Stacker Lee, palatial Memphis-St. Louis packet of the Lee Line, sank at the foot of Redmond Light, four miles above Memphis Saturday night. All passengers and crewmen are safe.

125 years ago: 1891

The plans of the Chickasaw Guard’s new clubhouse have arrived, though as yet no meeting has been held to approve of them.