Out of the past 1/8/09

25 years ago: Jan. 8, 1984

Two men who were drinking in a bar at the Holiday Inn shortly after an armed robbery occurred at the Drury Inn across the street were arrested early yesterday; the two are accused of taking more than $200 while threatening two Drury Inn employees with a knife.

Cape Girardeau County Treasurer Bill J. Reynolds says he will file Tuesday for re-election to a second four-year term.

50 years ago: Jan. 8, 1959

Burglars made away with $583.40 in cash in a double break-in of two adjoining business establishments, Cavaner's super market and the AFL-CIO Union Hall in the 500 block of South Sprigg Street last night; both establishments were entered through a single small hole --- about 12 by 16 inches -- cut in the roof.

Officers of the Children's Products Inc., which is raising a $75,000 fund to establish a factory in Cape Girardeau for the manufacture of a new type babe stroller, say the campaign will be extended until March 1.

75 years ago: Jan. 8, 1934

Legal obstacles confronting the city in its proposed widening of South Sprigg Street are declared to be removed; Saturday, records were found revealing Louis Houck in 1873 conceded 60 feet of right of way through two outlots to the city, and also that Andrew Giboney gave similar right of way through two other outlots; officials have been negotiating with Maj. Giboney Houck in an effort to secure sufficient right of way along the old toll gate hill to allow for the widening of the street.

Judge Frank Kelly impanels a grand jury in Circuit Court with instruction that "no one has a right to sell whiskey except through regular government permits," despite the repeal of the 18th Amendment.

100 years ago: Jan. 8, 1909

If the wishes of Mayor W.C. Patton are carried out, the paving of Cape Girardeau's streets shouldn't be delayed long; the mayor has prepared a resolution which, if adopted by the council, will pave the way for the improvement of Main, Sprigg, Ellis, Good Hope, Independence, Pacific, South Spanish and Themis streets and Broadway with asphalt.

Orren Wilson has moved his law office to room 205 in the Himmelberger-Harrison Building.

-- Sharon K. Sanders