Out of the past 10/23/11

25 years ago: Oct. 23, 1986

A mechanical failure early in the morning at a Union Electric mobile transformer in the central part of Cape Girardeau results in a 50- to 60-minute power outage that darkens homes, businesses and traffic signals, as well as Schultz School.

After more than an hour of sometimes spirited debate yesterday at Concord Theatre, Rep. Bill Emerson and Democratic challenger Wayne Cryts could find common ground in only one area: disagreement; among topics the 8th District House candidates differed on were trade issues, farm legislation, the Strategic Defense Initiative and federal deficit reduction.

50 years ago: Oct. 23, 1961

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A new iron ore mining company may locate its offices in Poplar Bluff, it is reported, and would ship ore from the mining area here to U.S. Steel Co., plants in Pittsburgh by barge via Cape Girardeau.

Missourian carrier boys were feasted by the company and the Elks Club in 1961 during National Newspaper Boy Day. (Missourian photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

In observance of National Newspaper Boy Day Saturday, 75 carriers of The Missourian were entertained at supper and a social hour that night at the Elks Club.

75 years ago: Oct. 23, 1936

The Southeast Missouri Teachers Association closes its annual convention in Cape Girardeau with two records set; the largest crowd, approximately 3,500, in the history of the organization is in attendance, and for the first time in its 61 years, the association elects a woman as president; that honor goes to Alma Schrader, for 15 years principal of May Greene School here.

Nineteen people in Jackson, most of them children, are being treated with anti-rabies series after being bitten or scratched by a rabid dog this week.

100 years ago: Oct. 23, 1911

Edith Vorbeck, formerly of Cape Girardeau, is gaining fame as a singer and actress under the name Phyllis Eltis; the Normal School graduate performs with the Emery Dramatic troupe.

The expert auditors, having made a report to the county court about their work, have been ordered to continue their efforts for another 20 days; the work they have been doing has dealt chiefly with the books of the county clerk's office; they will now turn their attention to the records in the offices of the collector, treasurer, Common Pleas Court and probate court.

-- Sharon K. Sanders