99% Invisible: Episode Summary – "A Walking Tour with Mr. Memphis"

Release Date: April 4, 2025

Hosts: Roman Mars & Chris Perube
Guest: Jimmy Ogle – Shelby County Historian

Introduction

In this bonus episode of 99% Invisible, host Roman Mars teams up with producer Chris Perube to delve deeper into the enigmatic Memphis Pyramid and the rich history of Memphis, Tennessee. Building upon their previous exploration of the Pyramid, the episode introduces Jimmy Ogle, a seasoned historian whose extensive knowledge of Memphis serves as the backbone for their immersive walking tour.

Meeting Jimmy Ogle

[01:51] Chris Perube:
“So, listeners in Memphis, if you got a pizza delivered by Roman Mars and you want your money back now, you know where to reach us.”

Chris introduces Jimmy Ogle, whose impressive resume includes roles such as historian for Shelby County, manager of various public attractions, and even the unique position of Duck Master at the Peabody Hotel.

[02:42] Jimmy Ogle:
“I got about 150 hours in my head I gotta talk real fast and tell you about. So we're gonna touch on some of them.” 
“There’s no city in the world that the story of American history better than Memphis, Tennessee.”

Jimmy underscores Memphis as a pivotal locale in American history, setting the stage for their extensive tour.

Exploring Memphis' Manhole Covers

[06:05] Chris Perube:
"So, Roman, I want to start with some kind of hardcore 99pi stuff. So when Jimmy was county historian, he used to give a ton of walking tours, as I said, including a tour of Memphis manhole covers."
[06:17] Roman Mars:
"Oh, my God. It's like a dream come true for me."

The tour begins with an exploration of Memphis' diverse manhole covers, each unique in design and purpose.

[06:52] Jimmy Ogle:
"Cumberland Telephone and Telegraph. Western Union Telephone Company. Memphis Telephone Company. Why would you have three different telephone companies within 20ft of each other? Why?" 
[07:51] Jimmy Ogle:
"The early years, you had independent operators. So if you got a telephone at the turn of the century, in the 1920s, you had to pick one of three exchanges, and you could only talk to the person on your exchange."

Jimmy elucidates the historical significance of these manhole covers, highlighting the fragmented telecommunications landscape of early 20th-century Memphis.

The Unique Intersection of King and King

[09:03] Jimmy Ogle:
"It’s the only King and King intersection in the country. You go look that up, too." 
[09:12] Roman Mars:
"Yes, I think I do know what this is. This is the intersection of Martin Luther King and B.B. King Boulevard."

The tour pauses at the uniquely named intersection of King and King, a tribute to both civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and legendary musician B.B. King. This intersection serves as a symbolic convergence of Memphis' rich cultural and historical narratives.

November 6th, 1934 Street: A Singular Tribute

[09:32] Jimmy Ogle:
"I cannot find anybody in 15 years to tell me different. You might be the one. This might be your golden moment here. It is the only street in America named after a month, a day, and a year." 
[10:02] Roman Mars:
"So the street is literally named November 6th, 1934 Street."

Jimmy introduces a particularly unique street name in Memphis, commemorating the city's decision to join the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) on November 6, 1934. Despite local signage simplifying the name to "November 6th Street," its full designation remains a distinctive homage to a pivotal moment in Memphis' infrastructural development.

Beale Street: From Renaming to Cultural Landmark

[14:09] Roman Mars:
"City of Memphis, I'm gonna say That's Beale Street." 
[14:12] Chris Perube:
"That is. I would wager that it's Beale Street."

Beale Street, arguably Memphis' most famous thoroughfare, serves as the next highlight of the tour. Known for its vibrant blues bars and historical markers, the street's naming history reveals local resistance to administrative changes.

[15:37] Chris Perube:
"He (Danny Thomas) actually wrote a song called Bring Back My Beale Street and he made 2,000 copies and he sent it to members of the city council."
[16:08] Chris Perube:
"Eventually they cave in and they agree to rename it Beale Street."

