Out of the past 12/19/10

25 years ago: Dec. 19, 1985

The Cape Girardeau City Council has approved the record plat of Westborough Subdivision, clearing the way for possible development of the old Westborough Mall property at Kingshighway and Route K; approval was given over the objections of councilman David Barklage.

Most of the 180,000 gallons of crude oil that spilled into the Mississippi River in a towboat accident at the Thebes, Ill., railroad bridge Tuesday has settled on the river's east bank between Thebes and Cairo, Ill.

50 years ago: Dec. 19, 1960

The second theft within a week of statues from the Knights of Columbus display of the Nativity scene in Capaha Park at Broadway and Perry Avenue caused the removal of the remaining figures yesterday by the organization; earlier in the week, thieves stole a shepherd statue from the display; Saturday night, they returned to take the manger and a replica of the baby Jesus.

BENTON, Mo. -- Burglars raided two schools and a business place in Scott County last night to get cash loot of $325, and did damage to buildings in the raids; visited were Kelly High School, the Illmo-Scott City School in the former Ancell and the Oran Laundromat in Oran, Mo.

75 years ago: Dec. 19, 1935

Hobbs Chapel, a Methodist church on the old Bend Road north of Cape Girardeau, has been left almost inaccessible by the building of a new farm-to-market highway; the chapel now stands isolated on a high bluff, accessible only by a muddy drive.

A Missouri National Guard committee reports to Cape Girardeau Mayor Edward L. Drum that the committee has approved a site at the north side of Fairground Park as the location for a new Guard armory, which the government proposes to build.

100 years ago: Dec. 19, 1910

The county court, meeting at the Jackson courthouse, grants a dramshop license to W.L. Proctor of Allenville.

Contractor C.J. Reisenbichler has begun the construction of a fine eight-room residence for William Vedder of the Excelsior Music Co., on the Perryville Road, just outside the city limits; it is across from the Monticello Addition, where Vedder has purchased 7 1/2 acres of land.

-- Sharon K. Sanders