Out of the past 10/20/14

1989

The 36-year-old charter of the 60-member Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Southeast Missouri State University has been revoked by the fraternity's national headquarters because of misdeeds by some of its members.

The "gum tree," a landmark at Southeast Missouri State University for years, has met a violent end; the redbud tree, at the corner of Pacific Street and Alta Vista Drive, fell to a vandal's ax after years of collecting chewing gum on its bark from students who had just walked up "Cardiac Hill" on the way to their classes.

1964

A number of protests are expected as a result of the Jackson City Council's action last night accepting a deed that extends Oak Street west from Elmwood Boulevard to Elwanda Street; the deed is given by Seabaugh Construction Co.; its acceptance is in violation of the restrictions of Elmwood Heights Addition.

The final inspection by the consulting engineer of the sewage treatment system here is made; the state and federal inspections that will officially close out the project may be made in about two weeks.

1939

In a harmonious meeting, devoid of any difference of opinion, the house of Delegates of the Southeast Missouri District Teachers Association yesterday elected school superintendent L.G. Wilson of Portageville, Missouri, as president.

A remodeling project is underway at F.J. Sparks' undertaking establishment, 426 North St., where outdoor front steps are being built, a rear porch is being enclosed and a garage is to be constructed.

1914

Just because the buyers of the Little River Drainage District bonds have failed to produce the money, work on the diversion channels and ditches won't come to a stop; the district's board of supervisors met yesterday and proposed to the contractors that, if they continue with their work, the district will pay them half in cash and give them paper -- bonds or warrants -- representing the remaining half of their pay; several contractors present agreed to the terms.

The executive committee of the Public Reading Room and Library Association of Cape Girardeau has set Nov. 1 as the opening of the reading room; a nice, new room in the Trissom building at the corner of Spanish and Themis streets has been leased for this purpose.

-- Sharon K. Sanders