Mid-South Memories – Off to Nashville

Jan. 14

25 years ago: 1982

Washington – An Air Florida 737 taking off for Tampa in a heavy snowstorm slammed into a bridge jammed with rush-hour commuters Wednesday and plunged into the ice-covered Potomac River. Ted Marr, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration, said the “unofficial” death toll “would be 65 dead.” Lt. Hiram Brewton, a District of Columbia police spokesman, said there were believed to be only five survivors. Air Florida said the airliner apparently carried 70 ticketed passengers, five crew members and an airline employee. However, the airline also said there may have been “two or three” infants aboard, who may or may not have been ticketed. Washington police Capt. Michael L. Canfield said at least six motorists were killed as the plane sheared the tops off cars and hit a truck. The cause of the crash was unknown. Helicopters pulled some survivors from the river. It was believed that most of the others aboard died under the ice.

50 years ago: 1957

A permanent scholarship fund to help needy college students with their education will be established at Southwestern in memory of the late Joseph A. Fowler, it was announced last night. The fund is being started with a $10,000 grant from the Memphis Scottish Rite to honor Mr. Fowler, a 33rd-degree Mason and former executive director of the Memphis Housing Authority who died Wednesday. Mr. Fowler’s son, Morgan Fowler, and his daughter, Mrs. William Edward French, are Southwestern alumni. The scholarship will be awarded each year in the Memphian’s name. A continuous supporter of Southwestern since it was moved to Memphis in 1925 from Clarksville, Tenn., Mr. Fowler did much of the original electrical work on the campus through his former firm, the Fowler Electric Co.

75 years ago: 1932

The Memphis Cotton Exchange yesterday named Frank G. Barton of the F.G. Barton Co., to be its president. Everett R. Cook is the retiring president. Joe E. Lyon, W.S. Campbell and W.W. Kirby were named vice presidents.

100 years ago: 1907

Judge Jeff Truly of Fayette, former associate justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court and now a candidate for governor, was a Memphis visitor yesterday.

125 years ago: 1882

Twenty-five immigrants came down the river yesterday on the steamer Golden Rule and stopped at Elmot, where they propose to establish homes.

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