StoryBoard Memphis

04/13/2024

Were you one of those who stood in line in 1965 to see GOLDFINGER?

Do you remember the old Randolph Building across the street from the Malco?

Do you recall any of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visits, or the rioting in March and April of 1968?

Did you see HAIR at the Malco in 1972?

As StoryBoard navigates the next few chapters of our ongoing history of the The Orpheum Theatre-Memphis, we are asking for your recollections of the period between 1960 and 1976, before the Memphis Development Corporation purchased the theatre and began its modern and most sustained revival.

Details here>>

For the next few chapters of our ongoing history of the Orpheum Theatre, we are inviting the memories of patrons from 1960 to 1976

02/29/2024

A TRIBUTE to ED HALEY

This Sunday, March 3rd, 2:30pm
A Free Event, at Hillwood Hall at Davies Manor in Bartlett

A public program, including the first screening of a 20-minute film of Ed Haley, whose life “is the ideal example of a public servant,” said filmmaker W***y Bearden. “A rare individual, has used his experience, integrity, and faith for the betterment of his fellow citizens.”

Davies Manor Historic Site / Hillwood Hall
W***y Bearden

Further event details here>>

https://daviesmanor.org/plan-your-visit/ -Events

02/09/2024

It was an honor to know Pat Halloran for the short time I did. His support was genuine, and his anything-is-possible energy was inspiring. This is a sad day for Memphis and every life he touched.

02/01/2024

There’s no place like home… There’s no place like Memphis and the people who are proud to call this place home.

WKNO will display a very special Gallery Ten Ninety-One art exhibition in February called A Memphis of Hope Art Show. A reception will be held at the WKNO Digital Media Center on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 2 – 5 p.m. The exhibition will be open to the public for viewing beginning February 5, 2024, until February 29, 2024.

WKNO will display a very special Gallery Ten Ninety-One art exhibition Saturday, February 3rd called A Memphis of Hope Art Show.

02/01/2024

Executive Producer and Audition Coordinator, Michael Detroit, describes it as “American Idol meets Job Fair.”

Playhouse on the Square to host auditions in Memphis, TN this weekend, February 2-5, seeking actors, production personnel, and producers from across the country.

Described as “American Idol meets Job Fair,” Playhouse will host auditions in Memphis, TN this weekend, February 2-5, 2024

01/27/2024

UPDATED, APPROVED: Two Memphis properties to be added to the National Register of Historic Places - NPS

The National Register designation of two historic properties - the 1923 Cherokee Arms apartment building on Madison Avenue and the West J. Crawford House on South Lauderdale - previously approved by the Memphis Landmarks Commission, were approved this week by the State Review board of the Tennessee Historical Commission.

“This house is near the backyard of our office,” said board member and local architect Juan Self of Self+Tucker Architects, which is housed in the historic Universal Life Insurance Building on nearby Doctor MLK, Jr. Avenue and Danny Thomas Blvd. “My window has a view to it, so I look at it every day and pass it every day. I’m glad to see this nomination.”

The addition of the West J. Crawford House to the National Register is significant for the era as well as for the legacy of the Vance-Pontotoc district, which was briefly on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s.
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Of the addition of Cherokee Arms to the National Register, board member Jim Thompson said “Memphis is blessed with so many grand, small apartment complexes like this from that period. Whenever I drive to Memphis I love to look around to see all the great architecture. It’s a beautiful building.”

Judith Johnson of Judith Johnson Historic Preservation Services said "I was really excited to be asked to put this on the national register. It is a really unique example of the style of architecture and it retains integrity really well over the history of it. We see it having a prosperous future."

The 1923 Cherokee Arms and the c. 1870s West J. Crawford House to be considered for the National Historic Register, January 24, 2024

01/16/2024

"I couldn’t tell you the last time I’d been to the Memphis Zoo. Emily’s visited a few times over the past several years. We’d kept up with the improvements, the changes, the parking controversy, and other zoo news.

"Like many Memphians, we take pride (pun intended) in the Memphis Zoo and the great work they do—a world-class facility and a jewel in the city’s crown.

"A visit was long overdue."

The latest story from StoryBoard contributor Ken W. Billett, Writer, and December a visit to the Memphis Zoo

On a Tuesday afternoon in mid-December, Emily and I decided to visit the Memphis Zoo to take advantage of free admission Tuesdays.

01/16/2024

Exciting News on Two Historic Properties!

The National Register designation of two local historic properties have been approved by the Memphis Landmarks Commission and are now on January’s agenda at the Tennessee Historical Commission for final approval.

If confirmed, the 1923 Cherokee Arms apartment building on Madison Avenue and the 1870s West J. Crawford House on South Lauderdale will be added to the National Register of Historic Places.

(photos from the National Register registration forms)

Read full story>>

The 1923 Cherokee Arms and the c. 1870s West J. Crawford House to be considered for the National Historic Register, January 24, 2024

12/13/2023

, you had us hello.
Before you arrived, your future space was rough and raw, used as bike storage and repair for the MMDC’s bike tours. We awaited anxiously as you adapted the space, retaining that raw, industrial look and exposed supports, and transformed it into the bright and airy space it became.
We were there from your humble 2017 beginnings. For coffees and breakfasts, then dinners and brunches.
We were there before StoryBoard issued its first print editions, when you embraced the new publication in the summer and fall of 2018 and offered a spot for it each month, right next to the Memphis Flyer. It was as though were spiritual siblings, developing together.
We were there to watch you grow into an anchor of the developing district. We were there when you emerged finally from 2020 and Covid, when your brightness and light felt fresher than ever.
It’s hard to say goodbye Edge Alley, but Tim and Lena, thank for giving us a candle that burned so bright, for always electrifying our palates, filling our bellies, and putting smiles on our faces.
You never stopped believing us - you still had us on your bulletin board! - just as we never stopped believing in you.
Mark Fleischer, StoryBoard. (photos 1-3 from Edge Alley’s IG)

11/20/2023

To generations of Memphians, it was simply “The Malco.”

