Out of the past 11/24/02

10 years ago: Nov. 24, 1992

Southeast Missouri State University plans to renovate two of its four high-rise Towers dormitories in move designed to completely change living space within the residence halls; $11 million project - to be funded by issuance of bonds - will mark first major renovations of Towers complex since its construct 25 years ago.

Heavy rains last week caused Mississippi River here to rise 7 feet since Sunday, and will push river above flood stage later this week for first time since July 1990; no serious flooding is expected; river stood at 28.2 feet yesterday morning, 7-foot rise in 24 hours.

25 years ago: Nov. 24, 1977

Thanksgiving Day. Stores in Downtown Cape Girardeau are closed for holiday, but will reopen as usual Friday and Saturday for what traditionally are some of busiest days of year as shoppers begin their Christmas buying; several supermarkets are open, including Denny's IGA and Cafeteria, Schnucks-Walgreens, Wards Food Mart and Food Giant.

Opinions of city council over proposed transit system for Cape Girardeau ranged Wednesday night from cautious stance of Paul W. Stehr to Samuel L. Gill's desire to set wheels in motion for implementing bus system as soon as possible; Gill made clear that he has no wish to study issue for "another year" before making decision.

50 years ago: Nov. 24, 1952

Tract of land adjacent to Highway 61 at Williams Creek near Jackson is being given gigantic facelift preparatory to establishment there of gravel plant of Erlbacher Sand & Gravel Co.; elevation of tract is being raised 6 1/2 feet to place it above flood level of creek when it is filled with water following flash rainfalls or prolonged periods of rain.

Charleston - Kiwanis Club announces that it is calling off annual Polio Bowl football game because Missouri State High School Activities Association declined to give permission for Dec. 4 playing date; in making announcement, club criticizes procedure that it says puts "country schools" and metropolitan schools on different basis, even though they operate under same set of rules; club points out that two St. Louis schools will be playing benefit game Thanksgiving afternoon, in conflict with association rules.

75 years ago: Nov. 24, 1927

Thanksgiving Day. Business throughout Cape Girardeau suspends in general observance of holiday; union religious services, two football games in afternoon and numerous social events provide entertainment for occasion.

More than 1,500 people again attend Community Revival services at Houck Field House in evening; this has been about average attendance throughout week, with indication that remaining nights will draw still larger crowds; Walter Jenkins and his Community Chorus, which has increased to more than 100 members, has served to develop interest.

- Sharon K. Sanders