Out of the past 10/31/09

25 years ago: Oct. 31, 1984

A Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce committee may be established soon to explore ways to keep rail service here, such as a short-line railroad, should Missouri Pacific proceed with its plans to abandon a branch line which runs through the city.

Saying "you can't get America out of the red by putting people in the red," U.S. Rep. Jack Kemp (R-New York) blasts Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale's tax plan during a Republican fund-raising dinner here.

50 years ago: Oct. 31, 1959

A married co-ed is State College's first Homecoming Queen; Mrs. David Strand, wife of the director of Myers Hall and a junior, was crowned at the Homecoming dance yesterday at the Arena Building.

A colorful parade in the morning under a bright blue sky celebrates State College's annual Homecoming; in the evening, a crowd of around 6,000 sees the Indians trounce the visiting Kirksville Bulldogs 36-0 at Houck Stadium.

75 years ago: Oct. 31, 1934

Judge C.B. Faris in Federal Court at St. Louis sets aside an order made Oct. 27 placing the Cape Girardeau Bridge Co. in bankruptcy under provisions of the new bankruptcy act, and has ordered a hearing for Nov. 28; the hearing will be on the petition filed by six stockholders asking that the bridge company be placed in bankruptcy for reorganization purposes.

Ghosts, goblins and witches reign supreme in Cape Girardeau, commanding a carnival spirit for thousands who participate in the second annual Halloween Mardi Gras at Houck Field House; it is estimated that between 10,000 and 12,000 persons line the downtown streets to view the parade.

100 years ago: Oct. 31, 1909

In the absence of the Rev. A. Kistler, who is in New Orleans, President W.S. Dearmont of the Normal School occupies the pulpit at First Presbyterian Church.

Shurtleff College of Alton, Ill., triumphed over the Normal School at football yesterday, 12-3; poor tackling brought defeat to the locals, who didn't pull off a single clean flying tackle during the whole game.

-- Sharon K. Sanders