A LOOK BACK AT JACKSON

25 years ago, 1972

Two acts of vandalism, both apparently occurring Tuesday night, are being investigated by Jackson police; vandals pushed over 13 monuments in Old City Cemetery; fortunately, only one of markers was broken; vandals also broke glass door to American Legion Hall with rocks.

Paperwork has been completed and grant of $70,050 from Department of Housing and Urban Development is official now for Jackson to purchase additional parkland; Acting City Administrator Carl Tally says all that remains is to finalize abstract and complete purchase contract locally; city is purchasing about 60 acres from John C. Crites, land adjoining present City Park on north; federal share of purchase amounts to half total price.

Robert T. Headrick, Jackson police officer for about 40 years, died Oct. 16; Headrick, 73, was lifelong resident of Jackson and retired in 1969 from police department; he was also maintenance custodian for over 30 years at New McKendree United Methodist Church.

50 years ago, 1947

Students in senior class of Jackson High School, also upper elementary pupils at Crump were patch tested Monday under auspices of Cape Girardeau County Tuberculosis Association, with cooperation of school officials; should any of those tested show signs of tuberculosis, they will be referred to their physicians for further tests.

Carlton Meyer has been installed as post commander of Altenthal-Joerns Post of American Legion; Meyer served with Army Air Forces in Europe, Tunisia and Sicily as radio operator and mechanic.

Plans are being made for organization of united choir for presentation of Christmas cantata in Jackson; Dec. 21 has tentatively been chosen for presentation of "Holy Night of Memories"; choir will be composed of members of Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Evangelical and Lutheran churches; director will be Leroy F. Mason.

Christmas packages from Liberia have arrived for Mr. and Mrs. H.R. Meier from their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Meier, who are now domiciled in their new home there; Oscar Meier is serving as American consul to Liberian government.

Co-Workers of Methodist Church served noon luncheon Tuesday to Rotary Club and, in complying with recent request of President Truman for meatless Tuesday, built their menu around salmon loaf.

75 years ago, 1922

Several auto loads of Jackson residents motored to Fruitland Wednesday night to confer with landowners along Kingshighway in regard to procuring additional right-of-way needed for widening and straightening federal highway; meeting, held in Winter Brothers store, was presided over by A.C. Hope of Fruitland; several of Jackson delegation made talks urging landowners to be agreeable, and not require county to purchase right-of-way at exorbitant figures.

First perceivable frost of season came Thursday night, and thermometer sank to 33 degrees; still, frost didn't damage vegetation.

Sixteen sanitary toilets have been built, and number of others are in process of construction, at rural schools of Cape Girardeau County, following close survey made by County Health Officer Ernest Huber and Superintendent of Schools James McDonald; close attention is also being paid to drinking fountains, lighting and ventilation systems, and other potential health problems; 30 drinking fountains have been established as result of investigation.

Presbyterian Church of Jackson has called the Rev. J.C. Hines of McGregor, Texas, to fill pulpit; call was unanimous; Hines preached for congregation last week Sunday and pleased listeners.

Alma Snider has packed to move to St. Louis, where she will live with her son, Jim, and his wife, while her daughter, Blanche, is attending business college in that city.