We are the music-makers,
We are the dreamers of dreams,

And we are the movers and shakers
Of the world forever it seems.

As Memphis met the decade of the 1980's, Cotton Carnival was celebrating its fiftieth year of service to the cotton industry and to the City of Memphis. By this time, the Memphis economy had grown substantially in its diversity, drawing to the City a broad range of economic interests and talents. Where cotton and agriculture were no less substantial and, indeed, remained significant in the City's economic profile. other major industries had emerged including transportation, medical services, financial services, and distribution.

The leadership of Carnival recognized this progressive evolution and moved to broaden the role of Carnival to encompass and support these new and vital economic elements of the City. In doing so they were acknowledging that promotion, appreciation and enhancement of all existing industry was vital to the City's economic stability and growth from within, as well as, providing a conducive atmosphere for attracting new industry.

In 1980, Carnival's Charter and By-Laws were substantially amended and long range programs were developed to enable it to serve this broadened City spectrum. The most significant program included in its long-range plan was to develop an annual industry recognition and educational system; sequentially focusing on each of the City's several industries. The year 1987 marked the inauguration of this benchmark program, entitled. "Business and Industry Salute," and focused on the Agri-Business Industry, the City's first major industry. The Transportation and Distribution Industry was selected for the 1988 salute. This program proved most valuable to the City, and entailed extraordinary volunteer hours and thousands of dollars to produce. It involves the preparation and printing of industry educational material for distribution to tens of thousands of public school students (33,000 the first year), educational film production and distribution, media material, speakers bureau, an industry awards competition based on size and segment classification and a public banquet honoring the many award recipients.

In keeping with the broadened role of Carnival, its leadership also recognized that the City's several "Secret Societies" were or could be major contributors to this broadened business enhancement objective. The "Secret Societies" were the social circles and celebrating outlets for industry leaders, the human element of industry. Accordingly, Carnival established certain requirements and credentials for existing "Secret Societies" (and new groups) that might wish to join the Carnival program and be officially sanctioned as a "Grand Krewe" of Carnival.

The Mystic Society of The Memphi contributed substantial financial and volunteer support to Carnival to develop these valuable programs and was the first "Secret Society" to be sanctioned as a "Grand Krewe."

MEMPHI TRADITIONS

The traditions of Memphi predominantly revolve around a sequence of pageantry and mirth enacted amidst created versions of old world settings. The legends and primary themes of Memphi are based on characterizations of ancient Egypt, however characterizations from many other old world cultures are used as themes in staging annual events. Such themes may derive from various cultures, including those from Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Imperial China, Royal England, and Royal Persia, as well as the American Old South and others. Annual productions of Memphi include coronation and costume balls, royal receptions, Old South Tea Dances, Palace Dinners, and regal Garden Parties. The "Players" are the Members of Memphi, the "Stars" are the members of the Royal Court, the "Producer" is the Board of Directors, and the "Director" is the General Chairman, with his staff of "Assistant Directors," event and committee chairmen. Memphi productions are spectacular, "live" events, lavishly staged, and humorously acted. Members are greatly encouraged to participate "to the hilt" by the offering of their humorous or pompous "toasts", paving extravagant homage to members of the Royal Court, exuding old world chivalry to all ladies, competing in costume competitions and, generally, by adding to the spectacle and pomposity of all events. Memphi royalty is encouraged to portray with a light touch caricatures of pompous and humorous regal rulers, and never to take too seriously their pretentious roles.

The Memphi "season" runs from the Fall through late Spring. Summer is the time for planning and selection for the coming season. During Summer, a secret committee, appointed by the Board of Directors, reviews the participation of our Members in both Memphi affairs and community affairs and from this review makes its appointments to the Royal Court of Memphi. Appointments are secret and are awarded individually to each selected member of the Royal Court who shall serve during the coming season. These appointments include six Royal Duchesses (their husbands are Dukes): a beneficent ruler: and Her Royal Majesty, the Queen of the Memphi (her husband the Royal Consort). To receive appointment to the Royal Court is not only a highly sought and prestigious event, but also brings to the recipient a year long experience that is truly indescribable and rare in our modern world. Once appointed to royalty one remains forever a member of royal distinction. There is a recurring phrase in summary, "Once a Queen, always a Queen."

The identity of Royalty is held in secret pending coronation events produced during the season. To preserve this secrecy and to accommodate the planning and costuming of royalty, several confidants, entitled "Contacts." are appointed. There is a Contact for the group of Duchesses. a Contact for the Ouro. and a Contact for the Queen. Contacts are experienced, knowledgeable people who have previously served in the royal role to which they now advise and, through this system, traditions and practices of royalty are preserved and promulgated.

