Historical Note:  E. H. Crump was mayor of Memphis from 1910 - 1916 (and again in 1939).  He became the political "boss" of Memphis and controlled local politics until his death in 1954.  In his later years he attended EVERY high school football game at the Crump Stadium (which, of course, was named for him).   A lot of Techites in the 30's, 40's, and 50's had personal contact with Boss Crump.  We hope some will come forward and share their memories.

After I graduated from Tech in 1940 I was employed for a short period of time in the Fire Marshal's Office at Fire Department Headquarters at Front Street and Union.  Mr. Crump was a great fan of the Fire Department and visited Chief Irby Klinck quite often.  I didn't know he attended all those high school football games.  I do remember that when Tech played Central there would be 18,000 spectators at Crump Stadium.  Bet they don't get that kind of turnout these days.

- Mac McCluskey, 1940

Mr. Edward Hull Crump, being the prominent politician and businessman that he was, often used his influence for very generous purposes.  Whenever the Cincinnati excursion vessel, “Island Queen” arrived in Memphis, Mr. Crump saw to it that she was not charged a fee for docking.  In return orphans, shut-ins, disabled, military personnel, etc. were taken on a day excursion, including all the refreshments, free of charge.  Of course all of the food and drinks were furnished by many Memphis businesses.  No one refused a request from Boss Crump, No One!

- Charles French, 1938

Historical Note

The Island Queen II was a familiar sight on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers from 1925 until 1947.  The vessel was an all-steel, glass-enclosed craft, which the company claims was the largest inland excursion boat in the United States.  In the summers, passengers boarded her for a days outing to Coney Island, near Cincinnati.  At other times she would make trips as far as New Orleans and return.  While in port at Pittsburgh in 1947, an explosion / fire destroyed her.  19 employees were killed and dozens injured. 

My grandfather was Pappy Sammons, of Pappys' Lobster Shack. He loved baseball and played a little big time ball in the late teens or early 20s.  I dont think he ever missed a Chicks home game.   My grandfather was known as an easy touch for money.  During the very early 50's, we were coming out of Russword Park and this elderly man with a cane and long white unkempt hair, long over coat and a wide brim hat comes up to my grandfather and begins to talk to him.  My first thought was "just another down and outer" who knows Pop is an easy touch for money.  Not 'till much later did I learn who Mr Crump was.  He was Pops buddy of many years.

- Fred Huntzicker, 1959

Aunt Vivian moved to Memphis in the late 40s or early 50s. She was a widow woman without a job. After reaching her roads end, as a last resort she caught a city bus and road uptown to Mr. Crump's office. To her surprise he saw her. She explained her situation.  He told her to stop crying everything would be OK. Two days later she received a call from someone at the Army Depot.  She worked there for years and always said they were afraid to transfer her as they did others until Mr. Crump died.  Then she was transferred to Brookley Field in Mobile until she retired.

- Jerry Skinner, 1962

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