Out of the past 12/16/05

25 years ago: Dec. 16, 1980

The Jackson Board of Aldermen voted last night to give general support to a plan by the Jackson Senior Center Inc., to construct a new senior citizens' center on a lot on High Street across from the Jackson American Legion Hall; the board's letter of commitment is needed in seeking a federal loan from the Farmers Home Administration to help finance the cost of the new center.

Pat Kinder has been hired by the Scott City Council as city park and recreation director; she will begin her duties Jan. 1.

50 years ago: Dec. 16, 1955

State College faculty members, by a majority of almost four to one, have voted to come under the federal Social Security program; 61 faculty members voted for the coverage and 17 voted against it.

Robert Chappell has purchased Mayhew's Market at 104 S. Sprigg St. from Edward O. Mayhew; Chappell has been in the grocery business for 25 years, the last 20 as manager of the Hirsch Bros. Market at Sprigg and Good Hope streets.

75 years ago: Dec. 16, 1930

Girardeans go to the polls for the fifth time this year, this time to ballot on a proposal to renew the franchise of the Missouri Utilities Co. to supply water and electric lights here for 20 years; it is the coldest weather of the season, but the visit of winter which sends the mercury tumbling to 17 degrees fails to keep away the early vote.

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Will Mayfield College, a Baptist institution here which for several months has been confronted with severe financial problems, will close at the end of the current semester, Jan. 13; it won't reopen until a campaign has assured the board of trustees of sufficient funds to operate it for at least one year.

100 years ago: Dec. 16, 1905

At the suggestion of The Daily Republican and president M.E. Leming of the Commercial Club, Louis Houck gives an order to his general passenger agent to sell round-trip tickets from all points on the Cape Girardeau & Chester Railroad to Cape Girardeau at a rate of one fare; these special rates will be effective Dec. 19 to 23 and will greatly benefit those wishing to do their Christmas shopping in Cape Girardeau.

The Main Street Cafe has originated a new feature that promises to be popular; beginning at 11:30 each morning and continuing until 2:30, a merchants' lunch will be served at a charge of 15 cents; it will consist of a soup, roast meat, three side dishes, deserts, tea, coffee or milk.

-- Sharon K. Sanders