Out of the past 11/23/03

10 years ago: Nov. 23, 1993

Cape Girardeau and Bollinger counties are among 14 counties Gov. Mel Carnahan is asking President Bill Clinton to designate disaster areas eligible for individual disaster assistance as result of flash flooding and severe storms that hit area two weeks ago.

Amid complaints that city's leaf collection program was started too soon, Cape Girardeau street crews will return to some neighborhoods where leaves have only recently fallen.

25 years ago: Nov. 23, 1978

Thanksgiving Day. All state, federal, county and city government offices are closed for holiday; in addition, most retail stores are also closed in observance of Thanksgiving.

Greenville - Fire destroys Greenville R-2 High School, gymnasium and band room, and all contents of building.

50 years ago: Nov. 23, 1953

Five players of State College Indians 1953 gridiron squad have been selected for positions on first and second all-star M.I.A.A. Conference team; placed on first team were Kenneth Dement, Marvin Rosengarten and James Lee, while Howard Reed and Kenneth Hargens were named to second team.

Original Missouri state flag, designed by Marie E. Watkins Oliver, is exhibited at meeting of County Bar Association, as new state and national flags are presented to Court of Common Pleas.

75 years ago: Nov. 23, 1928

Passing flood stage during night, Mississippi River is rapidly nearing its predicted crest; little damage from river has been reported, and little is expected.

Central Cleaners will formally open new place of business at 132 S. Sprigg tomorrow; new firm is owned and operated by G.L. Heyde, formerly in flour milling business at Lutesville, and O. Haas, formerly connected with Nu-Way Cleaners on West Broadway.

-- Sharon K. Sanders