Out of the past 12/18/04

25 years ago: Dec. 18, 1979

Two of the candidates in last spring's Cape Girardeau City Council election become the first to file for two council seats to be filled in April; filing are Donald R. Strohmeyer and Timothy L. Kelley.

An earlier than normal start to the Christmas tree-buying season, coupled with the fact that there are fewer local tree lots than past years, have left the remaining outlets with depleted supplies with a week yet remaining before Christmas.

50 years ago: Dec. 18, 1954

City tax payments stand $50,953.64 short of the 1953 total and actually are lagging somewhat more than that with only two weeks remaining in which property owners may make their payments; with 10 business days to go before a penalty is slapped on, property owners must pay $56,361.81 to equal last year's December business.

The American Legion of Jackson has purchased a large brick building on Highway 61 for use as its Legion Hall; the building formerly housed Cape County Equipment Co.

75 years ago: Dec. 18, 1929

A wintry blast from the cold-bound north, riding in on a snow blizzard, brings an end to 12 days of mist-laden skies and abnormally high temperatures in Southeast Missouri; mercury tumbles from 60 degrees yesterday to 28 degrees this morning, accompanied by pelting snow that makes roads slippery and hazardous for motorists.

BENTON, Mo. -- One prisoner who was to be taken to state prison today to serve a four-year term and another whose "time" expired today made their escape from the Scott County Jail last night; the two sawed their way to freedom through a barred window.

100 years ago: Dec. 18, 1904

The Rev. C.M. Gray, president of Marvin Collegiate Institute, Fredericktown, Mo., preaches at the English Methodist Church in the morning and in the Mount Tabor church in the evening; he is here visiting his sister-in law, Tress Head, at Louis Houck's residence.

John Runyan, president of a plow handle factory in Warsaw, Ind., and R.W. Sutcliff, attorney for the concern, appeared before the Commercial Club yesterday to make known their intention of moving the factory to this part of the country.

-- Sharon K. Sanders