Out of the past 1/26/05

25 years ago: Jan. 26, 1980

The League of Women Voters, which has been studying the feasibility of a home rule charter form of government for Cape Girardeau, issues a position statement in which the league says that a charter form of government would offer flexibility "and an opportunity to tailor the governmental structure to the particular needs of this community."

A gift of $7,800 was given by an anonymous donor to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri; it will cover the total sum of the society's shelter mortgage payments for this year.

50 years ago: Jan. 26, 1955

Leon McLaughlin, a newcomer to politics, rolled to victory over three opponents in a lackluster city election yesterday in which voters thereby gave their approval to the replacement of Commissioner Philip H. Steck on the city council.

A dead bobcat, the second to be found within the city limits of Cape Girardeau in two weeks, is discovered in Capaha Park by police sergeants John Cracraft and Walter Diebold.

75 years ago: Jan. 26, 1930

Ethel McConnel, field worker in student activities in the Southern Baptist Convention, will be in Cape Girardeau Feb. 8 for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Student Union among students of the Teachers College.

All-day farewell services are held at the Salvation Army hall, 111 Themis St., for Envoy and Mrs. Fred H. Horn, who have been in charge of Army work in Cape Girardeau since March of last year; they are being transferred to Harrisburg, Ill.

100 years ago: Jan. 26, 1905

The public sale of the Hunze property took place yesterday in front of the courthouse; several pieces of property brought good prices; two lots and houses at the corner of Bellevue and Lorimier streets were purchased by J.W. Phillips for $3,400.

The young people of St. Mary's Parish presented "A Noble Outcast" last night to benefit the new addition which is being built to the parish school; Joe Scherf played the noble outcast, Frank Hohler was the villain and Josie Nenninger was the heroine.

-- Sharon K. Sanders