Out of the past 11/3/07

25 years ago: Nov. 3, 1982

Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson won 16 of the 25 counties within the new 8th Congressional District yesterday to defeat Democratic challenger Jerry Ford in a tough-fought race; the tight race surprised no one.

It will continue to be business as usual for Cape Girardeau County merchants; voters yesterday defeated a proposal to repeal the Missouri Blue Law in the county, which would make it possible for retail stores to be open for business on Sundays.

50 years ago: Nov. 3, 1957

Dedication of the new First Christian Church library is held in the morning; when all the books are shelved, the library will contain about 400 volumes aimed primarily at helping teachers and program leaders, as well as the youth of the church.

Final plans are being made for the start of the financial campaign to raise funds for construction of the first unit of the new Grace Methodist Church building; the structure will be built at Broadway and Caruthers Avenue.

75 years ago: Nov. 3, 1932

Louis Henderson, who lives in Marble City Heights, plunges through one of the plate glass windows on the east side of the Walther Furniture Co. store on Broadway when he faints while standing on the walk near the store; although he breaks an almost round hole two feet in diameter with his head, he isn't cut and doesn't appear to be injured.

Forty Cape Girardeau County residents have advised F.B. Goodwin, city Republican chairman, that they will go to St. Louis tomorrow to hear President Hoover give his address at the Coliseum; a block of seats has been reserved for the local delegation.

100 years ago: Nov. 3, 1907

The Rev. W.H. Whitnell, pastor of the Cape Girardeau Methodist church, gives a lecture to the young men of his congregation, the subject being "Is the Young Man Absalom Safe?"

Jack-rabbit racing draws a fair-sized crowd to the fairgrounds; three rabbits furnish the entertainment; each is released individually and is chased in turn by fox terriers and fox hounds; next Sunday, three foxes and several rabbits will furnish the sport for the crowd.

-- Sharon K. Sanders