TIME BITES

100 years ago, 1898

The Salvation Army opened operations in the Morrison Building in January, with a large crowd in attendance for services.

Main Street was in "horrible" condition in the winter of 1898. The Weekly Democrat newspaper declared, "There's no excuse for the main street in a city like Cape to look like a county road. There are holes in the middle of the street where a wagon will go down to the hubs."

The Riverview Hotel, located on Cape Girardeau's riverfront, was converted into a health sanitarium by Frank Dunlap.

75 years ago, 1923

The last of Cape Girardeau's harness makers closed up shop.

Cape Girardeau County Court refused to give financial aid to the Red Cross chapter and the health center that had served the county in 1922 was discontinued.

Marquette Cement Co. took over Cape Girardeau Portland Cement Co. plant.

50 years ago, 1948

Cape Girardeau had 23 emporiums dispensing 3.2 percent beer and 14 selling 5 percent beer; nine selling beer in bottles, and seven selling beer at wholesale.

Albert M. Spradling Jr. was appointed Cape Girardeau city attorney.

Charles Swanson, who was blind, opened a cigar stand in the post office lobby.

25 years ago, 1973

Arson fire gutted the Cape Girardeau Civic Center on South Ranney Street.

The City Council chose the northwest corner of Kingsway and Kurre Lane for its new fire substation.

Ground was broken for the new St. Francis Medical Center.

Unusual lights in the sky were seen at Piedmont. Talk of Unidentified Flying Objects grew.

10 years ago, 1988

Central Hardware announced intentions of opening a store in Cape Girardeau.

Abortions resumed at the Women's Health Center on North Kingshighway.

Bunny Bread closed out its baking operations in Cape Girardeau.

J. Ronald Fischer became Cape Girardeau's city manager.

Postage on first class mail was raised to 25 cents.