Forgotten Hero – Elijah William “Will” Hale, Senior
The Nashville Tennessean Newspaper was quoted as saying “he ran the day to day business
Joe Lowry
Thomas Frank Cassels – Memphis’ First Black Attorney
I was truly amazed when I started doing the research on this fine Memphian. After
The First Black Firefighters
It was the first day of training for the 12 newly hired Black Firefighters on
Pvt. Edward O. Cleaborn
Our wonderful story is about Edward O. Cleaborn. A forgotten Memphis hero, this 18-year-old U.S.
Forgotten History – Memphis Responds to Tupelo, MS 1936
Over the past 100 years when a neighboring community experienced a devastating disaster, like a
Forgotten History – American Snuff Strike of 1950
Most of us have never heard this story and I admit I was a bit
The Crump Machine and Memphis Police Revolt of 1943
Just like every other city employee of the day, Fire, Public Works, and Teachers, they
Joseph Newberger, Cotton Man, Philanthropist
by Joe V. Lowry Joseph Newberger, born June 12, 1858, was a multi-millionaire, philanthropist, and
G. P. Hamilton
As Memphis history goes, G. P. Hamilton, was one of my heroes. If you get
William B. Fowler
A forgotten name and family who made a real difference in our community, William B
Hero Spotlight: Sargent John Foppiano
The Memphis Police Depart Detective Squad and Sgt. John Foppiano. By Joe V Lowry
Hero Spotlight: Julio “John” Vannucci
Julio John Vannucci was born on December 25, 1887 and was appointed to the Memphis
Hero Spotlight: Deputy Chief James Price “Pete” Leach
Born 1919 Died June 14, 1972 Entered the MFD 1942 as a private on Engine
Hero Spotlight: Chief Irby Klinck
December 1933 Fire Chief John Moore retires, and Chief Irby Klinck is appointed. One of
Hero Spotlight: Richard F. Borner
By Joe V. Lowry Captain Borner spent 55 years in service to the citizens of
Fire Chief John T. Moore
John T. Moore entered the Memphis Fire Department in May of 1890 as a Hoseman
Truck Farmers – A Time Gone By
Between 1870 and 1920, 95% of all vegetable produce, eggs, and other food items that
The Freedom Train of 1947
The Freedom Train of November 1947 was another missed opportunity for all Memphians to visit
Harland Bartholomew
Harland Bartholomew, the dean of comprehensive city planning in the United States, died Saturday Feb
Lloyd T. Binford
One of my favorite Memphis bad guys, (all of these were Crump minions, lieutenants, subjects,
Nettie Walden Johnson
Born Sept 12, 1866 Died Dec 30, 1921 Soon after Nettie married Isadora Johnson, a
Forgotten History the Memphis Fire Department Band
In 1943 The Memphis Fire department realized that something was needed to get the attention
John Connor
-call it benevolence, charity, or simply showing kindness and goodwill towards those less fortunate; this
Quonset Huts
Back in September of 2010 leading local realtor and historian Joe Spake and I got
The Edward T. Leech Story: The Fight for Free Speech in Memphis, Tennessee
July 20, 1918 would be a day in the life of Edward Leech that he