Out of the past 11/4/10

25 years ago: Nov. 4, 1985

Missouri Pacific Railroad is planning to remove all the tracks from an abandoned line which runs through Cape Girardeau now that negotiations have fallen through between the railroad and Resin Exchange over the purchase of a portion of the branch line.

Five Shawnee District Boy Scout volunteers were honored for longtime, outstanding service Saturday; Bill Cranmer of Jackson received the Silver Beaver Award; Guy Lowes of Cape Girardeau and Lloyd Birk and Bill Scharenborg, both of Jackson, were given the Award of Merit; and Dr. Raymond A. Ritter of Cape Girardeau was presented the Devoted Scouter Award.

50 years ago: Nov. 4, 1960

A May graduate of Central High School, Pvt. Larry Barnes took his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and is now stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C.; while at Fort Wood, he was awarded an individual trophy and a two-day pass for having the second-highest percentage of wins on the regional baseball team; he was pitcher for a team which captured the post and regional championships.

Seventy acres of wooded lots in two restricted areas will be offered in a lot sale Saturday and Sunday at Indian Hills on U.S. 61 east of Jackson.

75 years ago: Nov. 4, 1935

A county grand jury, after receiving instructions from Judge Frank Kelly, goes into session for an investigation of reported criminal acts within the county; in his instructions, Kelly mentions gambling machines, which he says apparently are "set up everywhere."

Benny Goodman's orchestra of New York City passes through Cape Girardeau in the afternoon en route from Los Angeles to Chicago; Marion Davis, business manager, and Jess Stacy, pianist, stop off here for a short visit with Stacy's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Stacy.

100 years ago: Nov. 4, 1910

Under the supervision of H.J. Page, who oversaw the construction of Academic Hall and the Trust building here, the monument commemorating the Union Civil War dead is fast reaching the finishing strokes; the memorial will consist of a sparkling fountain 30 feet tall topped by a statue of a soldier at ease.

The bridges on the Cape Girardeau and Thebes Terminal Railroad are being strengthened to support heavier engines.

-- Sharon K. Sanders