Out of the past 1/10/12

25 years ago: Jan. 10, 1987

The new $3 million Student Recreation Center at Southeast Missouri State University will be formally opened for use following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 18; the facility, which adjoins the multipurpose building under construction at North Sprigg and New Madrid streets, will be available for student and faculty-staff use throughout the spring semester.

The former Walther's Furniture Store building at Broadway and Middle Street has been sold to Ronald and Ella Dowd; it will house the Cast-A-Ways shop.

50 years ago: Jan. 10, 1962

The mercury in Cape Girardeau slips to 4 degrees below zero, stalling cars and slowing traffic on the Mississippi River; ice covers the lagoon in Capaha Park, but it is not yet safe for ice skating.

Enough emergency supplies to sustain 2,500 Girardeans for two weeks after a nuclear disaster are expected to arrive here soon and will be turned over to the city government; the supplies will include food, water, medicine, radiation detection equipment and sanitation articles.

75 years ago: Jan. 10, 1937

The Rev. D.R. Thomas, pastor of a Baptist church at Cairo, Ill., speaks in the afternoon at the Gospel Center Mission, 118 Themis St.; Thomas formerly was dean of the Cape Girardeau Bible Institute, which preceded the Gospel Center Mission.

While heavy ice and snow is a problem for many Girardeans, it is an outlet for youthful enjoyment; hundreds of young people on skates and sleds enjoy a weekend of winter sports.

100 years ago: Jan. 10, 1912

While M.E. Lesem was at the Commercial Club meeting last night, he received word that his cigar factory on Main Street was being flooded; he hurried to his shop and found torrents of water coming out under the door and into the street; a water pipe had ruptured in the rear room, flooding both rooms on the first floor with two feet of water; great damage was done to his stock of cigars.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy elect officers for the coming year: president, Mrs. R.G. Ranney; vice president, Mary Reynolds; secretary, Allie Albert; treasurer, Kate Dennis; historian, Mrs. L.B. Houck; and registrar, Elma Ealy.

-- Sharon K. Sanders