Out of the past 12/20/07

25 years ago: Dec. 20, 1982

Cape Girardeau police say a significant reduction in the number of burglaries here this year can be attributed to the establishment of neighborhood crime watch areas; the groups began forming in March.

Citing strong sentiment against the proposal, C.F. Rudesill, president of Riverside Home Builders Inc., has withdrawn his request to rezone eight lots in Westfield Third Subdivision from R-1 to R-2; the reclassification would have permitted the lots to be redivided into 11 smaller sections.

50 years ago: Dec. 20, 1957

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Rehabilitation of storm-stricken Chaffee made amazing strides yesterday, despite a driving rain through most of the day that made operations miserable for workers; State Highway Department crews arrived early with heavy equipment and power saws to remove debris and cut trees blocking streets; electricity is back on in the badly damaged business district.

State College, which operates on an academic quarter plan, will transfer to the semester plan of study beginning in September 1958; 88 percent of the faculty approved the change.

75 years ago: Dec. 20, 1932

John Thoma of near Whitewater is in Cape Girardeau marketing 28 turkeys to be distributed before Christmas from local stores; the 28 birds, all fine gobblers except half a dozen hens, are brought in in a small truck.

Approximately 900 claims against the closed Sturdivant Bank have been filed, according to Rush H. Limbaugh, special deputy commissioner in charge; no estimate is available as to the number of claims expected before the end of the five-month filing period; in other business, Limbaugh says he is considering moving the bank's quarters from the present building in the H.-H. Building because of the expense.

100 years ago: Dec. 20, 1907

The Modern Woodmen of the World had an excellent meeting last night, initiating one new member, Gilbert D. Seabaugh; their new officers will be installed Jan. 2, 1908.

Ora Dodson won the gold medal last evening in the declamation contest at the Normal School auditorium; she gave a piece titled "Bub's Fairy Tale," by James W. Riley; it told the story of a boy's dream in a child's language.

-- Sharon K. Sanders