Most Memphi events include all Members of Memphi. However, there are a few occasions which include only members of the Royal Court, Committee Chairmen, the Board of Directors, or selected invitees when the occasion is paid for by the host. The Queen personally bears the financial responsibility for two major functions (the Queen's Announcement Reception and the Flagman's Dinner) and the Ouro personally bears the financial responsibility for the Ouro's Dinner.

ANNUAL EVENTS

The "season" usually begins with a Fall Party, which is the initial gathering of the Society. This party is held in September or October and is most informal. The party is held at various and interesting locations, as selected by the General Chairman, and serves as a light-hearted "warm up" to the more formal occasions to come.

In late January, the Mid-Winter Ball is held. This ball is a most formal affair, at which some of the new "stars" of the new season are unveiled to the Society. It is the coronation ball of the Society's six Royal Duchesses. The decorations at this ball are spectacular, a large orchestra provides a musical panorama of offerings, a floor committee of gentlemen in tail coats escort ladies to a table, a multi-course dinner is served and the evening reaches its pinnacle in the coronation and presentation ceremonies of the Duchesses and their Dukes. The coronation ceremonies are always magnificent and interestingly different each year as to the theme of presentation.

In April, the great question of the year is finally answered: "Who is the Queen of The Memphi?" Members will have previously received blind invitations issued by Her Royal Majesty, the Queen of The Mystic Society of The Memphi, inviting the recipient to attend her private reception, commonly known as the Queen's Announcement Party. On the day of the Queen's Reception, usually a Sunday, the Board will have released the identity of the Queen to the local news media and Her Majesty's picture will first appear, informing, thereby, the Membership and other invitees of the location for the Queen's Reception. The Queen's Reception is by invitation only and is always a glamorous affair, replete with orchestra, cocktail, and delectable hors d'oeuvres. The dress for this occasion is garden party attire, with the ladies resplendent in the latest cocktail fashion and gentlemen colorfully attired in the season's brightest jackets. The Queen, in informal but elegant attire, is escorted by the General Chairman and her Four Royal Pages. Her court of Duchesses and Dukes is formally presented to her and she is formally adorned with the Jewel of Her Office. Thereafter, she receives her subjects throughout the evening. It is a delightful occasion. (The coronation of the Queen does not take place until Carnival Week.)

On the evening preceding the Queen's public announcement, the Queen is resealed exclusively to her Court by the General Chairman at a private Dinner given in Her honor by the Duchesses. This is an elaborate affair and marks the first time the Queen is known to her Court.

The Queen is formally and publicly presented at Carnival's Crown and Sceptre Ball (originated by Memphi) held later in the Spring and attended by members of other Grand Krewes. Along with the Royalty of other Grand Krewes, the Queen of The Memphi, for the first time attired in her regal gown and robes, is escorted by the General Chairman and her Four Royal Pages accompanied by two Royal Guards, and by her Royal Court of Duchesses. She is presented ceremoniously to the King and Queen of Carnival. This is a spectacular Ball filled with pomp and ceremony and enjoyed by all who attend.

Immediately preceding Carnival, there is held one of the most interesting, complex, and delightful evenings: the Flagman's Ball. On this evening, the Flagmen of Memphi (appointed in writing by the still secret Ouro and usually inclusive of all members of society not yet having served as royalty) gather, without their consorts, attired in white dinner jackets and maroon accessories, at a place designated by the General Chairman (normally, The Hunt and Polo Club). Here the Flagmen are introduced one to the other, have cocktails, and are given a dissertation on the history and traditions of the Memphi. Thereafter, the Flagmen board chartered buses and, with motorcycle escorts, are transported to the home of her Majesty, the Queen. Upon their arrival, the Flagmen march across the Queen's lawn between double rows of lighted red flares toward an assembly of the Queen, the Royal Consort, and all former Queens of Memphi and their Consorts gathered in front of Queen's home to attend the Queen's dinner. Amidst flamboyant greetings, the Flagmen ceremoniously present the Queen with her Royal Flag (sometimes called the Queens banner). Following this ceremony, the Queen invites the Flagmen to enter her "palace" for an evening of delight. Once in the palace, designated Flagmen take turns preceding each of the former Queens of Memphi and offering to them humorous and rhyming toasts with champagne. Each Queen responds to the toast offered her usually in rhyme. Thereafter the current Queen is ceremoniously toasted and she responds. This is followed by humorous skits in honor of the Queen. A magnificent dinner is served and more toasts offered throughout dinner.

