Out of the past 12/11/02

10 years ago: Dec. 11, 1992

Southeast Missouri State University's Center for Child Studies has eliminated Christmas and other holiday parties in deference to non-Christian children who attend center and new "anti-bias curriculum"; policy has angered some parents, who say they don't understand need to eliminate such holiday fun; other parents support decision.

Jackson - Continuing pattern during its campaign, Citizens Against Unfair Planning and Zoning Committee is late in filing its campaign-finance disclosure report that was due 30 days after Nov. 3 general election; as of Thursday afternoon report hadn't been filed, making it one week late.

25 years ago: Dec. 11, 1977

Despite unseasonably cold temperatures last week, there were plenty of customers on street and in stores during week; only one day was slow, and that was Thursday, when cold drizzle was falling; but even that weather was preferable to what is happening north of here, where snows on successive weekends and during week have really hurt sales.

Construction that began on new Central High School gymnasium in early spring of 1976 culminates in afternoon with dedication ceremony in new facility.

50 years ago: Dec. 11, 1952

Cape Central Airways Monday will begin scheduled airline service between Sikeston and St. Louis, with intermediate stops at Cape Girardeau and at East St. Louis; two flights each way will be operated, using four-place Cessna 170 aircraft.

Sen. Albert M. Spradling Jr. and Rep. Warren E. Hearnes of Mississippi County announce they will introduce identical bills in Senate and House calling for presidential primary election in Missouri when General Assembly convenes next month; under preferential primary system, delegates to national convention are generally obligated to cast their votes for presidential candidates according to will of people of their district and state.

75 years ago: Dec. 11, 1927

Centenary Methodist Church's new education building, costing $75,000 and representing effort which started seven years ago, will be formally opened Friday; following pageant in main auditorium of church, keys to new building will be presented to the Rev. H.C. Hoy, pastor, and L.H. Strunk, superintendent of Sunday School, by M.E. Leming, chairman of building committee; guides will then take small groups through plant.

Because of inclement weather Saturday, many from neighboring counties who stopped in Cape Girardeau abandoned their own automobiles to come by motor bus or train; buses arriving during day were crowded with shoppers, while Frisco passenger trains serving district were also heavily patronized.

-- Sharon K. Sanders