Out of the past 1/18/11

25 years ago: Jan. 18, 1986

Local government officials have an opportunity to discuss local economic problems with Missouri Lt. Gov. Harriett Woods; however, based on the turnout, one might believe there are no serious economic problems here; only two officials -- city councilwoman Loretta Schneider and Dr. Bill Stacy, president of Southeast Missouri State University -- attend.

Three construction projects at Southeast Missouri State University have been halted because of a conflict in wage rates for the workers; work has stopped on renovation of the nursing building and two asbestos abatement projects on the campus.

50 years ago: Jan. 18, 1961

The Cape Girardeau City Council has agreed to a proposal under which the Civil War memorial fountain in Courthouse Park will be repaired, with the expenses being paid by contractor J.W. Gerhardt and The Missourian publisher Fred Naeter.

Park department crews are extending the hardwood floor of the Arena Building a distance of about 22 feet to the east to fill a gap that has existed since the surface was laid in the late 1940s.

75 years ago: Jan. 18, 1936

A new cold wave strikes Cape Girardeau, sending the mercury tumbling to below the freezing point, as the head of a storm which gripped northern states sweeps into this district.

A room on the first floor of the Idan-Ha Hotel Building is being remodeled into a beauty shop; a door has been made for an entrance from the Fountain Street side, and five booths, a drying room and waiting room are being constructed.

100 years ago: Jan. 18, 1911

William C.F. Lenz, associated national chairman and state organizer for Missouri of the National German-American Alliance, speaks to residents at the Sons of Veterans hall in the evening, after which a local branch of the alliance is organized; last night a branch was established in Jackson, with Fred E. Kies as president.

Esther and Mary Foley leave in the afternoon for California, where they will visit their brother; they are accompanied by Mrs. William Atkinson, who will join her husband there.

-- Sharon K. Sanders