Out of the past 10/30/07

25 years ago: Oct. 30, 1982

Like a prizefighter backed into a corner in the 15th round, U.S. Sen. John C. Danforth has come out swinging in the waning days of the 1982 election campaign, seeking to deliver a knockout blow to Democratic challenger Harriett Woods. "I'm fighting for my political life," Danforth tells an enthusiastic crowd in Cape Girardeau.

The American Agriculture Movement announces its endorsement of Democrat Jerry Ford for the 8th District congressional seat.

50 years ago: Oct. 30, 1957

Influenza forces cancellation of classes at St. Vincent's School for the remainder of the week when 79 pupils and four of the six teachers on the staff become ill; Mass is held in the morning, with the classes being dismissed immediately afterward.

Sale of the printing and lithographing division of the Missourian Printing & Stationery Co. to three employees, who will operate it in the future, is announced; purchasers are John Herbst Jr., John X. Johnson and Elmer C. Stehr.

75 years ago: Oct. 30, 1932

The heaviest rain of the year, a fall of 2.38 inches, is recorded over the weekend at Cape Girardeau; at Jackson, the rainfall is 3.14 inches; streams throughout the district are bank-full, but no overflows are reported.

Shortly after midnight yesterday, some large trucks drove up to the Miller-Wohl store on Main Street in Cape Girardeau, the stock of merchandise was loaded, and they disappeared; policemen and night watchmen looked on and, as the manager of the store directed the work, they said nothing; thus, this store, which came here in March 1929, folded its tent and silently disappeared.

100 years ago: Oct. 30, 1907

A telegram is received in the afternoon from U.S. Sen. Robert M. La Follette of Wisconsin saying he will not be able to lecture tonight at the Normal School as scheduled; he apparently missed his train at Keokuk, Iowa, and will be unable to get transportation from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau in time for the lecture.

J.H. Dorris, a lawyer, has moved to Cape Girardeau with his family from Wynona, Shannon County, and will open an office for the practice of his profession.

-- Sharon K. Sanders