A LOOK BACK AT JACKSON

25 years ago, 1972

Grant for repairing Cape Girardeau Juvenile Detention Home in Cape Girardeau and possibility of obtaining government aid for construction of badly needed new home were revealed at meeting of County Court; report from Southeast Missouri Regional Law Enforcement Assistance Council said 75-25 matching grant has been approved by council for financing repairs to old building, which has been criticized as being inadequate for caring for juveniles in trouble with law; report added there is possibility county might be eligible for 75-25 construction grant for new facility.

Cape Girardeau County had just received its supply of military ballots for August primary election when it learned ballots were obsolete and had to be destroyed, says County Clerk Rusby C. Crites; problem resulted from opinion by Attorney General John Ashcroft that "nonpartisan" and "independent" candidates must run against each other in primary; opinion affects every county in state, as there is one nonpartisan candidate for governor -- Paul J. Leonard of Jackson -- and one independent candidate for governor -- Charles S. Miller of Kansas City.

The Rev. Jerome D. Fortenberry of St. Louis is guest speaker at annual Memorial Day service at entrance to Jackson City Cemetery Monday morning; he is past American Legion State Department chaplain; services are sponsored by American Legion Post 158.

50 years ago, 1947

Dr. J.F. Sigmund of Jackson, Cape Girardeau coroner, by law automatically becomes sheriff, succeeding Sheriff Herman Sewing, who died Sunday in automobile accident on Highway 25, mile south of Jackson; also killed was 33-year-old John I. Sample Jr. of Cape Girardeau; Sigmund's first duty is opening regular session of Common Pleas Court; 1929 Missouri revised statutes provide no other means of filling the office; within 30 days after vacancy occurs, special election must be called by County Court.

Jackson Chamber of Commerce is discussing establishment of combined airport and golf course for Jackson; Tom K. O'Loughlin cites statistics showing that this is time for such a project; he points out that idea is far-fetched, but unless interest is shown at this time in taking advantage of plan, there might not be chance later; for such combination, federal government would pay one-fourth cost of improvement, up to $10,000 as maximum.

W.V. Hill of Dexter, who has been elected Jackson High School principal, has had six years of teaching experience; his last position was at Hickman High School in Columbia; he received his master's degree at University of Missouri; during his military service, he was attached to adjutant's staff and since his discharge has been civilian employee of War Department in Washington.

Since taking oath of office May 1, Police Judge Henry R. Meier hasn't had a chance to officiate as there have been no citations to Police Court; Meyer fills vacancy caused Jan. 1 when Clyde Baugh became magistrate.

75 years ago, 1922

Another industry is to be added soon to businesses of city, by enlargement of Roloff Woodworking plant, which has been in operation here for years; some remarkably fine work in way of automobile truck bodies, ice chests, furniture, counters, etc., have been turned out by this concern; it is now proposed to enlarge plant so it will employ 50 men or more; options on suitable real estate have been obtained and limited amount of stock will be offered to general public.

Again proposition of street paving is being agitated in Jackson, same as it has been periodically in past; vitrified brick paving seems to be favorite theme now, and it is proposed to pave main business blocks and around public square; many are opposed to scheme, contending that it won't do to pave streets before installation of sewer system, as streets would have to be torn up when sewers are installed; to that argument, advocates of paving project reply that now is time to do both, install sewage system and pave streets.

Since outings and picnics have become the vogue, bevies of girls are seen daily on streets wearing the garment for males: the pantaloons -- well, breeches or knickers; some of older persons feel that their modesty has been shocked, and appeal has been made to chief of police, who in turn took proposition to mayor; Mayor Sam Vandivort ruled that girls shouldn't be molested, inasmuch as this thing is done everywhere else, and knickers have become quite the style for outings.

Memorial Day passes virtually unnoticed in Jackson; a few individuals cover graves of their loved ones with flowers; with exception of Daughters of American Revolution observance, no public celebration of any kind is held, not even flag for pole in lawn of courthouse was procured.