Out of the past 11/27/02

10 years ago: Nov. 27, 1992

Jackson -- Annual Festival of Lights marks beginning of Christmas season in Jackson in evening in front of county courthouse; event is sponsored each year by Jackson Girl Scouts, in cooperation with city merchants; each Girl Scout troop places white candles in white paper bags surrounding courthouse, until around 1,000 candles illuminate walkways.

Cape Girardeau Public Library Board of Trustees is in process of interviewing candidates for position of library director; more than 50 applications were received for job, which became open when Terry Risko resigned in June after 18 months as director; screening committee narrowed list to four candidates.

25 years ago: Nov. 27, 1977

Throngs of Christmas Shoppers crowded all shopping areas in Cape Girardeau this weekend as traditional holiday season got off to merry start for merchants; according to merchants contacted yesterday, "business is booming," and there are more people in town than in years past.

Cairo, Ill. -- Seven-vehicle pileup on Interstate 57 north of Cairo early in morning results in death of Poplar Bluff truck driver and causes lengthy traffic jam of holiday motorists who wait for icy road to be cleared of wreckage.

50 years ago: Nov. 27, 1952

Thanksgiving Day. Special worship services mark holiday in Cape Girardeau; Union Thanksgiving Day Service, sponsored annually by Ministerial Alliance, is held in morning at First Presbyterian Church; divine services are also held in morning at Trinity Lutheran Church and Catholic churches -- St. Mary's, St. Vincent's and Holy Family.

Olive Branch, Ill. -- The 44 Club, restaurant and tavern on Illinois Highway 3, was destroyed by fire last night; cause of blaze isn't known; establishment formerly was owned by Howard Babb of Olive Branch, but was sold 10 days ago to Paducah, Ky., woman.

75 years ago: Nov. 27, 1927

Community Revival services at Houck Field House close in evening with attendance of 1,500 people; more than 13,000 people attended 13 meetings held throughout last week, according to Ministerial Alliance.

Charleston -- Dedicatory exercises for Christian Church at Charleston are held in morning, with the Rev. R.M. Talbert, evangelist, conducting service; church, which is comparatively old building, has been redecorated; in afternoon, county rally is held in church, with number of people from over Mississippi County attending; preaching at rally is the Rev. E.B. Hensley of Sikeston.

- Sharon K. Sanders