Out of the past 12/17/03

10 years ago: Dec. 17, 1993

Organizers for Toybox have issued urgent plea for toys; the final tally of applications reveals 70 families more than expected, and volunteers have exhausted the supply of toys already given.

The Southeast Missourian is distributing its recent publication, "Images of the Past in the City of Roses"; about 600 copies of the pictorial history were handed out yesterday, the first day of sales.

25 years ago: Dec. 17, 1978

The church parsonage of Maple Avenue United Methodist Church is dedicated in an afternoon ceremony; the congregation walks from church to parsonage for a "burning of the mortgage" following worship service; district superintendent Ivan L. LaTurno is speaker for the event.

Reflecting on the meaning of the graduation ceremony and what is now expected of students, Dr. Barbara S. Uehling delivers the commencement address to Southeast Missouri State University's 402 graduates.

50 years ago: Dec. 17, 1953

A school reorganization plan which would create in Cape Girardeau County three high school and three elementary school districts exclusive of Cape Girardeau has been adopted by county board of education.

Ozark Air Lines Inc. is one of 14 local service airlines granted permission by the post office department and Civil Aeronautics Board to carry first-class mail, in addition to air mail.

75 years ago: Dec. 17, 1928

A poultry-dressing station will be established by Rudman Produce Co. at 907 Broadway; the firm recently moved from 37 S. Spanish; the proprietor is Jake Rudman.

Thomas Lewis wins first honors in an annual oratorical contest conducted by Teachers College, receiving a Regents Medal for oratory.

-- Sharon K. Sanders