The story of radio star Danny Thomas campaigning to restore the original name underscores the community's deep connection to Beale Street's identity.

University of Memphis and Egyptology

[16:44] Chris Perube:
"They actually have one of the few university programs in America that studies Egyptology." 
[17:00] Roman Mars:
"Well that makes sense because this is the city that's named for the capital of ancient Egypt."

The tour transitions to the University of Memphis, home to a unique Egyptology program. A notable feature is the 25-foot fiberglass statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II, originally displayed at the Memphis Pyramid and now leased to the university.

[17:33] Jimmy Ogle:
"It looks like the real deal. I mean, that's Ramsay standing there in a majestic mood." 
[17:58] Roman Mars:
"It was actually fiberglass."

This section highlights the blend of historical homage and innovative material use in public art.

Mud Island and Its Evolution

[18:47] Chris Perube:
"It has this public park, right. It has this amphitheater." 
[19:48] Jimmy Ogle:
"There’s this old River Museum dedicated to the city of Memphis. It closed due to low attendance in 2018."

Mud Island, a peninsula on the Mississippi River, features attractions like an amphitheater and a scale model of the river. The area's decline and subsequent redevelopment efforts reflect Memphis' adaptive reuse ethos.

[21:19] Kathryn Hicks:
"Think of the Millennium Falcon ride in Star Wars, but more observation deck style."

Plans for revitalizing the old River Museum space involve transforming it into an immersive experience blending art, design, and interactive media.

Adaptive Reuse: Breathing New Life into Old Spaces

[21:40] Chris Perube:
"There’s this old Sears Warehouse, which has become this massive community center. There’s lots of old office buildings downtown that have been converted into housing." 
[22:04] Chris Perube:
"...they are reusing a lot of the features in the space, which of course includes these two full-size boats from when it was the River Museum."

The episode underscores Memphis' commitment to adaptive reuse, repurposing historical structures to meet contemporary needs while preserving cultural heritage.

[23:56] Jimmy Ogle:
"And after you get over the tears, you start telling stories about each other and it turns into a giggle fest at a funeral, you know, a celebration."

Jimmy reflects on the emotional aspect of urban change, likening the transformation of buildings to the lifecycle of friendships—each ending preserving memories while embracing new beginnings.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a heartfelt appreciation of Memphis' dynamic landscape, where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly. Both hosts express gratitude towards Jimmy Ogle for his invaluable insights, highlighting the city's ongoing narrative of preservation and innovation.

[24:18] Roman Mars:
"I think it's a great reminder for all of us about all kinds of things."
[24:37] Roman Mars:
"Thank you." 
[24:40] Chris Perube:
"Thanks, Roman."

Key Takeaways

• Historical Layers: Memphis is a city where every street, building, and manhole cover tells a story, reflecting its pivotal role in telecommunications, civil rights, and cultural development.

• Unique Naming Conventions: Streets like "November 6th, 1934 Street" and the intersection of "King and King" highlight Memphis' distinctive approach to commemorating significant events and figures.

• Adaptive Reuse: The city's commitment to repurposing historical structures fosters a vibrant community that honors its past while embracing future possibilities.

• Community Engagement: Figures like Jimmy Ogle exemplify the passionate individuals dedicated to preserving Memphis' rich heritage, ensuring that history remains an integral part of the city's present and future.

Notable Quotes

• Jimmy Ogle on Memphis' History:
  “There’s no city in the world that the story of American history better than Memphis, Tennessee.” ([05:29])

• About the Unique Street Name:
  “It is the only street in America named after a month, a day, and a year.” ([09:32])

• On Adaptive Reuse and Change:
  “It’s like when you have an old friend who passes away... it turns into a giggle fest at a funeral, you know, a celebration.” ([23:56])

This episode of 99% Invisible offers an enchanting journey through Memphis' architectural and cultural landmarks, guided by the unparalleled expertise of Jimmy Ogle. For those intrigued by the hidden narratives of urban design and history, "A Walking Tour with Mr. Memphis" is a compelling exploration of how places shape and are shaped by their people.