Concurrently with the Queen's dinner for her Flagmen and former Queens, there is occurring a second party: the Duchesses Ball. To this party are invited all current and former Duchesses and their Consorts, current and former Ouros, General Chairman, Pythons, Signets and their Consorts. This is a very formal dinner at which extraordinary wit and cleverness is exhibited through toasts and skits, urged on by the master of ceremonies. It is a marvelous evening of humor and elegance.

Upon the conclusion of the Queen's dinner party the flagman are invited by their Queen and all former queens to accompany them in their royal coaches to attend the Flagman's Ball. Thereupon the Queens and Flagmen board their chartered buses to be transported to the Hunt and Polo Club to the Flagman's Ball. Upon their arrival, the guests at the Duchesses Ball, now concluded, will have gathered under the fourth front portico to receive the Queen. The flagman escorting the Queen in front, followed by all former queens and their Flagmen escorts, march between double rows of lighted flares toward the assembly. As they march, cannons are fired in recognition of the Queen's arrival. As the two groups merge, the Flagmen invite all assembled to their Ball in honor of the Queen. At the Flagmen's Ball, replete with orchestra and beautiful decor, the Queen is presented by her Flagmen and, therefore, the Flagmen present the duchesses to the Queen, as well as each of the former queens. This is followed by a formal skits presented for the pleasure of all. Music and dancing continually into the evening and thus concludes one of the most interesting and enjoyable evenings of the season.

During the month of May, two events leading up to Carnival Week are held. One is the Board of Directors party for new members and their wives. This is a beautiful cocktail supper and serves to indoctrinate new members into the comaraderie and traditions of the Memphi. The other party is the General Chairman's Party for Committee Chairman who, collectively, produced the many splendid events staged throughout the season.

There are other events and special occasions during the season and one will come to know and enjoy them all the more one becomes involved in the society. To be asked to participate or assume a task is an homor rarely declined, for every facet of Memphi a rare experience. All events and occasions are produced by members, who except assignments or volunteer for assignments by the general chairman. The assignments are enjoyable and the rewards are great.

EVENTS OF CARNIVAL WEEK

Tuesday night of Carnival Week is the opening of the Club Rooms and is a special night. It is Memphi's receiving night the King and Queen of Carnival, their Court, and the President of Carnival are also received this night in Memphi Club Rooms by Her Majesty the Queen. Toasts are made and gifts are exchanged as each Queen and escort are introduced to Her Majesty. A grand buffet with music and dancing throughout the evening provides a superb opening to Carnival for Memphi Members each year.

On Wednesday evening, the pinnacle of the year is held with the presentation of the Grand Ouro's Ball. This is the night of nights when The Sublime Ouro is revealed to the realm and, in turn, His Majesty crowns His Queen. The entire Court is in Royal Dress with Members and guests in black tie. The ceremony throughout the evening is very traditional, culminating in the Royal Presentation and Coronation. With the following words that have been traditional for decades, the Ouro's coronation begins:

"Oh, hear this Memphi! This is the night of nights appointed by our ancestral Memphi astronomer. And just as it was in Ancient Memphis on the Nile, so it will be tonight in Memphis on the Mississippi. On this night, the secret portals of Memphi are assailed by the curious clambering for knowledge and light; therefore, let the veil be drawn ---."

The ceremony includes the presentation of all past Ouros, the introduction of the High Priest, the presentations of the Duchesses and the Queen and, indeed, the presentation and unmasking of The Sublime Ouro. The Ouro is presented his Jewel of Office and his Banner by the High Priest and, subsequently, the Ouro crowns the Queen. Much toasting with pomp and circumstance accompanies this long standing Memphi tradition. This is perhaps the most elegant night of the Memphi season.

Recent tradition has marked Thursday evening as the night of the Ouro's Dinner. (The Club Rooms are closed this day and evening to allow for Club Room decor changes or refurbishment.) The Ouro's Dinner includes only invitees selected by the host, the Sublime Ouro, and is usually limited to members of the Royal Court, members of the Board, Key-Committee Chairmen/Advisors and members of the Ouro's family. The dinner is a formal, sumptuous affair, normally held in the Ouro's private club or home. The total format is fluid and at the dictate of His Majesty. Generally, it is an evening filled with grace and humor, as the Ouro expresses his benevolence and gratitude toward his loyal Court and his regal plenipotentiaries in recognition of their supererogatory performances on behalf of the Crown.

