Out of the past 1/29/05

25 years ago: Jan. 29, 1980

Sheriff James J. Below, whose office will be the subject of discussion tonight by the two circuit judges and the county court, offers an idea of his own for improving the operation -- creation of a board of visitors to inspect the county jail.

Flu-like illnesses have cut sharply into attendance in the Cape Girardeau Public Schools; while the bug was mostly confined to Central Junior High school last week, it has now spread district-wide; 862 children are absent this morning.

50 years ago: Jan. 29, 1955

Robert D. Harrison, member of a family devoted for almost a half century to the building of Cape Girardeau, is chosen by The Missourian as Man of the Year for his 1954 achievement in providing leadership and inspiration for the successful effort to secure an addition to Southeast Missouri Hospital.

CAIRO, Ill. -- The Thunderbird night club in East Cape Girardeau, Ill., was raided last night by Sheriff Leslie V. Chrestman and six deputies; officials seized a pool table used for a dice game, a "lay-out" cloth on which bets were made, racks of chips and $235 in currency; the manager of the club was arrested.

75 years ago: Jan. 29, 1930

Because there is plenty of snow available, Cletus Sams, a driver for the Roy Cunningham livestock exchange on North Spanish Street, is able to smother flames which start in a motor truck three miles west of Cape Girardeau on Highway 61.

BENTON, Mo. -- Benton expects to receive its new fire equipment within the next few days; it will consist of a hand-drawn truck with two 40-gallon tanks of chemical fluid, pails, lanterns, crowbars and other equipment; a fire siren will also be purchased.

100 years ago: Jan. 29, 1905

The Rev. M.B. Chapman, D.D., presiding elder of the Charleston District of the St. Louis Conference, preaches in the morning and evening at the English Methodist church.

Mrs. Joe West, who moved to Cape Girardeau from Kentucky a few weeks ago, is sick with rheumatism at her home on North Frederick Street.

-- Sharon K. Sanders