Out of the past 10/1/02

10 years ago: Oct. 1, 1992

Boy Scouts are teaming up with Area Wide United Way for annual Scouting for Food Drive, scheduled Oct. 31 and Nov. 7; Scouting for Food is national project of Boy Scouts to collect canned food items which are then distributed to local charities; United Way will help Scouts with drive, and some of food will be distributed to United Way agencies.

Southeast Missouri State University's more than 40,000 alumni will be asked to pay annual membership dues, starting next year; in return for paying dues, alumni will receive special benefits, such as membership in local alumni chapter, Alumni Signal magazine, discounts on merchandise at university bookstores, and a Southeast Mastercard carrying low annual interest rate.

25 years ago: Oct. 1, 1977

Recognition long overdue James T. Dennis is given in evening as Southeast Missouri State University opens for public viewing Egyptian antiquities Dennis, little-known Egyptologist, assembled for his personal collection seven decades ago; long lines of people wait patiently to see carefully arranged collection at University Museum.

Thebes, Ill. -- After survey of three possible sites, Alexander County Commissioners have asked Thebes village government to donate three acres of land adjacent to ball park for construction of senior citizens center; facility would be built with federal grant funds.

50 years ago: Oct. 1, 1952

First Lt. Vinson L. Rueseler has been assigned new commanding officer of Headquarters Co. 140th infantry, it is announced by Col. Russell Boyt, regimental commander; Rueseler succeeds Capt. George I. Staley, who has been reassigned to position of Army aviator in newly formed air section of 140th.

Subject to approval by county court -- also a party to the ground -- city council Monday authorized granting of parcel of Arena Park to National Guard as site for proposed armory; site approved by council to be given without charge to Guard is at Gordonville Road and Park Road; it is adjacent to maintenance depot built few years ago by Guard on one-acre site given by city.

75 years ago: Oct. 1, 1927

Members of congregation of First Presbyterian Church will meet Wednesday to discuss adoption of budget recommended by Board of Deacons calling for making necessary repairs to church plant; matter of pledges made several months ago when drive was made for funds to construct new building will also be discussed; it is planned to install new heating system and repair basement floor.

Cape Girardeau will be without airmail service for while longer; bid by Robertson Aircraft Corp. for operation of airmail line between Memphis and St. Louis was rejected by postmaster general.

-- Sharon K. Sanders