Out of the past 11/28/05

25 years ago: Nov. 28, 1980

Cape Girardeau's new fire department headquarters is nearing completion at Independence and Sprigg streets; fire chief Charles Mills says, if the remaining work progresses on schedule, the department should be able to move into the new building by Dec. 25.

Santa Claus "drops in" on downtown Cape Girardeau, as local merchants kick off the start of the traditional Christmas shopping season; Santa parachutes into the shopping district, which reports large crowds and busy cash registers.

50 years ago: Nov. 28, 1955

FROHNA, Mo. --Fire destroyed the frame building of the service department of the Frohna Machine and Implement Co. and its contents Saturday night, causing an estimated $15,000 to $20,000 damage; stored in the building and destroyed by the blaze were two International pickup trucks, 1951 and 1948 models; a 1951 International 86 tractor, a new corn picker, a new manure spreader, tools, and other equipment.

Ideas of six different architects on elementary school construction, estimates of unit costs and similar planning considerations are presented to the school board as it goes further into plans for a new school building to serve the expanding west part of the city.

75 years ago: Nov. 28, 1930

When the city council meets to consider the report of the Public Service Commission regarding the proposed new utilities franchise for Cape Girardeau, a petition containing more than 500 names is presented asking that a vote on the ordinance be delayed until 60 days prior to the expiration of the present agreement between the city and the Missouri Utilities Co.; that agreement expires Nov. 5, 1933.

The new West Main Street bridge at Jackson opens to traffic; built at a cost of $10,000 to Jackson, the span replaces one which collapsed beneath the weight of a motor bus a year ago; in a compromise the city was paid $1,500 by the bus company.

100 years ago: Nov. 28, 1905

Four young ladies of the Baptist Church have instituted a novel feature in church work that promises much good to the needy of Cape Girardeau; they have decided to establish a sewing school, where girls from ages 5 years and up can learn to sew and make all kinds of garments; the first session will be held Saturday morning at the Baptist Church.

Charles E. Shafer has opened a piano and music store at 700 Broadway; he represents the O.K Houck Piano Co.

-- Sharon K. Sanders