Out of the past 1/28/03

10 years ago: Jan. 28, 1993

U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, day after writing letter to President Bill Clinton expressing opposition to dropping ban on allowing gays in military, sent letter to all members of Missouri General Assembly asking them to pass resolution opposing Clinton's plan.

Douglas Berry, longtime elementary principal at Scott City, has been named district's new superintendent; he will replace superintendent Bob Brison, who announced his resignation last week.

25 years ago: Jan. 28, 1978

Large towboat manages to break through heavy ice floe on Mississippi River south of Cape Girardeau, reopening 19-mile long stretch through which barge traffic had been unable to move since late yesterday; it was first time this winter that ice had brought river traffic to halt through narrow, winding stretch between Cape Girardeau and Cairo, Ill.

Former Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney, Richard E. Snider, will become chief assistant to Prosecuting Attorney Bradshaw Smith effective Monday; Smith says Snider will receive $16,200 annually from county and he will personally pay him additional amount, which he declines to disclose.

50 years ago: Jan. 28, 1953

It is announced that campaign will be inaugurated in February to raise $250,000 in Cape Girardeau to start construction for new Catholic high School; with such amount at hand, new building, ultimately to cost $700,000, will be placed under construction; spearheading campaign will be two city Catholic parishes, St. Mary's and St. Vincent's.

Possibility of establishing one of few test rose gardens in nation in Cape Girardeau, thereby adding to its title as City of Roses, was revealed Monday by Mrs. C.E. Stiver at meeting of River Hills Garden Club; garden club presidents have discussed establishment of garden, in which new varieties of roses would be developed, with city park commissioner, J.W. McBride.

75 years ago: Jan. 28, 1928

Doyle Hat Shop is observing its 69th year in business; shop was founded in 1859 by Mrs. Elvira Harris, aunt of late H.S. Doyle, who was mother-in-law of Mrs. E.M. Doyle, present owner; first shop was located in log building, across Themis Street from present shop, where Elks Building stands.

Acting on recommendation of Robert H. Harrison, chairman of industrial committee, board of directors of Chamber of Commerce yesterday voted to accept proposal made earlier in week for establishment of airport and aviation school at Cape Girardeau.

-- Sharon K. Sanders