Out of the past 12/10/05

25 years ago: Dec. 10, 1980

Although it could be some time before final U.S. Census figures are determined, there is much speculation that one of Missouri's 10 congressional districts will be eliminated through redistricting; all indications point to possible changes in three districts -- including the 10th -- because of population shifts in and around St. Louis.

The number of candidates for the Cape Girardeau City Council goes into double digits as Mark N. Slinkard becomes the 10th candidate for the council seat now held by Mayor Paul W. Stehr; Slinkard is the business representative of International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades Local 1292.

50 years ago: Dec. 10, 1955

Evidently to be used as a Christmas tree, a 5 1/2-foot red cedar which stood at the entrance of Scivally Park has been cut down and taken away; the tree was planted 18 months ago.

After a 32,000-mile globe-girdling trip that took her to most of the localities significant in biblical history as well as to many points of current cultural and political significance in the Near, Middle and Far East and Europe, Capitola Flentge has returned to her home in Cape Girardeau.

75 years ago: Dec. 10, 1930

Fornfelt's unbeaten football team was honored at the meeting of the Illmo-Fornfelt Rotary Club Tuesday; Coach Ralph Edmundson had charge of the program, and talks were made by captain Gene Hahs and captain-elect William Hughes; other members of the team are Loren Shipman, David and Lawrence Shean, Lester Seabright, Arthur Coy, Wilbur Bain, Elmer Dott, Richard Hanschen, Archie Taylor and Julius Hughes.

A.H. Gerhardt & Son, a building contracting firm, has started work on a two-story addition to a hotel building in Cairo, Ill.; the new structure is being built by J.I. Dunn and will be known as the Hotel Cairo.

100 years ago: Dec. 10, 1905

The new pipe organ is formally dedicated at Trinity Lutheran Church; professor Bartles of the Lutheran college in St. Louis directs the music for the service and plays extra selections on the new instrument.

The Baptist Church has been furnished with electric lights, and the auditorium is now beautifully illuminated; besides several large chandeliers, there are pulpit and side lights.

-- Sharon K. Sanders