Out of the past 10/19/06

25 years ago: Oct. 19, 1981

For the third time within a year the Cape Girardeau City Council is considering a form of public transit for the city, but unlike the earlier plans involving buses, the council is now examining a subsidized taxi system for elderly and handicapped Girardeans; the council will discuss the matter either at its study session tomorrow or the regular session Wednesday.

A public hearing will be held Nov. 16 at Jackson city hall on a proposal to annex the Old McKendree Chapel into the city limits; the wooden chapel, built in 1819, was the first Methodist church west of the Mississippi River.

50 years ago: Oct. 19, 1956

The emergence of the classroom teacher as a major influence in the Southeast Missouri Teachers Association became more pronounced yesterday, when the group overrode the nominating committee's recommendation for a first vice president and elected one of their own number; J.K. Wells, art supervisor and instructor in government at Jackson High School, won the position, which carries with it automatic ascendancy to the presidency in 1958.

The Horton Sales Co. is moving into its new quarters at 610 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau; formerly located at 535 N. Main St., the auto supply company has added 17,000 square feet to provide ample showroom and warehouse space.

75 years ago: Oct. 19, 1931

Cape Girardeau duck hunters, beginning at noon tomorrow, will get into action for the shortest hunting period in many years; the season will close Nov. 19.

A petition is presented to the Cape Girardeau City Council by residents of the Red Star suburb giving consent to the construction of a gasoline filling station on the southeast corner of a block on North Main Street in which Cole's store is located.

100 years ago: Oct. 19, 1906

Work is progressing rapidly on the big building for the Western Manufacturing and Lumber Co. in the western part of Cape Girardeau, and it won't be long until it is completed; the boilers and engines are being installed; machinery for making doors, windows, blinds and all such things will be installed as rapidly as possible.

Marcus R. Randol, who lived in Cape Girardeau about 20 years ago, dies in St. Louis; his remains will be brought here Saturday for burial; Randol built the old Normal School building and was a prominent contractor.

-- Sharon K. Sanders