Out of the past 12/21/06

25 years ago: Dec. 21, 1981

Winter 1981 opens with an icy blast that glazes roads and sidewalks in the area, causing numerous traffic accidents and closing several area schools; by mid morning, area police report that main roads are improving, although a travelers' advisory remains in effect until the afternoon.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Jackson Board of Aldermen agrees to give a two-year, $15,000 interest-free loan to Jackson Senior Center Inc. with an option to renew the loan for an additional two years; the loan will be used to purchase Lichtenegger Finer Foods store and parking lot for use as a nutrition center.

50 years ago: Dec. 21, 1956

The Cape Girardeau Federal Savings and Loan Association, with new officers and re-elected board of directors, comes into being, succeeding the Cape Girardeau Building and Loan Association and continuing its operation in the city; reorganization was affected last night with election of officers and directors and handling of other business required for the conversion to federal status.

Having disposed of all of its trees, the Optimist Club closed its Christmas tree lot on West Broadway last night; nearly 1,600 trees were sold during a two-week period.

75 years ago: Dec. 21, 1931

The Cape Special Road District has won second-place honors in Missouri for 1931 in the annual roadside beautification contest sponsored by the Missouri Highway Commission; the award was made largely for improvement and beautification of the long plot near the Alvarado at the western gateway of the city.

Seven extra clerks and carriers are added to the post office force in Cape Girardeau to aid with the swollen flow of mail due to the holiday mailing.

100 years ago: Dec. 21, 1906

The saloon at Dutchtown conducted by Henry Metz caught fire last night and burned to the ground in a short time; the reflection on the sky was plainly visible from Cape Girardeau; Metz lived in a frame dwelling adjoining the saloon, and that burned also.

Henry Matchen, assistant cashier at the Sturdivant Bank, left yesterday for a trip to New York, Boston and other Eastern cities.

-- Sharon K. Sanders