Out of the past 12/20/09

25 years ago: Dec. 20, 1984

The Cape Girardeau City Council last night approved the rezoning of the Westborough Mall property, clearing the way for a major commercial development at the site; the property along Route K is bounded by Kingshighway to the east and Bloomfield Road to the south.

Contracts on six state highway projects in Southeast Missouri have been awarded by the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission; in Cape Girardeau County, Rickard Construction Co. of Cape Girardeau was awarded the contract for widening the U.S. 61 bridge over Cape LaCroix Creek just south of Route K in Cape Girardeau, and Penzel Construction Co. of Jackson was awarded a contract to relocate the Route A bridge and a short section of Route A at the highways 25-74 intersection at Dutchtown.

50 years ago: Dec. 20, 1959

Cape Girardeau mail carriers cover their regular routes today; the Sunday delivery was planned to help ease the burden of holiday mailing.

The choir of the First Baptist Church, with Jack E. Palsgrove as director, presents "Messiah" by George Frederick Handel in the evening; soloists include Nona Duff, Judy Wilkes, Mrs. Doyle Dumas, Mrs. Graham Williams, Doyle Dumas and Palsgrove.

75 years ago: Dec. 20, 1934

The State College basketball squad is the only one in Missouri that includes twins; Joe and Gene McDonald, sophomores, are almost identical in appearance.

Work has started on construction of an office building for the Riverside Ice and Cold Storage Co., 400 S. Middle St., on the south side of the present building, and facing Middle Street; the building will consist of two rooms, each 12 feet by 14 feet.

100 years ago: Dec. 20, 1909

Friends of John F. Neal, Frisco ticket agent, are circulating a petition for him to become a candidate for the position of alderman from Ward 3, in place of George Meyer, who resigned.

A skiff is seen to leave the Illinois shore in the afternoon, carrying four men in a vain attempt to reach Cape Girardeau; they struggle valiantly against the floating ice for two hours before being compelled to return to Illinois.

-- Sharon K. Sanders