Out of the past 10/2/04

10 years ago: Oct. 2, 1994

The Rev. Hays Rockwell of St. Louis, bishop of Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, visits at Christ Episcopal Church in morning.

First official function is held in morning at new, $17,000-square-foot Salvation Army headquarters at 701 Good Hope St.; Capt. Elmer Trapp is making plans for upgrading Army's services to community, including help for disaster victims and a midnight basketball league for youths.

25 years ago: Oct. 2, 1979

Sen. John C. Dennis of Benton, Mo., who represents 27th District, is key target for forces seeking approval of Equal Rights Amendment in Missouri, it is learned from ERA backers Rep. Della Hadley of Kansas City and Harry Springs, ERA coordinator of state; two addressed gathering of women from education and business fields at dinner meeting last night.

Jackson Board of Aldermen have approved City Park Board recommendation to develop eight-acre park located in northeast section of town along Goose Creek; land was donated by Jack Litzelfelner.

50 years ago: Oct. 2, 1954

In observance of its 50th anniversary, The Southeast Missourian publishes its Golden Anniversary edition; the five-section, 92-page edition traces the history of Cape Girardeau and its newspaper.

First National Bank, now in its 50th year in its present Main Street quarters, announces its acquisition of property at Broadway and Main streets on which it expects to begin construction in spring of modern banking structure; bank has purchased northwest corner property occupied by Sinclair service station and plans to acquire more property at this site.

75 years ago: Oct. 2, 1929

Members of the Southeast Missouri Medical Association select Dr. M.H. Shelby of Cape Girardeau as their president for the coming year and Poplar Bluff, Mo., as the next meeting place, as they close out the two-day session of the 53rd annual convention of the organization at the Hotel Marquette.

The city planning commission and the city council discuss plans for the beautification of the city's parks.

-- Sharon K. Sanders