On Friday noon of Carnival Week, Memphi honors the Queens of other Carnival Grand Krewes with a luncheon and fashion show entitled The Royal Luncheon and Fashion Extravaganza. This event has grown in importance and stature each year. Other Grand Krewe Queens, and their escorts, are greeted and entertained by the Queen of Memphi and Her Court. Each visiting Queen is introduced to the several hundred Memphi wives and their guests in attendance. Music, dancing and toasts accompany a luncheon and fashion show that combine to make a spectacular event for all those attending.

Friday evening is a fun night and traditionally called Breakfast at Memphi in honor of the wives of Flagmen. It is Memphi's receiving night for the Royalty of all other Grand Krewes. This is an evening where the current Dukes and Duchesses, through skits. rhymes and songs provide the evening's entertainment. A beautiful buffet is served with dancing rounding out the evening of fun and merriment.  The new Sublime Ouro and His Queen are paid on this night a last Royal Visit by the King and Queen of Carnival.

On the last night of Carnival, Saturday, Memphi begins in very early evening with a costume party contest. The Costume Ball. Costumes exhibited at this party, and contestants are beautiful beyond description. The wives of Memphi members plan these costumes months in advance and spare no expense, effort, or time in having them be magnificent, original and beautiful. Awards of silver and crystal are given for the best costumes in each category. Winners of the awards are announced later that evening at the Grand Memphi Ball.

Eight o'clock marks the beginning of the Grand Memphi Ball.   At beautifully appointed tables, dinner is served. Music. mirth and merriment reign supreme throughout this final night of Carnival Week in the Memphi Club Rooms. All Memphi Members and specially invited out-of-town male guests wear the requisite green and white tunics over white trousers and white shoes as the standard and required costume for the Grand Memphi Ball. Ladies wear cocktail dresses of their choice. No club rooms are decorated more splendidly nor more elaborately than those of the Memphi.

To attend and enjoy all Memphi events is encouraged but, indeed. challenging even to the strong of will and heart. But to immerse one's self in the Mystic Society of the Memphi is unlike any other experience on earth. We wish you good health and merriment. Bon Voyage!

MEMPHI'S FUTURE

As the Mystic Society of The Memphi moves into its second century. there are many sound indicators that the oldest of the Grand Krewes, is still the strongest and in keeping with the times. The organization is financially sound and has the necessary assets to carry out its projects and programs. The membership of the Memphi today is a happy combination of long-term, dedicated members and a large group of new younger leaders -- all eager to participate in the programs and traditions of the Memphi. The continuing and underlying support of Carnival remains today a primary objective of our Society. The dedication of its members to provide a program of pageantry, mirth and merriment throughout the year for the total membership gives each member of The Memphi a unique experience and an opportunity to gain lifelong friendships and associations. These close personal relationships carry over into business and civic ventures and are viewed by many as one of the great hidden assets of The Mystic Society of The Memphi.

In 1988, The Memphi had at least one member (Mr. Charles Niles Grosvenor, III) whose Grandfather was a member of The Society in 1872. Perhaps, in the year 2088, your grandchildren will also enjoy The Memphi, which you will have striven to preserve for them.

THE OFFICIAL MEMPHI ORGANIZATION

The Memphi. Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation chartered in accordance with the statutory provisions of the laws of the State of Tennessee. The corporation is governed by a self-perpetuating, ten man Board of Directors, who function as Trustees in the administration of all affairs of the organization. The Board elects officers who serve two-year terms. Officers elected include a Chairman, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer: a Signet. who serves as Corporate Secretary: a Python. who serves as Corporate Treasurer: and a General Contact, who serves as the Board's liaison officer with social members of the organization and as conduit to the Membership Admissions Committee (discussed more fully hereinafter).

The corporation administers a private club doing business as The Mystic Society of The Memphi (hereinafter, "Society" or "Grand Krewe") and admits only men and widows of former male members to membership in the private club. Admission to membership is only on Candidate Petition from two present Social Members in good standing and acceptance of said Petition by a Membership Admissions Committee appointed in accordance with the directives of the Board of Directors.

Annual membership dues to the Society are set by the Board of Directors and are scheduled according to membership classification. All other fees and charges are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors annually elects and later appoints a General Chairman of The Mystic Society of The Memphi. who serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Society for a term of one year. A Royalty Selection Committee. appointed in accordance with the directives of the Board of Directors. annually selects and later appoints individual Social Members of the Society to serge the Society as honored and privileged appointees to the Royal Court of Memphi and to be accorded all privileges and rights attendant to the specific Royal office appointed. The Royal Court of Memphi consists of the following Royal offices: The Sublime Ouro (King), The Queen of The Memphi, and six Royal Duchesses.