Out of the past 12/2/07

25 years ago: Dec. 2, 1982

The Tourism Council of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce is finalizing plans for its second annual Living Nativity Scene; the scene will feature live animals from the 5-H Ranch, costumes and community choral groups and will be in Capaha Park.

Cathy V. Crites is the new manager of Good Hope Grocery, 104 S. Sprigg St.; the store, operated under the sponsorship of Cape Alternative Services Inc., features all-natural foods and personal care products.

50 years ago: Dec. 2, 1957

A three-ton James Garage wrecker was stolen from the firm's parking area early yesterday morning, taken to the silica pit west of Cape Girardeau and had its equipment cut off with a torch before the vehicle was set afire and destroyed; Joe James, owner, says the wrecker was the largest he had in operation and had a value of at least $10,000.

A recommendation by a special citizens advisory committee that the Cape Transit Corp. be granted a fare increase is accepted by the city council; single fares will cost 15 cents, while 10-ride tickets will cost $1.30; the increases become effective on Jan. 1, 1958.

75 years ago: Dec. 2, 1932

Rush H. Limbaugh, special deputy commissioner in charge of affairs of the closed Sturdivant Bank, files a report of the condition of the institution with the office of Recorder of Deeds Silas P. Lail; the next step toward liquidation of the assets of the bank will be the filing of claims against it.

Frank L. Diebold, 82, was surprised at his farm near Benton, Mo., yesterday, when a number of friends and relatives from Benton, Cape Girardeau and other places staged a "wood-chopping frolic" for his benefit; the visitors cut supply of fuel for the aged man for winter use.

100 years ago: Dec. 2, 1907

J. Clyde Elder, formerly athletic director at the Normal School, is visiting here; he is now coach at Millikin University, where his football team had a season record of four wins, four losses and one tie.

Architect John Haines of St. Louis, who has drawn the plans for a new St. Vincent's Convent and who is assisting in the selection of a suitable site, was in Cape Girardeau Saturday to examine two locations; both were rejected.

-- Sharon K. Sanders