On the day of its 95th birthday, Part II of our series on the Hidden History of the The Orpheum Theatre-Memphis

Downtown had the movie palaces. The Warner and the Strand and the two Loew’s. And the Malco. The Malco was the king.

11/18/2023

Come on out!

11/09/2023

This Saturday night, enjoy some cocktails and conversation about our local arts scene, AND support your Memphis Public Library!

11/09/2023

Tonight, 5:30-7pm, at the Memphis Public Libraries - Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library

Protect Our Aquifer (POA) is calling on you to attend tonight’s community meeting with our co-hosts Memphis Community Against Pollution, Black Millennials for Flint and the Sierra Club.

Join the POA and learn how you can be a part of the action plan to protect our aquifer for generations to come.

Food provided.

Memphis Public Libraries
Protect Our Aquifer

Nov 9 5:30 PM17:30 Aquifer Action Event Thursday, November 9, 2023 5:30 PM 7:00 PM 17:30 19:00 Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (map) Google Calendar ICS The Memphis Sand Aquifer is our special source of water - Memphis is the only city in the US to rely 100% on groundwater. With people power, we'v...

10/19/2023

It's back, and it's time. Submissions are now open.

Students and budding filmmakers of all ages, time to start putting your 10-minute shorts on with those nonfiction stories you're dying to tell.

Not ready for Cannes or Indie Memphis? This is the place to get your feet wet and submit your short documentaries.

Deadlines are in 2024 in January, February and March for a May 11 all-day Saturday festival at Playhouse on the Square.

Details here>>

http://filmfestmemphis.org

10/19/2023

We all need a little nostalgia, don't we?

"Once upon a time, every year, two free paperback books approximately two inches thick plopped onto the doorstep of almost every dwelling in Memphis. One was the Bell telephone directory and the other was the Sears & Roebuck catalog."

From contributor Robert Lanier, a look back at a here-come-the-holidays tradition long gone.

Once upon a time, every year, the Sears Catalog plopped onto the doorstep of almost every dwelling in Memphis.

10/06/2023

Board of Adjustment applications for October 25

Comments are due to the staff planner by Wednesday, October 18 at 8am

11 cases have been filed for consideration before the Memphis and Shelby County Board of Adjustment for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

10/06/2023

“This is a dangerous time for readers and the public servants who provide access to reading materials. Readers, particularly students, are losing access to critical information, and librarians and teachers are under attack for doing their jobs.”
- Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom

This week is Banned Books Week, and the Memphis Public Libraries Connect Crew will be out at the new Tom Lee Park this afternoon and tomorrow to flip through, handle, and discuss books banned by various communities around the country.

Friday, 2pm to 5pm
Saturday, 10am to 2pm

You too will be surprised with books that are on this list.

Be there to talk with the Library, and sign up for a new Library Card while you're at it!

Memphis River Parks Partnership

09/29/2023

“This is good work,” said Dr. Charles McKinney. “Any time we’re rendering African American history in this way, it’s a benefit for all of us. On a gut level, this is our story. And on a gut level, we need to know this. We are diminished when we don’t know these stories. Despite evidence (in today’s climate) to the contrary, greater illumination leads to greater freedom, to the creation of spaces where we can have hard conversations about the nature of democracy, and what it means to be an American."

This week, the old “Colored Entrance” - The Orpheum Theatre-Memphis's small entrance lobby designated for Black patrons only along its Beale Street side - was reopened as an exhibit that brings “an immersive educational initiative that exhibits a pivotal chapter of Memphis history, in a space where the historic theatre’s Black-Only entrance to the balcony once stood.”

In a nod to truth in history and education, the Orpheum reopens its old “Colored Entrance” with The Balcony Project. Public tours open Monday It…

09/21/2023

This Saturday at the old Southland Mall site in Whitehaven, MEMFix of BLDG Memphis will be on hand from 10am to 2pm, bringing its tactical urbanism to spark revitalization to the historic site.

Come on out and join the fun - the Memphis Public Libraries Connect Crew will be there too - for a morning and afternoon of community, food, and entertainment.

(feature photo from Wikipedia and Mike Kalasnik from Charlotte, USA)

The Greater Whitehaven Economic Redevelopment Corporation is co-hosting the 2023 MEMFix at the historic Southland Mall.

09/15/2023

TOMORROW! At Rhodes College. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Addressing traffic violence, preventing avoidable traffic fatalities and injuries, and achieving equitable mobility for all requires access to efficient transportation.

“Youth are the future architects of our transportation systems,” said Jacob Smith, NOYS Executive Director, “Consequently, their input should be sought, their voices respected, and their perspectives elevated."

The 2023 Youth Transportation Equity Convening is revolutionizing how Americans perceive transportation systems nation-wide. Focused on BIPOC youth advocacy, the gathering brings together renowned industry…

09/15/2023

TOMORROW! 11am - 3pm, the first Wellness Festival arrives courtesy of the Medical District Collaborative.

Here, the MMDC's Latasha Harris discusses what to expect from this first festival.

Set for tomorrow, September 16, the inaugural Wellness Festival will provide services and resources from area healthcare professionals

09/12/2023

First “Union Station” Developments Proposed at Former Union Avenue Police Precinct.

New townhouses in the new gated community in the Union Station development are among the 10 new applications for this month’s Memphis Landmarks Commission.

Comments are due by Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 8:00 AM

New townhouses in the Union Station development are among the 10 new applications for this month's Memphis Landmarks Commission.