Out of the past 11/26/02

10 years ago: Nov. 26, 1992

Thanksgiving Day. Conveying spirit of holiday, Salvation Army hosts its 10th annual community Thanksgiving dinner; Salvation Army Capt. Elmer Trapp estimates that about 220 people eat at Army center.

Jefferson City -- Governor-elect Mel Carnahan has appointed 33-member education advisory group to provide him with insight on educational matters facing state as he prepares to become chief executive; among members serving with group will be Bekki Cook, Cape Girardeau lawyer who is presently serving on State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

25 years ago: Nov. 26, 1977

Season's first blast of bitter cold weather pushed through area yesterday, hinting at what's in store for next few months; cold wave plunged thermometer to 12 degrees in Cape Girardeau, shattering record low of 15 degrees recorded on Nov. 26, 1928.

Illmo man drowns when dump truck he is driving rolls down levee into Diversion Channel about three miles west of Interstate 55; victim is identified as Harold F. Themm, 23, employee of A and M Excavating Co. of Scott City; A and M is repairing washed-out area of levee under contract with Army Corps of Engineers, and Themm was hauling his first load of dirt to work site when accident occurs.

50 years ago: Nov. 26, 1952

Resounding crash interrupted deliberation of city council and startled Common Pleas Courthouse workers Tuesday afternoon, when rain-weakened portion of ceiling fell on stairway landing; no one was injured, although group of several people passed spot only few minutes before plaster and lath fell.

There seems to be no way Board of Education can proceed with plans to begin construction now of gymnasium unit of Central High School after attorney's reports were submitted to board last night; board was told that law firm in St. Louis that has handled district's bond matters and banks had been in agreement that no contract can be let unless funds will be available for payments as they fall due; district will have ample money for unit, but not until after tax collections start next November.

75 years ago: Nov. 26, 1927

Excavation for new Hotel Marquette at corner of Broadway and Fountain street has been center of interest on Broadway for past several weeks; excavation of main basement will be completed early next week; it will measure 84 feet on Broadway, 44 feet on Fountain, and 11 feet, 3 inches in depth; steam shovel belonging to Teachers College is being used for this work.

"Can the Law Be Enforced?" is subject of debate given in evening at Houck Field House under auspices of Anti-Saloon League; prohibition drama depicts dialogue between law enforcement officer and citizen; it has been staged more than 3,000 times in practically every state of Union.

-- Sharon K. Sanders