Out of the past 12/16/02

10 years ago: Dec. 16, 1992

Newly elected state senators will make one of final stops of their three-week orientation tour at luncheon and tour of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau tomorrow; new legislators have stopped at many state-supported colleges during tour.

Donations to Toybox, Salvation Army Tree of Lights and Area Wide United Way have fallen short this year, phenomenon variously attributed to sputtering economy, calendar and mild weather; cash donations to this year's Toybox finished nearly $6,000 below $19,440 raised last year.

25 years ago: Dec. 16, 1977

After ice was broken Thursday when John T. Green became first candidate to file for city council, two more persons step forward, assuring there will be primary in February; placing their names on ballot are John W. Cracraft and Mrs. Novella S. Noland.

As national farmers' strike moves into its third day, it appears some of claims that major grain elevators in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois have shut down because of strike were over-touted by strike offices; however, check with elevators shows that while most are receiving grain, it had been previously contracted for and not grain brought in for sale at current prices.

50 years ago: Dec. 16, 1952

Invitation has been received by Golden Troopers, Missouri's many times champion American Legion drum and bugle corps, to participate in parade in Jefferson City Jan. 12 marking inauguration of Governor-elect Phil M. Donnelly; if Golden Troopers accept invitation, it will be second time for corps to participate in inaugural parade in Jefferson City; group also participated in 1941 inauguration of Gov. Forrest Donnel, marching in terrific snowstorm.

Cape Osteopathic Hospital is notified by Bureau of Hospitals that it has been approved as intern hospital for graduates of schools of osteopathy; hospital will be able to train two interns at a time, according to Superintendent Roger Farrington.

75 years ago: Dec. 16, 1927

Otto Frederick, 75, pioneer jeweler of Cape Girardeau and one of oldest business men of city, dies in morning at his home at 301 Good Hope; he came here with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Frederick, from St. Louis when he was small boy; in 1880 he established jewelry store on Independence, maintaining business for 46 years.

Formal opening of new Centenary Methodist Church's education building is held in evening; part of program for evening includes play, "Centenary's Awakening," pageant which was written by Mrs. B.C. Hardesty; it is performed by about 25 women of church.

-- Sharon K. Sanders