Out of the Past 1/13/09

25 years ago: Jan. 13, 1984

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce would add 900 to 1,000 square feet of space to its facility at 601 N. Kingshighway under plans being drawn up, says chamber president Robert B. Hendrix; the space would provide offices for the tourism bureau being formed here and a new chamber board room.

A Southeast Missouri State University social fraternity -- Sigma Tau Gamma -- is suspended pending an investigation into allegations of hazing in connection with an initiation ritual.

50 years ago: Jan. 13, 1959

A plot on the north side of U.S. 61 in northwest Cape Girardeau has been rezoned for commercial use by the city council; the ground is west of Sunset Tourist Court and an eating establishment; a truck sales and shop business is planned at the location.

A two-year appropriation of $1,790,269 for State College as recommended to the legislature by Gov. James T. Blair yesterday, will, if approved, mean a 14 percent increase in operating revenue.

75 years ago: Jan. 13, 1934

Whether and how establishments will be licensed by Cape Girardeau to dispense liquor in packages confronts city officials following adoption by the Missouri Legislature of a liquor-control bill; as passed, the bill provides that in a community the size of Cape Girardeau, sale of hard liquors will be permitted only in closed packages; as far as the sale of liquor by the drink is concerned, the city will remain dry; it can be made wet only by a special election.

The largest Civil Works Administration program yet in Cape Girardeau County goes to 896 workers in the weekly distribution of checks from the local office, the total being $10,052.12.

100 years ago: Jan. 13, 1909

The current cold snap and snowstorm will probably delay sewer contractors in their work of finishing the sewer system in Cape Girardeau for inspection by the committee of the city council.

Ed Rudert, a former Normal School student and a member of that institution's band, is teaching school at Neelys Landing, where he has organized a brass band.

-- Sharon K. Sanders