1962 Southern Open Chess Tournament in Memphis, Tennessee

Tennessee Chess News November-December 1961 No. 18 pg. 1

News in Brief

Memphis put in a bid for the (1962) Southern this year which is held around the 4th of July.  Let's wish them good luck in this endeavor.

Chess Life Volume XVII Number 5 May, 1962 page 116

Tournament Life

June 30, July 1-2-3, 1962

Southern Championships

7-round Swiss, to be played in Memphis, Tenn., championship of USCF Region IV, open to experts or above, state champions, and other strong players.  Entry fee, including SCA publications $16; only $14 if staying at host Hotel Claridge.  Must be or become USCF member–special rate, $4.  First prize, trophy and $100; second, at least $50, plus entry fee for '63, plus others.  For full details write: R. C. Eastwood, ___S. Krome Ave., Homestead, Fla.

June 30, July 1-2-3, 1962

Southern Amateur

7-round Swiss, to be played concurrent with the above.  Open to those rated 1899 or lower (or unrated). 1st prize, trophy plus $25 plus $15 contribution to the hotel bill, other extras.  Other prizes for Class A & B, top three ladies, etc.  Entry fee $12, including SCA publications; only $10 if staying at the host Hotel Claridge.  USCF membership for this event: $4.00.  For full details write: R. C. Eastwood ___S. Krome Ave., Homestead, Fla.


Tennessee Chess News March-April 1962 Vol. 4. No. 2

Memphis to Host Southern

Claridge Hotel Memphis, TN

Memphis will be the host to the Southern Championship this year thanks to their hard work in winning the bid over Macon, Ga.  Not since 1955 has the Southern been held in Tennessee when it was in Chattanooga.

We can all be very proud for Memphis to have achieved this honor.  Well over $200 have or will have to be raised by Memphis to comply with the financial support as is expected of the host city.  The best we can do is show our appreciation by each one of us making a special effort to attend this event.  Actually we are committed as the host state to have at least ten players, aside from at least that number from the host itself.

Aside from this, the Southern tournament this year will salute  the dear old gentleman Bob Scrivener.  As we are friends of "Uncle Bob" let us attend as a special tribute to him.

There will be special announcements mailed to every club in the state and many individuals, but just in case, here are some of the details:  (Click "Read more" below.)

Chess at the Business Men's Club & Cotton Exchange

Cotton Exchange

Business Men's Club

The Memphis Chess Club formerly met at an earlier Cotton Exchange Building from 1904 - 1905 and at the Business Men's Club from April 30, 1906 - 1934.

On March 15, 2011 chess was played once again at the historical Cotton Exchange on Union Ave, and the former Business Men's Club on Monroe Ave, in Memphis Tennessee.  Through a series of contacts with the Turley Company, my wife and I were able to meet with Mr. Henry Turley.  He was generous in sharing time with us and showing us around his buildings despite his busy schedule.  Exhibiting fine Southern hospitality, he gave us the grand tour of his office complex within the Cotton Exchange.  After enjoying the view of the river and the downtown area from his office, he and I engaged in a quick round of chess where I played the Sicilian against his e4.  After his business associate had Mr. Turley sign some paperwork, we exited onto Union Avenue, and he escorted us across the street to what used to be the Business Men's Club at 81 Monroe Ave.  Just as we reached the second floor from the marble staircase, Mr. Turley challenged me to another round of chess in which I had the white pieces and played the English.  This time we discussed strategy and tactics more than playing the game.  After the session, Mr. Turley had to move on to his next appointment.  He was quite the gentleman to my wife and I, and we are indebted to him for such a wonderful tour.

Click Picture to Enlarge

Business Men's Club

The Business Men's Club Building

There are more pictures to view after clicking "Read more>>" at the bottom of the page.

Monroe Ave.

Brass Elevator Doors at the Cotton Exchange

 Mr. Turley's Balcony

Overlooking the Business Men's Club

Mr. Turley's Office

Exit to Union from the Cotton Exchange

Chess on the second floor of the Business Men's Club