A LOOK BACK AT JACKSON

25 years ago, 1973

Somewhat embarrassed St. Louis County police officer has made arrangements to retrieve his gun, after he accidentally lost it while searching car and it was turned up about two hours later in same car by Cape Girardeau County sheriff's deputies; occupants of car were unaware gun was lost in car.

Petitions calling for formation of rural fire protection district in Cape Girardeau County were filed Monday with Circuit Judge Stanley A. Grimm; minimum of 100 signatures were required on petitions, and H.C. Mellone, publicity chairman of steering committee promoting district, said that more than enough signatures were obtained.

Preliminary plan for improvement and expansion of Jackson City Park was presented to City Council Monday night by Acting City Administrator Carl Talley; plan calls for expansion of park acreage to Route D, now site of Jackson Drive-In; 60-acre park would include swimming pool and eventually many other recreational facilities.

Total of 56 head of registered cattle sold for $62,830 at annual auction at Meier Angus Farms near Jackson Saturday; average price was $1,122 per head; annual event, which has been held since 1953, is highest averaging sale in Missouri.

50 years ago, 1948

Two windows which were broken during high wind which accompanied downpour of rain last week have been temporarily repaired at Dorsa Dresses plant; windows on south and west sides of building were large, and considerable damage was done; workers were in plant at the time; Harry Lavenson, new manager, sustained deep cut on leg by falling glass and has been unable to be at plant this week.

Gwyn Winningham, owner of Hotel Jackson, and Marjorie Sears left Sunday for extended vacation in California and elsewhere in West; they will be away four weeks.

Jackson City Council accepted resignations of two city firemen, W.T. Ruff and Lee Dockins; three new firefighters were named to department: Roy E. Hartle, Elwood Poe and L.M. Kiehn; fire chief is Charles F. Steck.

County teachers examinations will be given Friday and Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at two places in county, at State College in Cape Girardeau and at courthouse in Jackson; teachers contemplating taking exams may report to either place; tests will be given in language arts, social studies, natural science and special subjects.

Mrs. Elsie Tibbs has started working at Jackson Exchange Bank as clerk; she has been doing part-time clerical work for Penzel Construction Co. and at Jackson hosiery mill.

75 years ago, 1923

Fire gutted second and third stories of three-story brick Central Hotel on March 1, reducing practically all hotel fixtures and furniture to ashes; only heroic work of firefighters kept blaze from spreading to other buildings on public square; Central was built by Tom Bast more than 30 years ago, and since then had undergone many changes; it was purchased by G.O. Smith last March.

Mrs. J.P. Mabrey, who was injured in climbing down rope from third story of Central Hotel while it burned, is suffering considerably with sprained ankle and nervousness; she and her husband escaped burning building in their night clothes; Mrs. Mabrey's hold on rope was broken, and she fell onto top of porch in front of hotel; Fred Schneider, who was rendered unconscious by smoke and carried from hotel, has fully recovered.

Board of Education Friday decided to reduce school tax levy five cents; proposition of installing manual training department in high school was discussed by board, but no definite decision was reached.

Mrs. M.L. Spradling has purchased Eliza Hawn property on North First East street and will remodel and occupy it; it will be transformed into stuccoed bungalow.

Stockholders of Bank of Gordonville, at special election, picked Henry Macke as director in place of W.O. Medley, who resigned.