Out of the past 10/8/05

25 years ago: Oct. 8, 1980

Recent disclosure of morale problems in the Cape Girardeau Police Department and alleged mishandling of police investigations prompt Councilman Gail D. "Woody" Woodfin to propose a public fact-finding investigation into the department.

Although Republican congressional hopeful Bill Emerson was unable to appear to debate rival Bill D. Burlison on the courthouse steps in Jackson yesterday, a vocal critic of the congressman did; Sikeston, Mo., physician Edwin J. Masters appeared unexpectedly and challenged Burlison to an impromptu debate on the issues; but the Democratic candidate repeatedly refused to discuss the issues with Masters.

50 years ago: Oct. 8, 1955

Notification comes that the Missouri Hospital Advisory Council has approved an allocation of $325,000 in federal funds to go with $184,000 previously awarded for the construction of the projected addition to Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Notwithstanding a drastic shortage of cement that has reduced the number of permits written, Cape Girardeau construction work, based on city building records, stood at the second highest mark in history at the end of September; $2,159,400 in building permits have been issued.

75 years ago: Oct. 8, 1930

There are 8,216 people of voting age in Cape Girardeau, according to a recent poll; the largest number of voters in any one ward is in the seventh ward, where 1,297 were listed; local party leaders are urging every eligible person in the city to take advantage of the opportunity to register to vote Friday, Saturday or Monday.

The new Fox Cape Theater, formerly the Park Theater in the 200 block of Broadway, will be opened Sunday afternoon; the building has been remodeled and redecorated, equipped with new upholstered seats for 600 people, and Western Electric sound equipment installed.

100 years ago: Oct. 8, 1905

The Rev. E.T. Adams begins his duties as pastor of the Presbyterian Church, preaching at both the morning and evening services; Adams is a native of Norfolk, Va., but for the past two years has been stationed at Butler, Mo.; he is a graduate of Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tenn.

The New Sunny South boat show performed last night and again this evening; the boat carries 35 performers, several of whom are known the country over for their ability; the big boat was put into commission in July and is considerably larger and finer than any other showboat ever built.

-- Sharon K. Sanders