Out of the past 10/16/01

10 years ago: Oct. 16, 1991

Old Appleton - Old Appleton Bridge Committee will receive $3,000 grant from Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. this month; funds will go into general fund to help with restoration of old bridge; span was destroyed more than eight years ago, when flood waters in Apple Creek washed out 103-year-old bridge.

Washington - Missouri Sens. Christopher Bond and John Danforth were among 52 senators who voted Tuesday to confirm nomination of Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas; Illinois Sen. Alan Dixon also voted in favor of Thomas, while Sen. Paul Simon cast vote against judge's elevation to high court.

25 years ago: Oct. 16, 1976

Another step toward future development and transformation of Downtown Cape Girardeau shopping area is announced with purchase by three local business men of three Main Street buildings; Cape Rock Investments - partnership composed of Samuel L. Gill, Bradshaw Smith, and Bill H. Berry - has purchased from George Siebert buildings at 112, 114 and 118 N. Main

After spirited bidding, several people become owners of sections of lovely art glass windows decorating abandoned police station at 1 S. Sprigg; windows, installed in building when it was Grace United Methodist Church, bring $4,250 to city when they are auctioned off along with surplus office equipment and unclaimed stolen items; city grossed $9,108.50 on sale.

50 years ago: Oct. 16, 1951

Extent of motor traffic in Main Street business section is shown in three-day survey, completed yesterday; most traffic congestion occurs at intersection of Main and Independence; second heaviest traffic was noted at Main and Broadway.

Metropolitan Cafe, 417 Broadway, will be closed for three weeks beginning Saturday night, while restaurant is converted to cafeteria type; owners of Metropolitan are Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Wilson of Cape Girardeau.

75 years ago: Oct. 16, 1926

Cape Girardeau's taxable valuation, including for first time the territory annexed to city two years ago, totals $11,501,900, figures compiled by City Clerk William C. Kaempfer and City Assessor Henry Brinkopf show.

W.F.D. Batjer, having just returned from week spent at Pemiscot County Fair at Caruthersville, says he is impressed with optimism expressed in financial and business circles there, despite low figures to which cotton prices have tumbled.

- Sharon K. Sanders