I Have Always Wondered…
Do you have a question about Memphis history that has so far not been answered?
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Four Who Served
By Michael Vanelli and Joe V Lowry, with research and editorial assistance by Trish Gully.
Happy New Year from the Our Memphis History Team
What can be said about 2020 that hasn’t already been said? It was a tough
B. T. Washington High School Co-ettes Club
Every once in a while I stumble into a story that has all kinds of
Band Director Roscoe Roy Coats
Three years ago I sat down my childhood friend Ray Ransom, who spent his entire
Ministers In Mayor Crump’s Pocket
(When political power was the prize, legendary politician Edward Crump knew how to get the
Forgotten Hero – Elijah William “Will” Hale, Senior
The Nashville Tennessean Newspaper was quoted as saying “he ran the day to day business
Thomas Frank Cassels – Memphis’ First Black Attorney
I was truly amazed when I started doing the research on this fine Memphian. After
Welcome to the Team – Willy Bearden
We are pleased and honored to announce that Willy Bearden has joined the OMH team.
John Harkins
We at Our Memphis History are sadden today to report the passing of one of
The First Black Firefighters
Written by Joe Lowry with research and editorial assistance by Trish Gully. It was the
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
Written by Joe Lowry with research and editorial assistance by Trish Gully. Joseph Newberger, born
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. Written by Joe Lowry with
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
Written by Joe Lowry with research and editorial assistance by Trish Gully. Captain Borner spent
Fire Chief John T. Moore
John T. Moore entered the Memphis Fire Department in May of 1890 as a Hoseman
How I Work: John Robilio
John has been a part of the Our Memphis History from the very beginning. He