Out of the past 1/16/09

25 years ago: Jan. 16, 1984

A talk by Vice President George Bush, meetings with the nation's top officials and an elegant luncheon at the White House were enjoyed last week by state Rep. Mary Kasten; the Cape Girardeau Republican was among 50 women legislators from 14 states to attend the one-day briefing.

Scott City won't be hiring a new city administrator in the immediate future; that is the decision made by the Scott City Council in a closed session; it contrasts to opinions expressed by council members two weeks ago.

50 years ago: Jan. 16, 1959

Alma Schrader, 72, a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau who spent her career in education in the community, died yesterday at a local hospital; Schrader taught school for 50 years and did provisional work in the school system after her retirement in 1956.

Many youths are lined up when registration time begins in the afternoon at Centenary Methodist Church, where the Cape Girardeau district is holding its annual Mid-Winter Methodist Youth Fellowship Institute; 160 people are present today, with more youths expected overnight and tomorrow.

75 years ago: Jan. 16, 1934

The city of Cape Girardeau yesterday decided to accept the highway department's plan for improving South Sprigg Street by widening it from Elm Street to the small bridge at the foot of the old tollgate hill.

Hugh Minton, a Civil Works Administration worker, is fatally injured when he is thrown against the rear end of a truck by sliding dirt of an embankment at the rear of the Harris Motor Co. lot, 232 Broadway; workers were removing the embankment and hauling the dirt to the Washington School, where the yard is being leveled.

100 years ago: Jan. 16, 1909

A large crowd last night enjoyed the music of a fine orchestra, along with frappe and cake, at a reception for the Rev. H.M. McKee, the new pastor of the Christian Church.

The Normal School will begin a short course on agriculture Monday, which will continue nine days; the program has been arranged so that on each day, subjects of cereal, fruits or other vegetable life will divide time with lessons in animal husbandry.

-- Sharon K. Sanders