Out of the past 12/17/08

25 years ago: Dec. 17, 1983

A part of Southeast Missouri State University's forgotten past was uncovered yesterday when workers renovating the entrance way at Academic Hall found a time capsule hidden behind a bronze commemorative plaque erected 60 years ago during the 50th anniversary of the state teachers college; the metal box contained copies of the school newspaper, the Southeast Missourian and an "honor flag" with 900 stars representing Southeast students and faculty who served in World War I.

Teamsters and Chauffeurs Local 574 secretary-treasurer David N. Prater lost his re-election bid to Charles Deal in a general membership vote yesterday.

50 years ago: Dec. 17, 1958

The Salvation Army's Tree of Lights fund nears the halfway mark of the set goal of $2,500; the fund will be used to provide food baskets for the needy at Christmas and for other necessary winter relief.

A new baby stroller, which folds in a few seconds into a package 4 1/2 inches thick by 18 inches square, may soon be manufactured in Cape Girardeau by Lindcraft Corp.

75 years ago: Dec. 17, 1933

Closing out their stay in Cape Girardeau, two members of the Billy Sunday evangelistic team again speak in Cape Girardeau churches; Florence Kinney, pianist, speaks at the morning worship service at General Baptist Church on lower Broadway, while song leader Harry Clarke speaks to young people at Centenary Methodist Church.

Billy Sunday ends his second campaign in Cape Girardeau with a promise to return if possible; to nearly 2,000 people jammed into the Teachers College auditorium he delivers his last sermon, ending with an invitation for believers to come to come forward and profess their faith.

100 years ago: Dec. 17, 1908

If necessary, members of the board of health may close schools in Cape Girardeau to curtail the spread of smallpox; several teachers have refused to be vaccinated, others have criticized the board for making vaccination of school children compulsory, and still others assert the doctors have alarmed the community unnecessarily.

The Rev. A.M. Ross of Jackson has accepted the call to become pastor of First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

— Sharon K. Sanders