Out of the past 1/26/11

25 years ago: Jan. 26, 1986

Prisoner of War Prayer Day, a national observance, recognizes the 2,441 American soldiers still listed as prisoners of war or missing in action in Southeast Asia; at Southeast Missouri State University, cadets with the school's two ROTC groups -- the Arnold Air Society and the drill team -- stand guard around the flagpole in front of Academic Hall in a 24-hour vigil.

Negotiations have been completed for the purchase of a 23-acre tract along Nash Road where work is expected to begin shortly on a new corporate headquarters building for Jerry Lipps Inc.

50 years ago: Jan. 26, 1961

Snow falling in the early morning hours slows traffic and brings out the shovels and brooms for sidewalk clearing for the third time this winter season; the 2-inch snow doesn't close Cape Girardeau schools.

Maj. Vernon A. Auer has been appointed commander of the 9671st Air Reserve Squadron at Cape Girardeau, replacing Lt. Col. Edward M. Bender; Auer served in the Air Force during World War II and was a pilot in a combat cargo squadron in the India-Burma Theater.

75 years ago: Jan. 26, 1936

Dr. H.H. McGinty, pastor of First Baptist Church, preaches the first sermon of a 10-part series on "Home and Home Folks" at the evening service; the sermons are based on a questionnaire, answered by members of his congregation, on what they regard as desirable and undesirable traits of husbands and wives.

Members of Maple Avenue Methodist Church witness a mortgage-burning ceremony at the regular evening service, marking the paying off of the last of the congregation's building indebtedness; a note of $1,600, representing a debt on the church parsonage, has been paid off.

100 years ago: Jan. 26, 1911

Plenty of seats will be available in the Normal School gymnasium when the locals take on the Springfield, Mo., team tomorrow; a new balcony, though not completed, will be ready for use; the front row will seat 66 and the second row 56.

D.A. Glenn has reorganized the work force of his mercantile business; Jesse L. Thompson, who had been in charge of the office, is now secretary of the Glenn Co.; H.S. Glenn, the vice president, will be in charge of the men's ready-to-wear department.

-- Sharon K. Sanders