Out of the past 10-8-06

25 years ago: Oct. 8, 1981

Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois farmers have produced a bumper crop of wheat this year and are in the process of harvesting a similarly large corn crop; soybeans in the area are still a question mark.

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Construction of a 195-unit housing project for the elderly and low-income should begin here within 90 days, says Chaffee Mayor Robert Capshaw; the city will receive a $2.1 million grant for construction of the housing through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

50 years ago: Oct. 8, 1956

Elmer E. Thompson, former Cape Girardeau County deputy sheriff, joins the Cape Girardeau Police Department; he replaces Martin L. Reinbott, who had earlier been appointed to the force but was unable to take the position because of a previous business commitment.

Representatives of boating enthusiasts in the Cape Girardeau area enter a plea before the city council to act in their behalf to have a ramp repaired that was destroyed in the course of sewer building at the foot of Broadway; sewage now drains on top of the river instead of through a pipe boat owners had installed to lead it beneath the surface of the water.

75 years ago: Oct. 8, 1931

Louis J. Bodine, 99 years old, Civil War veteran, died of bronchial pneumonia yesterday at his home near Oriole; Bodine had spent most of his life in St. Louis, but during the past six years had resided with his brother-in-law, W.W. Kinnard.

Representatives of the American LaFrance Corp., demonstrate their new firetruck at Cape Girardeau at three different points in the city, which have the lowest water pressure in the city; the truck performs well; city officials are considering the purchase of a new firetruck.

100 years ago: Oct. 8, 1906

Tomorrow begins Cape Girardeau's Centennial celebration; special events for the first day of the celebration will be a concert by the Missouri State Normal Military Band at the fairgrounds, conventions of both the Hardware Lumber Manufacturers' Association and the Retail Lumber Dealers' association, the "Hoo Hoo" Parade, and a concert by the municipal band on the public square in the evening; all this week the county fair will be held at the fairgrounds.

Al Brinkopf is now ready for business with a fine line of furniture in the new building on Broadway, near Frederick Street.

-- Sharon K. Sanders